The Thai Newspaper Association under Royal Patronage presented the 2026 "Press Honor" awards, recognizing three senior journalists—Ravi Lhotong, Chai Rajawat, and Phusadee Keetvoranat—who have significantly contributed to the press industry and serve as exemplary figures in the media profession. The event also honored organizations and individuals who have benefited journalism, education, society, and the nation, including the presentation of the "Outstanding Creative Headline" award.
Nakhon Weeraprawat, President of the Thai Newspaper Association under Royal Patronage, announced on 6 May 2026 that this year marks the third presentation of the "Press Honor" awards to commend three senior journalists for their valuable contributions to the press and as role models for Thai media professionals. The award ceremony will take place on 10 May 2026 from 13:30 to 16:00 at the Muang Thai Life Assurance Hall on Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok. Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will serve as the chairperson and deliver a special lecture. The event will also honor organizations and individuals who have benefited journalism, education, society, and the country, as well as present the 2025 Outstanding Creative Headline awards.
The 2026 third edition of the "Press Honor" award recipients include three individuals: 1. Mr. Ravi Lhotong, known as the "Father of Thai Sports Media," founder of Siam Sport Syndicate Public Company Limited, a major sports media company, and one of the most influential figures in Thai football and media.
2. Mr. Somchai Katanyutanun, known as "Chai Rajawat," one of the most influential political cartoonists in Thai media history. His signature work, especially the cartoon "The Boss Comes with the Dog Field," has not only entertained but also reflected Thai society and politics for over four decades.
3. Mrs. Phusadee Keetvoranat, who made history as the first female editor of a Chinese-language newspaper in Thailand. She is a senior journalist who has devoted over half a century to her work and pioneered Thai media's connections with Chinese media up to the present.
The honorary awards for organizations contributing to journalism, education, society, and the nation include three recipients: 1. The Phothikaya Vichalai 980 Institute, which promotes Buddhist teachings in all aspects, helping people understand correct practice principles. It organizes the Dharma Yatra project connecting Buddhist lands, notably the "Great River to Ganges" Dharma Yatra, which brought the Buddha's relics and arahant relics from India to Thailand for the first time in world history, allowing Thai Buddhists to pay respects.
2. The Summer Novice Wisdom Planting Project, founded by Mr. Supachai Chearavanont, is a 12-year-running summer reality program selecting youth aged 7-12 to ordain and study Buddhist principles with awakened hearts. The program is broadcast globally, helping both youth and adults understand Buddhist teachings and how to be good people.
3. The Jai Thueng Jai Thai People Don't Abandon Each Other group, a volunteer organization founded by artist "Fun Dee-Fun Den Janyathanakorn," focuses on community service during crises, disasters, and impoverished communities, working in cooperation with various agencies.
Regarding individuals honored for contributions to journalism, education, society, and the country, three awards were presented: 1. Mr. Kampon Tansajja, Chairman of Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Chonburi, transformed an ordinary orchard into one of the world's top five botanical gardens, renowned for rare plant collections and animal sculpture gardens. It became one of the world's top ten dinosaur kingdoms, earning many global ornamental plant awards and establishing schools for vocational and sports skill development for youth.
2. Dr. Supachai Veeraphuchong, Secretary-General of the Phothikaya Vichalai 980 Institute, has played a major role in promoting Buddhist principles globally, especially advocating the concept of “Dhammavijaya” (Victory through Dhamma) on the world stage. His efforts helped the United Nations include “Dhamma” as a topic in meetings and advance Dhamma toward global peace. 3. Mr. Kosolwat Intuchanyong, Director-General of the Public Rights Protection and Legal Assistance Office, dedicated himself to educating the public on legal use, increasing public understanding of correct legal problem-solving, and collaborating with media to continuously provide legal knowledge to citizens.
Additionally, the Association held the 2025 Outstanding Creative Headline awards ceremony, presenting first prize, first runner-up, second runner-up, and two consolation awards.