Art toy collectors are flocking to centralwOrld’s Dazzle Zone for Thailand Toy Expo 2024, hoping to discover or hunt down the newest creations by talented toy makers and designers.
One of the highlights at this year’s expo is Hong Kong Art Toy Story, which brings together the works of 20 promising Hong Kong toy artists at the Hong Kong Pavilion. Powered by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, the exhibition showcases an amazing assortment of these artists’ well-known characters, new designs, latest items and even their special Thailand’s editions. It’s a great opportunity for toy enthusiasts to explore the unique style of Hong Kong’s artists and even chat with them to discover the stories behind their creations.
“Creativity is in our blood,” said Mr Parson Lam, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, in his speech at the event’s opening ceremony. “I truly believe that events like Thailand Toy Expo are crucial platforms for Hong Kong designers to showcase their talents, connect with international audiences and explore business opportunities in the growing ASEAN markets. We are delighted to support this event and assist our creative talents in making a lasting impact on the international art toy market,” he continued.
Artist Anna Chan echoes the sentiments. “Hong Kong Art Toy Story is a big event in Thailand so it is a good chance to present my characters and connect with other artists here.” Anna is the creator of “Mimoo”, a pure-hearted character that represents kindness and positivity. This year, she is debuting her new creation, Caroline, at the event. A playful character that looks part-sheep, part-wolf, it symbolizes the concept of disguising one’s inner wolf as an innocent sheep. “Last year, I participated in this event just to have fun with new experiences. This time I came back with concrete goals. I want to see if my new characters cater to Thai collectors’ taste and apply what I’ll learn to develop my next products to meet the needs of the Thai market,” she added.
’s also the second time for Leon Lai or LeonLollipop to join Thailand’s largest toy event. The artist has built a name around murals and toy creations inspired by different cats, including “Gloomie”, his iconic feline character. “The feedback was very good last year—every figure was sold out, but I thought I could enhance my design a bit. This year I came back with ‘Siamese Lucky Gloomie’, specially created for the Thailand showcase. One customer just dropped by our booth and told me that she likes it. Actually she also bought one of our cat figures last year so it’s good to see a fan return to this year’s event,” Leon shared. He also credited the organiser for introducing him to a new clientele: “I expect to meet more new fans this year. The event offers the opportunity for me to meet different audiences outside Hong Kong. It encourages me to develop my skills and start planning my future, expanding my reach to the Thai market.”
First-time exhibitor Tony Leung is also grateful for the opportunity to join the event. He is renowned for his animal toy series in Hong Kong, and is hoping to make an impression on Thai collectors. Just for the Thai expo, the toy designer rolled out a limited-edition “Ryan Golden Elephant” inspired by Thai culture and the Kingdom’s most revered animal. “I am here for the first time and I’ve never had Thai fans. I hope Thai people are happy with my creations,” he said.
Another returning artist, Felix Ip, also acknowledges how art toys are growing in popularity in Thailand. He returned to this toy event with a soft introduction of “Jumbo Mecha”, inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic floating seafood restaurant. The official launch of the fully fledged collection is slated for July. “There are many potential customers willing to support the art toy industry. Bringing various Hong Kong toy artists together under one pavilion makes it easier to present a vast variety of Hong Kong’s brands and designs to Thai people,” he noted.
“I am truly grateful for Hong Kong toy designers’ dedication in promoting Hong Kong’s creative industries overseas and I encourage Thai people to join us exploring the Hong Kong Pavilion and witness the remarkable talents of our Hong Kong toy artists,” Mr Parson Lam concluded.
Hong Kong Art Toy Story runs until April 7 in Dazzle Zone, 1/F., centralwOrld. Admission is free.