BANGKOK – ADFEST cannot catch a break. The annual advertising festival has once again become a victim of the political unrest in Thailand. As a result of foreign embassy closures including the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok, the ADFEST team has been unable to obtain their passport and visas out of the embassy to fly to Tokyo to handle the judging arrangements, planned for 24-28 May 2010.
The ADFEST Working Committee is working urgently to find a new date for the judging in Tokyo.
Says Vinit Suraphongchai, Chairman of the Working Committee, “We are determined to ensure that the Lotus Awards judging takes place, despite all the obstacles we have faced this year and I would like to thank everyone who has been so patient and understanding in this difficult time for ADFEST and the people of Thailand.”
Jimmy Lam, President of the ADFEST and responsible for the judging panels said, “In speaking to our friends and invited guests, there is obviously great disappointment for further delay, but equally much understanding and concern."
"Our jury panelists and colleagues in the Japanese ad industry are very sympathetic to ADFEST and the organising team in Bangkok, who have worked tirelessly to reschedule this year’s jury session. They have expressed their continuing support and are still working hard with us to make the Lotus Awards judging happen soon.”
In a statement, ADFEST apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the postponement of the Lotus Awards judging and thanks its jury panelists and its many friends in Japan who are helping to arrange a new date for the judging in Tokyo, which will be announced shortly.
