On 1 - 6 September 2018, the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, organised the ASEAN + 3 New Media Familiarisation Programme, with participation of top bloggers and media influencers from ASEAN, as well as from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

 

During the programme, the delegation engaged in various activities, including a visit to the ASEAN Cultural Centre in Bangkok to learn more about ASEAN and the ASEAN Community awareness in Thailand, as well as a visit to Ayutthaya province to learn of the linkages between ASEAN + 3 countries through creative history and sightseeing of famous historical sites. Among the highlight were the theme on Thailand’s economic potential and development under the Thailand 4.0 policy and the country’s plan to expand the transportation network. Participants also recognised the determination of Thailand to strengthen and move ASEAN forward, as Thailand prepares to assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019 after Singapore.

 

The group paid a courtesy call on Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Director-General of Information and MFA’s Spokesperson on 5 September 2018 at the Ministry, during which they voiced their suggestions on how government agencies could use new media as a tool to create a deeper connection with the general public.

 

The programme closed off with a wrap up session which gathered together leading Thai new media entrepreneurs and influencers, along with MFA’s very own top bloggers in an informal seminar to share their suggestions, ideas, and exchange experiences with the visiting delegation. Mr. Ariya Banomyong, Managing Director of Line Thailand was the keynote speaker for this session.

 

The ASEAN + 3 New Media Familiarisation Programme is part of the Ministry’s effort to showcase Thailand’s economic potential, while helping to establish a network among the region’s new media sector to raise a sense of ASEAN awareness and enhance people-to-people connectivity.