Applications are open for local developers, students, startups and technology builders to explore practical applications of AI.
Bangkok: Global technology company Sea and OpenAI are bringing the Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon Series to Thailand, with the one-day hackathon taking place in Bangkok on November 21, 2026.
The series launched in Singapore and held its second edition in Taiwan. It brings together developers, students, startups and technology builders to gain hands-on experience with emerging AI technologies, exchange knowledge and explore how AI can be applied to real-world needs. Further stops are planned in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia as the series reaches developer communities across Asia-Pacific.
The Thailand edition comes as the country continues to invest in its technology ecosystem and expand its pool of AI talent.
According to OpenAI’s data, Thailand ranks among the top 20 for ChatGPT and Codex weekly active users globally, and weekly active usage of Codex has grown more than 350 times since the start of the year.
Through the series, Sea and OpenAI say they aim to foster collaborative learning, strengthen connections across developer communities and support innovation at both local and regional levels.
Applications open until October 23, 2026
Developers, students, startups and technology builders in Thailand with experience in AI coding and building production-grade software are invited to apply in teams of three to four.
Up to 40 teams will be selected to take part in the one-day hackathon, based on the quality of their applications.
During the hackathon, participants will use Codex, OpenAI’s AI-powered coding solution, to develop practical and responsible solutions for consumers, businesses and communities. Participants can define the challenges they want to address, provided their projects align with one or more of the following core build directions:
- Autonomous and adaptive AI: Build agents that can be trusted to operate without constant human oversight, handling the unexpected and staying reliable when real-world conditions change.
- AI-native products and operations: Many products today use AI as an add-on. This direction is about what products and operations look like when AI shapes them more fundamentally.
- Deep domain AI: Build AI that goes deep in a specific field, reflecting how work is actually done rather than a simplified version of it. The value comes from genuine domain understanding, not general capability.
Beyond building their projects, participants will also have opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from OpenAI Codex experts, technical mentors and industry leaders. The event will welcome Sidharth Sharma, go-to-market director for ASEAN at OpenAI, and Tadcha Anunrojwong, director and head of regional business intelligence and financial strategy at Shopee Thailand, alongside Napat Jatusripitak, chief executive of Siametrics and ViaLink, who will bring perspectives from across technology and industry.
Prizes and event details
Top-performing teams will receive OpenAI API credits to support the continued development of their ideas beyond the hackathon:
- 1st place: US$30,000 in OpenAI API credits
- 2nd place: US$15,000 in OpenAI API credits
- 3rd place: US$5,000 in OpenAI API credits
- All members of the top five teams will also receive one year of ChatGPT Pro.
All participants will receive an official e-certificate of participation from Sea and OpenAI.
Event details:
- Date: November 21, 2026
- Time: 8.30am to 9pm
- Venue: Shopee Office (Thailand), Singha Complex, 25th floor
For more information and registration details, visit the event registration page.
Press Release
The story Sea and OpenAI bring regional Codex hackathon to Thailand as seen on Thaiger News.
