On 11 September 2019, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane led a delegation of prominent Lao media representatives from Lao Journalist Association, Khaosane Pathet Laos (KPL), Vientiane Times Newspaper, Lao National Radio, and Target Magazine to pay a courtesy call on Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

The Director-General of the Department of Information briefed the delegation on the responsibilities of the department and public relations activities during Thailand’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019. Representatives from the Department of ASEAN Affairs and the Department of East Asian Affairs were also present to provide information on Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities and the long standing diplomatic relations between Thailand and Lao PDR, to be commemorated at the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Thailand-Lao PDR diplomatic relations in 2020.

 

The Director-General of the Department of Information stressed the significance of social media platforms in reaching out to every target group since they are popular and widespread   channels of communication. 

 

In the evening of the same day, Mr. Damrong Kraikruan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a welcoming dinner in honour of the delegation at Ping’s Restaurant at Pathumwan Princess Hotel. It was attended by representatives of the Thai media as well as representatives from the Department of Information and the Department of East Asian Affairs.

 

The visit of the Lao PDR media delegation was initiated by the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane to strengthen collaboration between the mass media of the two countries and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of Thailand and Lao PDR.