BANGKOK — The Creative Economy Agency (CEA), in collaboration with the Bangkok Art Directors’ Association (B.A.D), has announced the winners of the “B.A.D Young Cannes Competition Thailand 2026,” selecting six top creative teams to represent Thailand at the global Young Lions Competitions in France.
Held under the theme “Fight for Thai Jersey – Revenge of the Thai Kids,” the competition serves as a national platform to identify emerging talent across six disciplines: film, digital, media, print, design and public relations (PR). The winners will compete at the Young Lions Competitions during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026, scheduled for 22–26 June in Cannes.
CEA Director General Chakrit Pichyangkoon said the advertising industry remains a key driver of Thailand’s creative economy, valued at 221.89 billion baht in 2024, ranking second among 15 creative industries nationwide. He noted that CEA has supported the competition for four consecutive years, expanding participation beyond Bangkok to six provinces across four regions — Chonburi, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Maha Sarakham and Ubon Ratchathani.
Through regional audition rounds, 10 rising-star teams were selected to compete alongside Bangkok-based participants, reflecting efforts to decentralise opportunities and nurture talent nationwide.
“Investing in young creatives is investing in the country’s future,” Chakrit said, adding that Thai content plays a crucial role in building confidence and attracting investment on the global stage.
B.A.D President Asawin Panichwatana said the competition has been held for more than 20 years to develop essential industry skills among creatives under the age of 30, including strategic thinking, teamwork and presentation.
He said this year’s competition expanded to six categories, introducing PR for the first time to reflect the evolving landscape of the creative industry. The platform also allows businesses and brands to engage with emerging ideas that could be developed into commercial opportunities.
“This is not just a competition, but a space to build opportunities, networks and collaboration,” Asawin said.
Participants were required to respond to challenging briefs within 24 to 48 hours, with entries judged by industry experts on creativity, strategy and execution. A total of 87 teams entered the 2026 competition.
The six winning teams are:
- Film: “In Their Eyes” by Kasem Krungkrai and Sarun Oebchokchai (VML Thailand)
- Digital: “The Screen Time Discount” by Nat Jindakittikul and Ramita Jutasantikul (VML Thailand)
- Media: “EV Ticket of Pride” by Praifah Kittipinijanan and Orakanya Somsri (Knock Consulting)
- Print: “Sleep On It” by Peerada Tantisaranee and Silapi Kobkitwattana (YDM Thailand)
- Design: “Local Alike Makes Local Area Come Alive” by Nicha Wittaypaisitsant and Monakol Khaojang (SOUR Bangkok)
- PR: “The Endangered Life” by Pasawut Prasitworanan and Panrapee Polsawang (SOUR Bangkok)
All six teams will represent Thailand at the Young Lions Competitions 2026, competing against young creatives from around the world at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Organisers said the teams will wear the “Thai jersey” as national representatives, aiming to showcase the country’s creative potential and pursue Thailand’s first-ever victory at the global competition.
