Bangkok: Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra delivered a pivotal lecture at the Global Soft Power Talk: The New Rules of Soft Power event, emphasizing Thailand's ambition to become a leader in global soft power. She highlighted the nation's readiness to transform its creative industry with world-class ideas and invited foreign investment, assuring potential investors of long-term stability rather than just short-term gains.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister closed the seminar by expressing gratitude to the co-organizers, THACCA and Melco Resorts and Entertainment, and thanked distinguished speakers for their contributions. She articulated that Thailand, with its rich tradition, history, and culture, is poised to redefine its identity beyond being a mere tourist destination.
The Prime Minister underscored that soft power is a significant economic driver, not merely a theoretical concept. She announced the establishment of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to focus on 13 key industries, including tourism, food, fashion, and performing arts, to foster public-private partnerships for tangible development.
She introduced the One Family One Soft Power (OFOS) project, aimed at equipping over 20 million people with new skills by 2027, through free training courses in various sectors. The initiative is expected to lay the foundation for sustainable development and enhance Thailand's global competitiveness.
Highlighting Thailand's culinary reputation, the Prime Minister stressed the need to elevate Thai food into a global brand that exemplifies nutrition, sustainability, and health. She also outlined Thailand's ambitions to become a global health hub, leveraging its expertise in holistic medicine and medical innovations.
Furthermore, she addressed the rapid growth of Thailand's film, music, and gaming industries, emphasizing the importance of marketing and public relations to achieve global recognition. THACCA was identified as a critical bridge in facilitating collaboration between the government, private sector, and international investors.
The Prime Minister invited international partners to invest in Thailand's creative industries, promising a stable and sustainable future. She concluded by expressing gratitude to Lawrence for supporting THACCA and emphasized the importance of collaboration to position Thailand as a world leader in soft power and the creative economy.