Minister Supamas has outlined five major challenges for the media fund, highlighting the role of safe and creative media to ensure children, youth, and the public can access, understand, and use media wisely and equitably.
At 10:00 a.m. on 1 July 2569 GMT+7, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairperson of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund Board, presided over the opening of a workshop to develop the operational plan, financial plan, and budget for fiscal year 2027, while delivering policy guidance and operational direction. The event was held at the Diamond Dome Meeting Room, 22nd floor, Queensland Hotel, Bangkok. Ms. Patcharin Somsiriphong, Secretary to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, along with Mr. Thanakorn Srisuksai, Fund Manager, board members, subcommittee members, experts, and fund executives attended.
Ms. Supamas stated that fiscal year 2027 marks the final year of the fund’s second strategic plan (2023–2027), making it an important opportunity to summarize results and set future directions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the government has set five policy challenges to guide the 2027 plan: transforming the fund’s role from solely a grant provider to a co-creator with more flexible support; integrating efforts with related agencies such as the Public Relations Department and MCOT Public Company Limited to develop local content creators and local heroes in every province; establishing a joint Code of Conduct and supporting Thai digital platforms; creating safe learning spaces for all ages through online threat awareness activities; and advocating for amendments to laws and regulations that hinder creative works and intellectual property development.
“These five challenges represent a shared responsibility for all parties to create a safe and creative space where children, youth, and the public can access, understand, and use media wisely and equitably. I am committed to fully supporting and driving the 2027 plan to practical implementation that sustainably benefits the country. I also urge the fund to revise grant criteria to be more flexible by reducing paperwork and selecting quality creators who communicate constructive and socially beneficial content.”
The crucial role of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund is to serve as Thailand’s main governmental mechanism to promote and support the production of high-quality, creative, and socially safe media. The fund opens opportunities for networks, the public, private sector, and various agencies to apply for budget support to produce creative media such as television, radio, film, online media, or new media innovations. It also supports the creation of prototype media with educational content that promotes culture, learning, and morality as positive options for society. Additionally, it campaigns and raises awareness among all groups, especially children and youth, to analyze, filter, and critically select media to avoid becoming victims of unsafe media. The fund coordinates with government, private, and civil society networks to foster a healthy media environment.
Ms. Supamas added, “As a mother myself, I understand well that all parents worry about their children using online media. Children, youth, and the elderly are all vulnerable to deception by criminals and ill-intentioned individuals who use modern media as tools, as well as potential incitement to social hatred. Therefore, building understanding about selecting and engaging with creative media is crucial. I want the fund to create safe and easily accessible learning spaces in daily life, enabling people of all ages to be aware of online threats and genuinely care for each other.”
The public can follow news and activities of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund via the websitewww.thaimediafund.or.thandthe Facebook fan page “Safe and Creative Media Development Fund”.
