The three-day conference, hosted by Thailand’s Public Relations Department (PRD) at the Beyond Kata Hotel, marks the first time Phuket has served as venue for the influential regional media forum.
PRD Director-General Sudruthai Lertkasem, who also serves as Chairwoman of AIBD’s Executive Board (EXBO), presided over the opening day, stressing Thailand’s commitment to elevating media standards and strengthening regional cooperation.
“Hosting this event reflects international recognition of Thailand’s role in the media sector,” Ms Sudruthai said. “It is a vital opportunity to exchange knowledge and shape the future of the Asia-Pacific media industry.”
The opening day began with a meeting of the Strategic Planning Team (SPT), which reviewed AIBD’s five-year plan for 2025–2029 and prepared proposals for the EXBO. Delegates discussed key priorities including performance reviews, budget planning and implementation of long-term strategies.
Central to the talks was the establishment of three new working groups aimed at driving the organisation’s future goals:
- Emerging Technology Working Group – harnessing innovations such as artificial intelligence to enhance media operations.
- Content Working Group – focusing on quality programming, digital audience needs and revenue generation.
- Sustainability Working Group – setting financial and environmental guidelines to ensure long-term stability.
Thai media personnel are expected to play a role in all three groups, reflecting Thailand’s growing leadership within AIBD.
AIBD Director Philomena Gnanapragasm praised the conference’s guiding concept of ‘Media for People, Peace, and Prosperity’, noting that peace was “what the world needs most” and that the media plays a crucial role in achieving it.
The conference continues through Aug 21, with sessions focused on policy development, training opportunities, and collaborative projects among member states. The EXBO meeting, chaired by Ms Sudruthai, is expected to formally adopt the new strategic initiatives.
The arrival of media leaders from over 40 countries, observers noted, not only reinforces the global significance of the AIBD meeting but also underlines Phuket’s capacity to host high-level international conferences and strengthen Thailand’s role as a hub for media cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, noted a PRD report of the event.
Delegates arriving in Phuket highlighted the value of regional cooperation. India’s public service broadcaster, represented by CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, expressed interest in expanding exchanges with Thai media, citing the popularity of Thai films in India as a cultural bridge.
Russia’s TASS news agency, Vietnam’s Voice of Vietnam and delegations from Bangladesh, Seychelles, Maldives and Malaysia also stressed the importance of the conference for strengthening professional ties and promoting tourism links with Thailand.
The PRD welcomed international delegates with traditional Thai flower garlands at Phuket International Airport, showcasing Thai hospitality and cultural soft power as part of its diplomatic outreach.
Looking Ahead
A key outcome of the SPT meeting was a proposal for the Asia Media Summit 2026, to be hosted in the Maldives. Themed around sustainability and technology, the summit will focus on how media organisations can address global challenges such as climate change, clean energy and responsible digital innovation