- 25 Years of Success: Empowering over 1,235 alumni, with 85 per cent successfully launching creative careers and over 350 design-driven brands.
- ‘Identity’ beyond AI: Positioning AI as a tool, while human design methodology and hands-on execution remain significant.
- August Open House: Welcoming dream catchers on August 1 and 22 to explore a design curriculum from Italy with the affordable tuition fees, with no design background required.
BANGKOK: 27 July 2026 – The creative economy is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, and Chanapatana International Design Institute is stepping up to groom a new generation of Thai designers to tap into this lucrative market.
According to the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), the global creative industry is currently valued at over 71.9 trillion baht, generating employment for more than 50 million people. In Thailand alone, the sector has soared to 1.44 trillion baht and generates nearly 390 billion baht in export revenue.
Amidst these massive opportunities and the disruptive wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chanapatana has proven its resilience over a quarter of a century. Established in 2000, the institute has been a driving force behind the success of Thai designers on the global stage.
“Our greatest pride over the past 25 years is successfully cultivating over 1,235 talented alumni,” said Mr. Sittiphat Thanasarasin, Chanapatana President. “Impressively, 85 per cent of our graduates have kickstarted their creative careers including those who launched more than 350 design brands.”
He pointed to standout graduates who have gained international recognition, such as Maythawee Angthong, founder of ‘Black Sugar’, who showcased her collection at Vienna Fashion Week, and Narong Ketkaew, the visionary behind Miss Universe stage garments under the brand ‘Narong’.
To commemorate its milestone, Chanapatana recently hosted a memorial ceremony unveiling the statue of Somdet Phra Nyanavajirodom (Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo), Chanapatana Founder. The initiative, aimed at honouring his vision of establishing an international learning society, was fully supported by Professor Sakorn Suksriwong DBA, president of Chanapatana.
With AI transforming the industry, Chanapatana strongly advocates that advanced tools can only support human identity. “We view AI not as a replacement, but as another tool to accelerate the workflow,” Sittiphat explained. “However, foundational knowledge and identity remain paramount. If you rely solely on AI without your own design DNA, the resulting work will be repetitive across the market.
“Consumers today are increasingly seeking sensory and human-centric design. Understanding emotional depth and drawing inner inspiration are elements that AI absolutely cannot replace yet,” he added.
Under the philosophy of “Different Dreams, One Place,” Chanapatana welcomes both career switchers and dream catchers. The institute offers comprehensive diploma programmes in Fashion Design and Interior and Product Design.
The programmes are also open to people without a background in design. Governed by Italian standards, the courses are conducted by experienced international lecturers, offering a world-class curriculum at an accessible tuition rate.
To promote its programmes, Chanapatana is inviting design enthusiasts to attend its ‘Open House’ event on August 1 and 22, 2026, at the Chanapatana International Design Institute (Sukhumvit 101). Attendees will have the chance to explore the curriculum, join hands-on workshops, and engage with successful alumni to understand more about the design industry.
For more information and schedule details, visit the institute’s Facebook page: Chanapatana, website at www.chanapatana.ac.th, or call 02-741-3717.