Mr. Maris Sangiemphong, the Foreign Minister, opened the seminar "Thailand and Creative ASEAN" at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, organized by the ASEAN Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, and the Office of Creative Economy Promotion (Public Organization).

During the event, the Foreign Minister emphasized the potential of the ASEAN region in the creative economy and highlighted opportunities for expanding investment in the region's industries. He discussed the government's role in supporting the development of the creative economy, facilitating knowledge and experience exchanges with experts both nationally and regionally. This included discussions on strategies for development, strengthening, and nurturing potential individuals, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them to compete in international markets.

The seminar featured lectures on "Promoting Creative Economy: Best Practices and Experiences" and "Current Status and Way Forward in Promoting ASEAN’s Creative Economy," where knowledge and experiences in developing the creative economy and protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) were exchanged between the public and private sectors of Thailand, ASEAN, negotiating partner countries, and international organizations with expertise. It served as a brainstorming platform to find ways to promote cooperation in the creative economy between the public and private sectors within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partner countries.

During the discussions, speakers from the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and representatives from the Thai public and private sectors shared their experiences and opinions on developing and promoting the creative industry. Additionally, an exhibition showcased works from Thai brands such as PDM, VINN PATARARIN, OTOP products, and products promoted by the Ministry of Commerce, along with global brands like POP MART, while also displaying information on creative economy cooperation within ASEAN and Thailand's policies to promote the creative economy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies will utilize the outcomes from this seminar as a guideline for promoting creative economy policies in the ASEAN region, as well as for cooperation with relevant ASEAN negotiating partner countries moving forward.