The Thai Newspaper Association under the Royal Patronage announced the 'Outstanding Creative Headlines' awards. Thairath won the first prize, Daily News took first runner-up, and Thai Post placed second runner-up. Honorable mentions were awarded to Matichon and Bangkok Business. Additionally, the 2026 'Newspaper Honor Awards' recognized three senior journalists—Ravi Lohthong, Chai Ratchawat, and Phusadee Keetwaranat—and presented awards to organizations and individuals who have contributed to journalism, education, society, and the country in general.,
On 10 May 2026 at 1:00 p.m., Nakorn Weeraphrawat, president of the Thai Newspaper Association under Royal Patronage, hosted the '2026 Newspaper Honor Awards' ceremony. These awards honor organizations and individuals who have contributed to journalism, education, society, and the nation, as well as the 'Outstanding Creative Headlines' awards. The event took place at the Muang Thai Life Insurance auditorium on Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok, with former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai presiding over the awards presentation.
The third edition of the 'Newspaper Honor Awards' for 2026 honored three individuals: 1. Mr. Ravi Lohthong, 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, also known as “Chai Ratchawat,” one of the most influential political cartoonists in Thai media history and a National Artist in Visual Arts (Cartoon) in 2021. 3. Mrs. Phusadee Keetwaranat, who made history as the first female editor of a Chinese-language newspaper in Thailand.
The honorary awards for organizations contributing to journalism, education, society, and the country totaled three prizes: 1. The Pothikaya Vichalai 980 Institute, accepted by former Labor Minister Aphai Channajulaka, vice chairman of the institute. 2. The Samaner Plant Wisdom Dharma project, founded by Supachai Chearavanont; due to commitments abroad, Dr. Netchanok Wipatasilpin accepted the award on his behalf. 3. The volunteer group “Jai Thueng Jai Khon Thai Mai Ting Kan” (“Heart to Heart, Thais Do Not Abandon Each Other”), founded by artist Fandee-Fandene Chanyathanakorn.
The honorary awards recognizing individuals who contributed to journalism, education, society, and the nation included three recipients: 1. Mr. Kampol Tansajja, chairman of Nongnooch Pattaya Garden in Chonburi Province. 2. Dr. Supachai Weerapuchong, secretary-general of the Pothikaya Vichalai 980 Institute, who dedicates himself to Buddhism and promoting peace through Dharma. 3. Mr. Kosonwat Intujanyong, Director-General of the Prosecutor's Office for Rights Protection and Legal Assistance, who devotes himself to educating the public about legal matters in cooperation with the media.
In the newspaper sector, the 'Outstanding Creative Headlines' award considered headline works from various newspapers between May 2025 and April 2026. The first prize went to Thairath for the headline “Sihasak Tears Apart Khmer at United Nations Stage.”
The first runner-up headline was “Sacrificing Life for the Nation with Honor: Three Brave Soldiers Fight Fiercely to Defend Nong Jan Village” from Daily News. The second runner-up was “Hormudd Furious! Thai Ship Bombed” from Thai Post. Two honorable mentions were awarded: “US-Jewish Forces Strike—Iranian Leader Killed, Middle East Erupts in Flames” from Matichon, and “Thai Population Crisis: Facing More Deaths Than Births for Four Consecutive Years—A Major Time Bomb” from Bangkok Business.
This year's event was supported by Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited, the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, SCG, Government Savings Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Boon Rawd Brewery Company Limited, the Wastewater Management Authority, Dhipaya Insurance Public Company Limited, BCPG, AIS, MBK, CPF, CP ALL, CPRAM, the Department of Livestock Development, East Water, the Mayor of Pattaya City, AirAsia, Eminent Air Company, TOA, THAPANIN, Krua Apsorn at Or Tor Kor Market, and Coffee 24.