BANGKOK, Thailand – Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised has launched the 5C: Thailand Cultural Diplomacy in Action framework to strengthen cultural cooperation with Australia and New Zealand, create international opportunities for Thai artists, and support the creative economy. Following her recent visit to Australia and New Zealand with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the minister stated that cultural diplomacy will foster long-term partnerships and benefit Thai communities and creative professionals.
The first component, Connect, expands cooperation with Australia in performing arts, artist development, expert exchanges, the creative economy, and cultural heritage. Activities are planned for the 75th anniversary of Thai–Australian diplomatic relations. Thailand and New Zealand have also established their first cultural cooperation framework, which includes the arts, heritage, museums, archaeology, film, and creative industries. The second C, Create, will offer Thai artists, designers, creators, and cultural professionals opportunities to collaborate with international networks, including through initiatives like Bangkok Design Week.
Cultivate focuses on exchanging expertise and knowledge in the arts, museums, archaeology, and cultural management to strengthen Thailand’s cultural professionals and ecosystem. Create Value links culture, creativity, tourism, and business to expand markets, employment, networks, and income. The final C, Continue, will turn discussions into artist-expert exchanges, joint activities, and formal work plans.
The ministry will also seek a Thai–Australian cultural cooperation agreement and work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fine Arts Department to facilitate the return of Thai antiquities from Australia. The Minister emphasized that the initiative aims to raise international recognition of Thai artists, strengthen professional networks, and enhance Thailand’s cultural presence on the global stage. (NNT)
