Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon Thailand
Applications are now open for Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon Thailand!
About Event
Sea and OpenAI are both building at the frontier of AI - Sea through its technology that betters the lives of consumers and small businesses, and OpenAI through the models and tools that define what's possible.. Through the Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon, we’re empowering the next generation of AI builders across the Asia Pacific, and bringing together local AI communities to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore new possibilities with AI. Following the launch in Singapore, we’re now bringing the Sea x OpenAI Regional Codex Hackathon to Thailand on November 21, 2026.
One day, build something real
This event is for builders who are already comfortable using AI coding tools and shipping production-grade code.
We're bringing together developers, students, startups, and technology builders from across Thailand who are already building with AI and ready to take their ideas further. Come with a problem worth solving, get hands-on with OpenAI’s Codex, and explore how AI can be applied to build practical solutions for real-world needs.
✨Guests of Honour
Ms. Nan Boonthida Somchai - Deputy Minister, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society
Ms. Maneerut Anulomsombut - Chief Executive Officer, Sea (Thailand)
Mr. Sidharth Sharma - APAC Go-To Market Director, OpenAI
📌 Build Directions
We're focusing on three directions for this hackathon. Your project can tackle one or span across several - the problem is yours to define.
Autonomous & 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 & 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, not a simplified version of it. The value comes from genuine domain understanding, not general capability.
🏆 Prizes
🥇 1st Place: $30,000 USD in OpenAI API credits
🥈 2nd Place: $15,000 USD in OpenAI API credits
🥉 3rd Place: $5,000 USD in OpenAI API credits
🎁 Top 5 Teams: 1-year ChatGPT Pro subscription for every team member
📄 All Participants: Official E-Certificate of Participation from Sea and OpenAI
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Teams & Registration
Attendance is capped at up to 40 teams.
Team Size: 3–4 members per team and each member must register individually, specifying the exact same team name.
Applications close by 23 October 2026 at 11:59 PM (Friday)
As places are limited to 40 teams, teams will be shortlisted based on the quality of their application.
📅 Agenda
08:30 AM: Doors Open & Registration (all participants expected by 09:00 AM)
9:00 AM: Breakfast and Pre-Event Setup
9:20 AM: Welcome & Opening
10:00 AM: Hacking Begins
12:30 PM: Lunch (working lunch to maximise hacking time)
5:00 PM: Code Freeze & Submissions
5:15 PM: Dinner & Round One Judging (teams will present to judges in rotation)
7:30 PM: Finalist Presentations
8:30 PM: Awards & Closing
9:00 PM: Event Ends
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(1) Who can apply?
Anyone can sign up for the event, however, it is recommended for experienced builders comfortable using AI coding tools to ship production-ready code. Applications who do not meet this bar will not be shortlisted.
(2) Can I join as an individual?
No. All applications must be submitted as a pre-formed team of 3-4 members. Each member must apply individually and indicate the same team name in their application.
(3) What are the key dates?
Applications open: 27 September 2026 (Sunday)
Applications close: 23 October 2026 at 11:59 PM (Friday)
Notification of registration outcome: All teams will hear back by 9 November 2026 (Monday)
Hackathon: 21 November 2026 (Saturday) 08:30 AM – 09:00 PM
(4) How will teams be selected?
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on the team’s technical background, what they intend to build, and alignment with the hackathon’s build directions. Space is limited to 40 teams.
(5) Can we build or prepare code in advance before the event?
You’re welcome to arrive with ideas in mind, but all building must take place on the day. Pre-built code or existing projects shall not be submitted.
(6) What tools and resources will be provided?
Each participant will receive access to Codex during the event.
(7) What should participants bring?
Your own laptop, charger, initial project ideas, and readiness to code!
(8) What will be provided on the day?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided. Basic setup including tables, chairs, and power sockets will be available throughout the venue.
(9) How does judging work?
Round 1: Present in Thai or English; both are assessed equally.
Final Round: English is preferred, but Thai is accepted. Language choice does not affect scoring.
Criteria: Problem framing, build quality, depth of thinking, and effective use of Codex.
ℹ️ For more information: regionalcodex_th@ultronasia.com