Recently, the global collectible card community recorded a new milestone when the Pikachu Illustrator card (PSA 10 grade) owned by famous influencer Logan Paul sold via Goldin platform for $16,492,000 USD, over 515 million baht, setting a Guinness World Record as the most expensive Pokémon card in history.
The value of this card was no accident; it was designed by Atsuko Nishida, the original illustrator of Pikachu, produced in 1998 with only 39 copies worldwide as prizes for a Japanese drawing contest. It was never commercially sold, and this card is the only one graded Gem Mint 10—the highest condition—by the global intermediary Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Back when this card was first distributed, recipients likely had no idea the paper in their hands would become an asset worth millions two decades later. This "life-changing paper" phenomenon is not limited to overseas markets.
In Thailand, the most valuable collectible card is estimated at around 40-45 million baht, according to Ohm-Aphisarn Wongpinyawat, CEO of The Cardster Co., Ltd., speaking at the opening of the Bangkok International Card Show 2026.
He shared an intriguing story about his highest-value personal card: a one-of-one Shohei Ohtani baseball card from his collection.
This card is special because it embeds a piece of Ohtani's actual game glove beneath the Japanese flag logo, includes his authentic signature, and is graded perfect condition for both card and autograph (KSA 10/10). He purchased it before the hype peaked for about 3–4 million baht, but now collectors offer up to 20 million baht to buy it.
However, he chooses to keep it because, for insiders, a card’s value is not just the sale price but also includes rarity, backstory, and emotional connection that money cannot replace.
Before collectible cards became million-baht assets or sought-after investments globally, Ohm’s own start was no different from many enthusiasts: discovering cards as a child.
From youthful fascination, those memories on paper grew into a serious business founded in 2021, evolving into Cardster Thailand, the country's leading importer and distributor of collectible cards and a major player in Asia.
To outsiders, paying hundreds of thousands or millions for a piece of paper may seem baffling. But to financiers and collectors, a card’s value is not the initial price but is defined by five key factors.
These factors transform collectible cards from mere "toys" into alternative assets with high liquidity and transparent pricing shown on global auction platforms like eBay or Goldin Auctions.
For example, a Thai collector once auctioned a Cristiano Ronaldo 1/1 autographed football card through Cardster, closing at 14 million baht (420,000 USD) with an international buyer winning the bid.
“For card collectors, the most valuable card may not be the most expensive in their collection but could be their first card, one sought for years, or one with a special memory. This is the charm of collectible cards: price does not always measure worth.”
According to Card Ladder data, the global collectible card market cap was $3.9 billion USD in 2025, soaring to $6 billion USD (about 200 billion baht) in the first nine months of 2026 alone, excluding peer-to-peer trades.
The three largest collectible card markets are:
Meanwhile, Thailand’s overall market value, including peer trading, is estimated at 20,000–30,000 million baht, growing rapidly by 200-300% in the past year.
CEO of The Cardster explains that Thailand's market divides mainly into two groups.
Currently, about 65% of trading in Thailand occurs through intermediaries and 35% peer-to-peer, with buyers ranging from children as young as 7 attracted by passion, up to core buyers aged 32-40 who grew up with cards and now have investment capacity.
“The charm of this industry is that once you enter, it’s hard to leave.”
“Economic downturns barely affect the card market because people don’t see it as frivolous but as a value-preserving asset. The entrance of influencers and outsiders continuously drives new demand.”
Cardster has grown from a small retail shop into a full ecosystem of six business pillars (Retail, Wholesale/Distribution, Live Streaming, Grading, International Consignment Auctions, and Event Organizing), increasing revenue from 66 million baht last year to a target of 220 million this year, with over 60% still from retail.
Beyond business, Cardster is leveraging the collectible card community to drive Thailand’s tourism and cultural economy.
The Bangkok International Card Show (BICS), growing from 500 attendees to over 5,000 from 23 countries in 2025, expects 12,000 participants from 30 countries in 2026. Collaborations with global brands like Futera have produced Thai Culture Series cards showcasing Thai identity through artwork.
International collectors attending BICS not only trade cards but also travel, stay in hotels, and spend locally, creating a new form of tourism fueled by passion.
From a few-dollar card pack to a hundred-million-baht business and international events, Ohm-Aphisarn and Cardster Thailand demonstrate that a card’s true value lies not only in price but in memories, stories, and connecting people into a new collectible culture.
Looking ahead, as collectible cards evolve beyond niche groups into alternative assets and new soft power, the key question is how Thailand can establish Bangkok as Asia’s Capital Hub of Collectible Cards, attracting global collectors and investment.
Read stock and investment news with Thairath Money for "Better Finance, Better Life" athttps://www.thairath.co.th/money/investment
Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this linkhttps://www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney