Bangkok Design Week 2026
As the world enters an era of extreme volatility — from a disordered global landscape and severe climate instability to protracted geopolitical conflicts escalating into unavoidable economic warfare — we are surrounded by crises on all fronts. Amidst these shifting tides, the critical question we must collectively face is: “How will we adapt and survive in this new world?”
“What can design do?” has always been the core question driving our conversation with society. However, for 2026, this is no longer just a theoretical inquiry. It is a clarion call for immediate action — a signal to accelerate the search for new solutions and survival strategies that are practical, applicable, and deliver more tangible results than ever before.
Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW2026) therefore returns under the theme “DESIGN S/O/S.” Not a call for help, this is a declaration for “design” as a vital tool and a primary force to help us “survive.” It is a call to transform crises into opportunities, fostering a sustainable future for everyone.
The Return of Bangkok Design Week 2026 Across Four Main Districts
Bangkok Design Week 2026, now in its ninth consecutive year, is organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, government and private sector organizations, educational institutions, international organizations, and creative district network partners. Held under the theme “DESIGN S/O/S,” this international design festival brings together creators, designers, entrepreneurs, developers, and all members of society to expand the potential of design beyond aesthetics — positioning “design” as a “tool” to drive the economy and enhance quality of life. The festival will be held from 29 January - 8 February 2026, spanning 11 days across four main districts: Charoenkrung - Talat Noi, Phra Nakhon, Pak Khlong Talat, Bang Lamphu - Khao San, and other venues throughout Bangkok.
Unveiling the Theme “DESIGN S/O/S” and Its Three Core Pillars
Bangkok Design Week 2026 is driven by the theme “DESIGN S/O/S,” built upon three core pillars, including:
S – Secure Domestic: Setting new standards, awakening waves that boost the domestic market.
O – Outreach Opportunities: Creating new opportunities, fostering collaborations, and taking a step towards the global stage.
S – Sustainable Future: Exploring bold and innovative paths to a sustainable future, ready to take on every challenge ahead.
The “DESIGN S/O/S” theme for this year represents a fundamental shift — transforming crisis into vision by moving from a defensive stance to a proactive creative offensive. This edition of the festival serves as definitive proof that “design” is no longer just about aesthetics; it is the ultimate survival strategy. It is the key to fortifying business resilience, rejuvenating urban ecosystems for a sustainable future, and elevating the quality of life toward greater stability. Through these efforts, we are preparing Bangkok to stand firm and thrive, resilient against any storm of change the future may bring.
BKKDW 2026’s Six Core Program Types: Uniting Design Forces for Present and Future Survival
1. Exhibitor Program: A dedicated space for professional designers across diverse disciplines to showcase their visions and concepts through creative works that seamlessly integrate with the urban context.
2. Academic Program: A platform empowering students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice, offering opportunities to experiment and prepare for a professional career in the creative industries.
3. International Program: An initiative connecting Thai and international creators to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and foster cross-border collaborations.
4. Business Program: A strategic program designed to build business networks between creators, entrepreneurs, and industrial sectors, driving economic growth for both participating businesses and local district enterprises.
5. Local Community Program: A collaborative effort to transform local areas into creative districts, enhancing both business opportunities and quality of life through the active participation of community members and guest creators.
6. Lively Program: A series of vibrant activities designed to bring the festival to life, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with and experience creativity in an accessible, fun, and dynamic way.
Unleashing Creative Energy Citywide with +350 Programs to Drive the City Forward
Experience a dynamic lineup of more than 350 creative programs across Bangkok’s vibrant creative districts. It features talks, workshops, creative events, and district tours, developed through collaboration between local communities and designers, supporting the transformation of areas into creative districts with tangible economic impact. These are complemented by international collaboration programs with designers from over 16 countries, along with design markets, city atmosphere-building activities, and special promotions from local shops and restaurants. Together, these programs embody the dynamic spirit of “Thai design” — not only as ideas, but as real-world experimentation within the city — driving Bangkok forward as a creative city on the global stage.
Bangkok is about to change through the power of “Design for Survival.” We invite everyone to witness these new pathways to resilience and drive the creative economy forward together at Bangkok Design Week 2026. Immerse yourself in creative programs scattered across the city, from Charoenkrung - Talat Noi, Phra Nakhon, Pak Khlong Talat, and Bang Lamphu - Khao San, to many other vibrant venues across Bangkok. Join us from 29 January - 8 February 2026.
More Information
Website: www.bangkokdesignweek.com
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Line: @bangkokdesignweek