Drive to promote Thai soft power heats up

A significant upskilling and reskilling initiative is needed for Thais, aimed at creating "soft power warriors" for the nation, with a target of 20 million trained individuals by 2027.

Participants in the "Amazing Thai to the World" project, initiated by Thacca, focus on enhancing the culinary skills of village cooks across Thailand. (Photo: Bangkok Post)
Participants in the "Amazing Thai to the World" project, initiated by Thacca, focus on enhancing the culinary skills of village cooks across Thailand. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Bangkok (VNA) - A draft bill to promote Thailand’s soft power will soon be submitted to the cabinet, while the establishment of the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (Thacca) is anticipated in the first quarter of next year, said the chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee.

Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the committee, said a soft power policy is vital to transform Thailand's economic structure and create new growth engines as conventional industries can no longer sustain significant growth.

He said the Creative Culture Promotion Act, prepared by the Office of the Council of State, has completed the draft phase and will soon be submitted for cabinet consideration. Once approved, it will proceed to parliamentary review, with expectations for its enactment by early next year.

Thacca is meant to serve as the key agency to drive soft power initiatives.

The office is expected to begin operation in the first quarter of 2026, serving as a super agency to support Thailand's soft power efforts in various sectors, similar to agencies in the Republic of Korea (RoK)

The new organisational structure includes a three-tiered board system, with the prime minister heading the policy board, a secondary national soft power board and specific sub-boards for different industries.

Budgets are allocated annually based on strategic initiatives, ensuring comprehensive collaboration among relevant agencies involved in those efforts.

Surapong said the discussions with the private sector have resulted in plans to expand the soft power industries from 11 to 15 sectors to enhance targeted promotion efforts.

The additional sectors include drama and series production; performing arts; soft power in wellness, with a focus on designing experiences; and the advertising industry.

A significant upskilling and reskilling initiative is needed for Thais, aimed at creating "soft power warriors" for the nation, with a target of 20 million trained individuals by 2027.

The system for online registration and learning in certain fields, such as cooking classes, has already launched, with 1,300 participants having completed their courses./.

VNA

See more

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms continued contributions to UNGA President’s Office

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang called on the UNGA President candidate to promote the issues of Vietnam’s concern during her tenure, including the upholding of and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring a transparent UN reform process with the full participation of all member states.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand outlines strategy for trade talks with US

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira detailed the strategy, which includes restructuring the agricultural processing sector to address domestic supply shortages and identify areas where US imports can complement Thailand's production chains.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)

Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

Medicines for malaria treatment (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia builds AI model for malaria diagnosis

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support malaria diagnosis, toward warding off the disease by 2030.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a press conference after the cabinet meeting on March 13. (Photo: Government House)

Thailand sends trade proposal to US

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.