Thailand Game Show organizes CAF 2024, or Cosplay Art Festival 2024, the largest cosplay and fan art festival in Thailand for the second year, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion. This partnership aims to promote the new generation of youth by providing a space for cosplayers to express themselves. Continuing the success of CAF 2023, this year's event sparks new memories at ICONSIAM from July 19-21, further promoting cosplay as a form of soft power. It serves as a tool for building cultural strength and generating economic income for the country.
Mr. Pongsuk Hiranprueck, Chief Executive Officer of Show No Limit Company, revealed that the cosplay contest originated as part of the Thailand Game Show, first held in 2007 under the name TGS Cosplay Contest. Interest from cosplayers has continued to increase every year. In 2023, the company recognized an opportunity to foster the cosplay community in Thailand. Observing the enthusiasm and passion of the cosplayers led to a spin-off from the TGS Cosplay Contest: organizing the Cosplay Art Festival or CAF 2023, the country's first cosplay and fan art festival. The event attracted 37,895 cosplayers and enthusiasts over its three-day duration."
The CAF event is supported by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. It represents a collaboration between the private and government sectors, aimed at giving youth and other interested individuals a space to express themselves. This initiative also helps elevate cosplay as a part of creating soft power in gaming, which is one of the 11 areas related to policies for fostering the country's creative or soft power. These efforts are designed to upgrade and develop the abilities and creativity of Thai people, creating value and generating income.
"CAF 2024 is not just a gathering of cosplayers, but also a platform for showcasing the art of costume design and demonstrating Thailand's soft power by promoting culture through creativity and adding value to the Thai entertainment industry in another sector. This year's CAF 2024 event will feature not only individual and team competitions but has also added a team production category in the cosplay competition. It is supported by an award from the Ministry of Culture, recognizing that cosplay involves craftsmanship, creativity, and artistic skills. As suggested by the event's abbreviation, CAF, everyone crafts their own outfits, expressing themselves in their unique way to help promote Thai soft power nationally. We are ready to drive the economy and support the country together. Although we are a small entity, we hope that CAF 2024 will help advance the cosplay industry and the Thai gaming industry. We aim to elevate CAF to become the number one cosplay event in Thailand," Mr. Pongsuk said.
Mr. Prasop Riangngoen, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, stated that the department participated in organizing the Cosplay Art Festival (CAF) for the second consecutive year. This festival is considered a major event that showcases the diversity of cosplayers and the fan art in Thailand. Last year's CAF 2023 was held at the National Gallery, Ministry of Culture, marking the first time this space was used for a cosplay event. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Cosplayers filled the venue, prompting the decision to host this year's CAF 2024 in a larger space to accommodate an increased number of attendees.
"Cosplay is part of the new generation's culture and encourages youth to use their creativity in designing costume models and creating characters that capture their interest. It also builds confidence in creative expression among Thai youth, laying a foundation for cultural creation in the country. Moreover, it provides opportunities for cultural exchange and draws inspiration from international cosplayers invited to the event, thereby helping to drive the country's economy and increase Thailand's competitiveness. The cosplay contest, particularly the Creative Team category or Cosplay Production Team Contest, themed 'If these characters came to Thailand, what would it be like?' is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. It serves as a platform for youth and others interested to express their talents. The winner will receive a plaque and certificate from the Ministry of Culture, presented by the Department of Cultural Promotion, as a formal recognition and as an accolade for promoting Thai culture to be recognized and perpetuated," Mr. Prasop said.
CAF 2024 takes place from July 19-21, 2024, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th floor, ICONSIAM, offering a view along the Chao Phraya River. The event will feature numerous activities for cosplayers and enthusiasts, including CAF International Guest Cosplayer, which will bring Iori Moe from Japan and Nari and Siru from South Korea to Thailand for the first time, along with Larissa Rochefort from Indonesia. Additionally, an impressive lineup of more than 10 famous guest cosplayers in Thailand will be present, led by Thames Malerose, JasperZ, Onnies, and CMYK, followed by Shinta, Bellamii, Emil Cosplayer, Lapis Lazuli, Plathong, and Kanalyss. They will participate in a close Meet & Greet with fans and a Cosplay Contest with prizes worth more than 150,000 baht. The event will also feature the CAF Market and the CAF Gallery exhibition showcasing the work of cosplayers from across Thailand, as well as the CAF Playground, where attendees can enjoy 360-degree photography activities.
In addition, the activity stage will be packed with entertainment from famous VTubers such as Algorhythm Project, along with a CAF Anisong mini-concert featuring Icezu and ANGeVIL?. A special performance by Ultraman will also take place, as well as CAF World activities. These include a Boss Photoshoot, where Guest Cosplayers pose for photos with attendees, and CAF Random Dance, which challenges cosplayers' dance skills and steps. This event offers a unique and memorable experience for cosplay fans to enjoy a diverse array of activities.
For information about tickets for various events :
www.ticketmelon.com/caf/2024
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