Energy-saving comic contest

PTT Public Co Ltd and a day magazine recently announced the launch of the 5th Thailand Comic Contest designed to search for talented cartoonists.

Prasert Salinla-umpai, PTT executive vice-president for corporate communication and social responsibility, said that PTT and a day intends to support the young generation of Thais who are interested in drawing cartoons by continually providing a platform where they can unveil their skills and imagination so that they might become professional cartoonists in the future.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Energy Eureka”, which highlights and raises awareness regarding the importance of the environment. It also underlines excessive energy consumption as a national concern given the country has to rely on energy imported from foreign countries.

Through comics, PTT believes an environment-related message will be accessible and understandable by people on a larger scale.

Changnoi Kulchorn Na Ayuthaya, marketing director of a day, said, “We are more than proud that we get to be one of the principle roles in supporting youths’ dreams.”

Applicants are required to send their work as an A4 one-page comic with characters and lined patterns. The competition is divided into two categories: students between the ages of 13-18 and those above the age of 18. Judges include Suttichart Sarapaiwanich, Songsin Tiewsomboon, Verachai Duangpla, Chaiyaporn Panichruttiwong and Songwit Seekitikul.

Applicants can participate in free oneday cartoon drawing workshops, held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Songkhla this month and next. Finalists will get a chance to join a two-day workshop to develop their drawing skills.

The winner will receive a cash prize of 70,000 baht, with his or her work being published in a day magazine throughout the year. The application deadline is Aug 30.