The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand, as well as Social Lab - Migration in Media (collaboration between Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, and Hanyang University, the Republic of Korea) co-organized a workshop on “Communicating on Migration: C4D Approach” from 17 - 18 February 2025, at Grande Centre Point Ploenchit Hotel, Bangkok. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding on migration issues, the role of Thai government agencies and international cooperation frameworks related to migration management, as well as promote the Communication for Development (C4D) approach on migration for civil society organizations. Over 30 representatives from civil society organizations participated in the workshop.

During the opening session, Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of Thailand as a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants. She emphasised that migrants in Thailand are the integral part of the economic and social development. However, migrants remain largely misunderstood, leading to misperception and disinformation. She underscored the need for an integrated and collaborative environment with civil society organizations, which are at the forefront of addressing challenges and promoting social inclusion and cohesion within the local communities. She also highlighted the role of the Ministry in promoting the image of the country through accurate, transparent, and unbiased reporting.

Meanwhile, Ms. Géraldine Ansart, Chief of IOM Thailand, mentioned that Thailand is a leader in supporting the migration compact. She highlighted that migration is an integral part of human history, yet migrants continue to face misperceptions and prejudice in society, resulting in mistreatment and social stigma. IOM recognizes the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly with civil society organizations. These organizations have first-hand engagement with local communities and play a crucial role in ensuring that migration narratives are fact-based in order to strengthen knowledge and promote evidence-based public discourse on migration reporting.

The workshop is part of a joint two-year project on “Promoting Evidence-based Migration Discourse and Media Reporting” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IOM Thailand.