AdFest – the three-day show which has been staged for the past 13 years in the Asia Pacific region – has again become a victim of current political unrest in Thailand.

The show was postponed from March to May due to demonstrations and rallies by political activists (read the story here), but now the judging of the festival’s Lotus Awards has been further delayed. As a result of foreign embassy closures – including the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok – the AdFest team has been unable to obtain passports and visas out of the embassy to fly to Tokyo to handle the judging arrangements, planned for this week.

Another date for the judging in Tokyo is now being discussed. 

Vinit Suraphongchai, chairman of the AdFest Working Committee, said: "We are determined to ensure 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."