The ATOD International Dance Competition 2026 was held from 21–29 March at Aksra Theatre, bringing together young performers from 34 nationalities. The nine-day event featured more than 1,700 performances across two segments: pre-recorded entries evaluated by an international adjudication panel in Australia and live stage performances in Bangkok. The competition was held in honour of a Royal Trophy bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, with support from multiple Thai ministries, the Government Lottery Office and international organisations, alongside more than 90 dance institutions worldwide.
Organised by the ATOD Children and Youth Development Association under the leadership of Mom Luang Preeyapun Sridhavat, the event also awarded scholarships to outstanding dancers for further study at institutions including Idyllwild Arts Academy, Singapore Ballet, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Marlupi Dance Academy. Selected participants also joined ballet workshops in Thailand led by Rachael Hunt of The Royal Ballet School.
The award ceremony was presided over by Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised and Issara Reewtrakoonpaiboon, deputy director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, with members of the diplomatic corps joining the presentations. Among them were Australian Ambassador Angela Jane Macdonald, Peruvian Ambassador Cecilia Galarreta, and Christine Löw, deputy head of mission at the Swiss Embassy.
Sasimagha Visuddhi Na Ayudhya and Evitra Visayavanich won the Student with the Greatest Achievement awards in the Syllabus and Public categories, respectively, earning scholarships to compete at the Dance Awards International in Singapore in 2027. Passion Dance School received top honours as School with the Greatest Achievement in both categories, while the Young Star Award 2026 and Best Inspiration Award were presented to multiple performers and institutions, highlighting emerging talent from Thailand and abroad.
