(11 July 2025, Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia) — The Thai delegates, led by Mrs. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of the Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand), together with Mr. Supapong Chaolan, Executive Director of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), and PRD officials, attended the 26th ASEAN Sub-Committee on Information Meeting (26th SCI) on Thursday. The meeting brought together representatives from information and media agencies of all ten ASEAN member states, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. The meeting served as a platform for member states to deliberate and advance regional information policies through concrete joint initiatives.

On this occasion, PRD Thailand presented updates on key projects under Thailand’s leadership, including “A Journey of ASEAN Flavours” project, which promotes ASEAN culinary identity through field activities, cultural immersion, and hands-on media production in a creative format. PRD Thailand also highlighted Thailand’s collaboration in other regional initiatives, such as Myanmar’s “Vivid ASEAN” project, where Thailand and other member states jointly produce programmes featuring ASEAN’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

PRD Thailand Director-General expressed gratitude to the member states and Timor-Leste for their continued support of Thailand’s projects. She also took the opportunity to invite all member countries to participate in the upcoming AIBD General Conference this August in Phuket, which will be presided over by H.E.Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office during the opening ceremony.

Additionally, the meeting acknowledged Thailand’s proposal for a new flagship project for 2026 titled “ASEAN Night Spirits Festival.” The project aims to use local folklore and shared cultural beliefs as a creative medium to connect ASEAN communities through innovative, borderless storytelling accessible via modern platforms and formats, such as podcasts and social media, led by the younger generation. Thailand will prepare a detailed project plan and budget proposal for endorsement before submitting it to the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI) for final approval.

The SCI meeting is convened annually as a mechanism for exchanging views, monitoring the progress of projects funded by the ASEAN Cultural Fund, and considering new project proposals. It remains a crucial forum for member states to collectively drive regional public communication strategies, foster greater understanding, raise awareness, and strengthen the sense of unity among the peoples of ASEAN.