During 28 - 29 May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand co-organized a training workshop on migration reporting for journalists at Pullman Bangkok King Power. The training aimed to enhance understanding on the issue of migration, as well as on the role of Thai government agencies and international cooperation frameworks related to migration management, and to expand the capacity of media professionals reporting on migration. The training was attended by 15 participants from various Thai media agencies.

During the opening session, Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson, welcomed the participants and underscored the contribution of migrants to Thailand’s economy and social fabric, as well as the crucial role that the media plays in shaping public perceptions on migrants in Thailand and encouraging positive policy change. Ms. Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission, IOM Thailand, highlighted the misperceptions that migrants face in societies everywhere, which led the IOM to launch the Global Migration Media Academy to promote evidence-based public discourse to improve perceptions of migration worldwide.

The 2-day training covered a comprehensive range of issues that are useful for reporting on migration, including the current migration situation in Thailand and the region, relevant terminology, mis-and-disinformation, as well as photojournalism and mixed media techniques. Additionally, Ms. Kanita Sapphaisal, Minister Counsellor, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a special lecture on the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to migration management. The training concluded with an “editorial conference” workshop during which participants shared and pitched creative ideas for covering migrant stories.

The training is part of a joint 2-year project between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IOM to foster evidence-based migration discourse and media reporting, and will be followed by a training workshop for interested students in June 2024, as well as various journalism grants, field visits and international exchanges.