SONGKHLA, Thailand – Public Relations Department (PRD) Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem visited Songkhla province on July 11 to lead a series of meetings addressing public communication efforts across Southern Thailand, with an emphasis on coordination in the southern border provinces. Held at Laguna Grand Hotel & Spa Songkhla, the meetings provided senior government officials with an opportunity to review progress on the Strategic Communication and Cooperation Project for fiscal year 2025 and to advance joint efforts under a multi-agency communication program in the region.
The Strategic Communication and Cooperation Project supports public messaging and interagency coordination in Songkhla, Satun, Trang, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Oversight is managed by regional and local PRD offices, which are tasked with implementing communication strategies that support public awareness and engagement across these provinces. Senior PRD officials, directors from regional broadcasting offices under the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, and local staff attended the session.
Later in the day, Sudruetai joined 4th Army Region Commander and ISOC Region 4 Director Lt Gen Paisan Nusang, and Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Deputy Secretary-General Nantapong Suwannarat for a high-level meeting to discuss measures to improve communication coordination in the southern border area. The meeting continued efforts first launched in October 2024 and served as the second official gathering for the 2025 fiscal year involving PRD, ISOC Region 4 Forward Command, and SBPAC.
Participants reviewed the use of the Southern Border Information Center as a tool for timely communication and cooperation across agencies. The discussion centered on ensuring that public communication channels are responsive and accurate, particularly during emergencies or periods of heightened tension. The PRD called on its partners to maintain strong coordination, allowing for early information sharing and effective dissemination during incidents affecting the southern region.
Throughout the meetings, Sudruetai addressed the PRD’s role in supporting national communication priorities, including its responsibilities under the Soft Power policy, which includes promoting the music and fashion sectors. She also made clear the importance of structured internal operations and capacity building to enhance the department’s ability to deliver reliable and consistent public messaging across all regions. (NNT)
