The Ministry of Commerce has recently showcased the innovative spirit of Thailand by exhibiting the winners of its prestigious Design Excellence Award (DEmark Award) 2024. Held at the bustling Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok from August 1st to 13th, the display featured sixty-six remarkable entries from fifty-four companies that had clinched the coveted DEmark Awards. This annual event, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, celebrated its 17th year of fostering international recognition for outstanding Thai designs.
According to Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the DITP director-general, the DEmark Award contest was first launched in 2008. Over the years, it has successfully positioned Thai designs on the global map. This year’s contest notably integrated the concept of “soft power” into its scoring criteria, celebrating not just the aesthetics and functionality of designs, but also their cultural and social significance.
The Design Excellence Award 2024 recognized brilliance across eight diverse categories, each showcasing the best of Thailand’s creative talents:
- Furniture: Industrial Process / Industrial Craft – 9 winners. Best Design: Puzzle by Corner 43 Decor Co Ltd.
- Lifestyle Industrial Process / Hand Craft: Gift & Decorative Items / Household Items – 13 winners. Best Design: Zero Pollution Chicken by Thakun Chaopasi.
- Accessories & Wearable: Apparel / Jewelry / Textile / Lifestyle Fashion, e.g., hats, bags, and footwear – 8 winners. Best Design: The Flexile Elegant Series by Hatsaya Co Ltd.
- Industrial & IoT: Home Appliances / Equipment and Facilities / Digital Appliances / Transportation / Smart Devices / IoT / etc. – 11 winners. Best Design: Quinta by Siam Sanitary Ware Co Ltd.
- Packaging Design Product Base / Packaging Design Branding Base – 5 winners. Best Design: La Ed La Or by Yindee Design Co Ltd.
- Graphic & Communication Design: Typography / Graphic on Surface / Digital Media / Identity Design / Illustration / Character Design / Digital Art / Exhibition Design – 13 winners. Best Design: Identity System for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) by Farmgroup Co Ltd.
- Interior Design: Hotels / Restaurants / Cafes / Retail Shops / Co-Working Space / Condominiums and Residential Projects – 4 winners. Best Design: Harudot Chonburi by NANA Coffee Roasters by IDIN Architects Co Ltd.
- System Service & Digital Platform: Online Interface Design, Apps for Smartphones and Tablets, Websites – 3 winners. Best Design: MoneyThunder by Abacus Digital Co Ltd.
The winners of the DEmark Awards were not only celebrated locally but also earned an invitation to compete in the esteemed Good Design Award (G Mark) contest in Tokyo, giving them an opportunity to shine on an even larger international stage.
This year’s DEmark Awards underscored Thailand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The intricacy and thoughtfulness of each winning piece were palpable, making the exhibition at Siam Paragon a visual delight and a testament to Thailand’s burgeoning role as a global design powerhouse.
Whether it’s the elegance of Puzzle by Corner 43 Decor, the eco-consciousness of Zero Pollution Chicken by Thakun Chaopasi, or the futuristic features of Quinta by Siam Sanitary Ware, each award-winning entry tells a unique story of dedication, expertise, and a vision for a harmonious future. With such imaginative and impactful designs, Thailand continues to inspire and lead in the world of design excellence.
Wow, all these designs sound impressive! I’m especially intrigued by the Zero Pollution Chicken. What a clever name.
Calling it ‘Zero Pollution Chicken’ is just a marketing gimmick. I doubt it’s as eco-friendly as they claim.
But even if it’s a gimmick, it’s raising awareness about environmental issues. That’s still a positive change.
True, awareness is important. Just wish companies were more transparent.
How does a sanitary ware design even win an award? Quinta by Siam Sanitary Ware sounds ridiculous.
Clearly, you haven’t seen innovative bathroom designs. Good design can make a huge difference in everyday life.
I get the practical aspect, but it’s still kinda boring compared to, say, textiles or jewelry.
Functional design is often underrated but it’s essential. Imagine a world with bad sanitary ware. Yikes!
Why are we celebrating award shows for designers? There are bigger issues like poverty and healthcare that need attention.
Celebrating design doesn’t mean ignoring other issues. Innovation in design can drive economic growth which can help tackle those big issues.
Plus, good design can solve real-world problems, making things more efficient and effective.
I guess I see your point, but it just feels a bit frivolous at times.
I’m impressed by the diversity of categories. Shows how multifaceted the design field really is.
Yes! The integration of ‘soft power’ into the criteria is brilliant. Cultural significance should definitely be valued.
Cultural significance is subjective. What’s significant to one person might be irrelevant to another.
That’s true, but integrating different perspectives can lead to more inclusive and impactful designs.
It’s also a way to preserve and promote cultural heritage, which is being eroded in the face of globalization.
I wanna see more designs in the Industrial & IoT category! That’s where real innovation happens.
Agreed! Industrial & IoT can revolutionize so many industries. Think about all the smart home devices coming out.
I visited the exhibition at Siam Paragon, and the design installations were truly mesmerizing.
Lucky you! I wish I could have attended. What did you like the most?
The recognition from the G Mark contest in Tokyo is huge. It’s great to see Thai designs gaining international acclaim.
Definitely! International recognition can open up so many opportunities for these designers.
Exactly, and it also establishes Thailand as a hub for innovative design.
Traditional craftsmanship blended with modern innovation is the future. We can’t lose touch with our roots.
Best café design by NANA Coffee Roasters was phenomenal. Perfect mix of comfort and aesthetics.
I feel like these awards focus too much on aesthetics and not enough on practical use.
But isn’t design about blending form and function? Aesthetic appeal is part of the overall user experience.
I get that, but some designs seem more like art pieces than functional items.
Great to see a balance of eco-friendly designs like the Zero Pollution Chicken in these awards!
Eco-friendly initiatives are the need of the hour. More designs should focus on sustainability.
Why don’t I see more AI-driven designs being highlighted? That’s where the future lies.
AI can be innovative, but it should complement human creativity, not replace it.
I think the Flexile Elegant Series in the Accessories & Wearables category should’ve gotten more attention. Those hats are amazing.