Influential women leaders and multi-Michelin-starred chefs unite for UNICEF’s Blue Star Gala to tackle child malnutrition

BANGKOK, 13 February 2026 – UNICEF Thailand announced its upcoming UNICEF Blue Star Gala 2026, a special fundraising event that will bring together four inspiring women leaders and Michelin-starred chefs from Thailand and overseas.  They are joining a united effort to address child malnutrition and promote healthy eating for every child.

The Gala will take place on 6 March 2026 at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. It is part of UNICEF Thailand’s KinRaiDee #HungryForHope campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising nutritional awareness and driving action so that every child has access to the right food.

The Gala will be co-chaired by four renowned women leaders including Nualphan Lamsam or Madam Pang, Busadee Chearavanont, Marisa Chearavanont and Thapanee Techajareonvikul. All share a strong commitment to children’s rights, with the goal of advocating for better nutrition and well-being for every child. They are all mobilizing leading figures from business, philanthropy, and the culinary world in support of this common cause.

One of the highlights of the Gala will be the collaboration of eight acclaimed chefs from Thailand and overseas, who hold a combined total of 12 Michelin stars. Leading Thai chefs including Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam (Baan Tepa), Chumpol Jangprai (R-Haan), “Joe” Napol Jantraget and Saki Hoshino (Kwann and Nawa Thai Cuisine), Prin Polsuk (Samrub Samrub Thai) and Sachin Poojary from (INDDEE), All will join forces to design an exclusive multi-course menu that blends culinary artistry with nutritional value.

The gala will also feature a special surprise with the participation of Namae Shinobu from Japan’s L’Effervescence and Cho Hee Sook from South Korea’s Hansikgonggan. Each chef is lending their time and talent as a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, reflecting a shared belief that every child deserves a healthy start in life.

“Child malnutrition remains a serious concern in Thailand and around the world, with too many children still missing out on healthy, nutritious diets and facing both undernutrition and obesity,” said Ken Legins, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “Good nutrition is not complicated. What’s missing is access to healthy food—and systems that make the right choice possible for families. The Blue Star Gala is about more than fundraising. It is about accountability. When children are malnourished, the failure is not personal; it belongs to all of us. UNICEF is deeply grateful to our four remarkable women who helped us organise this Gala as well as renowned chefs who are using their influence, leadership, and platforms to help change this reality for children.”

Poor malnutrition can have a long-term negative impact on children’s brain development, health and well-being. In Thailand, 13 per cent of children under five are stunted, while obesity is on the rise. Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight or obese children in Thailand has in fact doubled, rising from 6 to 13 per cent among children aged 6–14. Among adolescents aged 15–18, 14 per cent are now overweight or obese. The World Obesity Federation projects that by 2035, 60 per cent Thai children aged 5–19 could be overweight or obese if no action is taken.

“Through the Blue Star Gala, we hope to inspire society to care more deeply about what children eat, and support UNICEF’s ongoing work to combat malnutrition in all its forms,” said Nualphan Lamsam, UNICEF Thailand National Ambassador who is also the KinRaiDee #HungryForHope campaign hero. “When children don’t get the nutrition they need, it affects not only their growth and health but also their confidence, learning, and opportunities later in life. That’s why malnutrition is urgent and needs everyone’s attention because human capital is the nation’s most important resource. I invite everyone to join UNICEF, support this work in any way they can and be part of making sure that every child gets the nutrition they deserve.”

The KinRaiDee #HungryForHope campaign encourages parents, caregivers, and young people to make healthier food choices as UNICEF continues to advocate for stronger policies protecting children from unhealthy food marketing. Funds raised from the Gala will support UNICEF’s work to tackle nutrition and other challenges in Thailand and in the most crises affected countries across the world. Together we are working towards a future where all children, especially those most vulnerable, can grow up healthy, strong and ready to thrive.

Download press kit and more photos from the press conference

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oFdKoSrdm6B8B1-XZb6MsCSLtR5_DneW?usp=sharing

For more information about KinRaidee #HungryForHope campaign, please visit https://unicef.or.th/en/hungry-for-hope

Watch video: Our Resolution For Every Child

Originally published by UNICEF