The moment of anticipation ended with the appearance of the true dream hunters of the new decade at the "TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026" press conference, unveiling 12 dream hunters: The Chosen 12 under the concept MORE THAN A DREAM For A Better Tomorrow. This year, it is not just a singing competition but a declaration of the strength of a new generation carefully selected from tens of thousands nationwide, leaving only the "best" 12 ready to proudly step into the entertainment industry.
The lively atmosphere filled with hopeful tension returned as centralwOrld's EDEN Plaza on the 1st floor was transformed into a stage of opportunity for the highly anticipated project launch event "TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026," surrounded by dream hunters and enthusiastic fans gathered densely.
The event was honored by executives from True Corporation Public Company Limited, led by Supachai Chearavanont, Chairman; Kajorn Chearavanont, CEO of True Leasing Company Limited; Peerathan Kasemsri Na Ayudhya, Head of Content and Media; Oliver Kittipong Weeratecha, Head of Brand and Communications; Thanapon Manawutivet, Head of Home Connectivity; and Ong-art Prapakamol, Head of TrueVisions and Media unit, all attending the event.
Excitement began when a VTR showing intense audition scenes appeared on the screen, followed by the announcement of the last 100 finalists awaiting a crucial decision, accompanied by the iconic voice of True AF legend "Art Toy - Setha Sirachaya," resounding to pass the grand mission to this season's new host, Doo Sanya Kunakorn, who appeared on stage amid cheers. This marked a worthy new era for True AF, surprising everyone greatly.
The event’s crucial moment arrived with the announcement of the final 12 who would enter the Dream Hunters' house, supported by distinguished judges such as Donut Manasnan, Waanjeab Thanarat, P’Chao Chavarut, Jes Jespipat, Mai Pakpoom, Son Yuk, Apo Natthawiny, and Yogurt Natthachach encouraging the contestants. Mos Patipan, representing the judges, shared impressions and dedication in selecting precious talents nationwide. The dream hunters’ names were announced region by region until the final 12 for 2026 remained amid cheers and applause throughout the venue. The event concluded with a discussion with the three executive producers Boy Atthaphon Na Bangchang, Pond Krisada Witayakorn, and Ohm Panthapol Prasarnrajkit.
The special feature of 2026 included the launch of the Dream Team trainers, highlighted by a special performance storytelling by trainers led by Donut Manasnan, Apo Natthawiny, Dance and Voice Trainers with the song "Belief," closing with a joint performance with P’Chao, Jes, and Mai in "A Small Boat Should Leave the Shore." Donut Manasnan was also introduced as the head teacher of the 12 dream hunters this year. The excitement peaked as the 12 dream hunters appeared in newly transformed looks, confirming their readiness for all challenges in the True AF house, where they claimed their ID codes and performed the theme song "True AF Theme Song," symbolizing their shared dream for the first time officially on stage—signaling the perfect start of the "dream hunting operation" from that moment onward.
Peerathan Kasemsri Na Ayudhya, Head of Content and Media at True Corporation Public Company Limited, said, “The return of TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026 is not just about bringing back a nostalgic show but evolving it into content that aligns with changing digital-era viewer behavior. Today, people don’t consume content through a single screen but seek connected, interactive, and real-time accessible experiences. True integrates its strong digital ecosystem—including TrueVisions NOW, TrueID, and other platforms—with True AF so viewers can follow, cheer, vote, discuss, and live alongside dream hunters 24/7 through multiple content formats tailored to every lifestyle. This reflects True’s commitment to bringing beloved content back, enriching happiness, and strengthening bonds with audiences in a modern way.”
Oliver Kittipong Weeratecha, Head of Brand and Communications at True Corporation Public Company Limited, stated, “In an era when audiences seek not only entertainment but also experiences that foster involvement and closeness to what they love, TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026 is designed as more than a reality show. It’s a stage where viewers can follow, support, and live alongside dream hunters in real time. We believe that 'experience' is the new form of building brand love, arising not only from communication but from emotional connection, care, and shared moments with the brand continuously. True combines the charm of reality TV with its technological and digital platform strengths to create an experience beyond mere viewing—joining the journey with dream hunters seamlessly across all platforms to reach all generations.”
Ong-art Prapakamol, Head of TrueVisions and Media unit at True Corporation Public Company Limited, said, “The grand return of TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026 is not just reviving a legendary show but innovating on a solid foundation by reforming the show format, voting system, and viewing channels to keep pace with the times. We have united three leading executive producers—Boy Atthaphon, who has been behind True AF since its start; Pond Krisada, founder of BeOnCloud; and Ohm Panthapol, an artist, songwriter, and key Thai music industry executive—to meticulously develop the dream hunters comprehensively while providing fans with a premium experience through 12 special channels 24 hours a day.”
Additionally, the largest prizes in history, totaling over 10 million baht, will be awarded, including opportunities to become True’s brand ambassadors, promoting the dream hunters as Thailand’s new quality artists. Contracts will be signed with the Ennead music label, co-managed by Pond Krisada and Ohm Panthapol, both executive producers of True Academy Fantasia 2026. Moreover, contestants with other potential may be considered for contracts with BeOnCloud to further develop suitable career paths.”
Official main sponsors of this event include True 5G, CP, 7-Eleven, The Forestias, Dutch Mill Group, Thai Beverage, True Online, SmartHeart, Me-O, Whizdom The Forestias Petopia, Changan Thailand, Canon, T.Partner, Nongashim, ORION, KOCO, Wacoal, and CentralWorld shopping center.
The show "TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026" can be followed anytime, anywhere, on all devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and TrueID boxes via the TrueVisions NOW application.
A special surprise from Supachai Chearavanont, Chairman of True Corporation Public Company Limited, was the awarding of scholarships of 50,000 baht each to 84 dream hunters who did not make the final 12, totaling 4,200,000 baht.
List of dream hunters and their ID codes
Miss Chanita Baisamut, nickname JJ (Code V1)
Mr. Thanaphat Saiman, nickname Phone (Code V2)
Miss Jidapa Kongthanaphakdi, nickname Music (Code V3)
Miss Pattharida Kamhaeng, nickname Pang (Code V4)
Miss Jieranai Julanan, nickname Yuri (Code V5)
Mr. Kantra Wairat, nickname Beam (Code V6)
Miss Rinlita Niwatworakul, nickname Focus (Code V7)
Mr. Kawikhan Paoin, nickname San (Code V8)
Miss Metika Lasharoj, nickname Kingkaem (Code V9)
Mr. Natthaphan Phakdeenarong, nickname Ohm (Code V10)
Mr. Jakrin Sirimaneephat, nickname Namo (Code V11)
Mr. Peemphat Suwattaweecha, nickname Jackie (Code V12)
