The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) of Thailand has taken centre stage at the recent UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) Committee meeting in Paris. Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem delivered an in-depth presentation on Thailand’s pioneering media accessibility and literacy initiatives, emphasizing inclusivity for vulnerable populations such as youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Since 2015, the PRD has expanded its reach through a multi-platform strategy, leveraging television and radio networks alongside a nationwide network of 80,000 village broadcasting towers. This infrastructure ensures that even the most remote communities receive timely news and educational content. Complementing this terrestrial outreach, the PRD’s online portals deliver information in Thai, regional dialects, and English.
To serve audiences with disabilities, Thailand’s PRD has integrated sign language interpretation across its TV broadcasts, implemented closed-captioning services for its radio news bulletins, and added audio descriptions for visual content on digital platforms. These measures align with UNESCO’s vision of an equitable information society and showcase Thailand’s role as a regional leader in accessible media.
Director-General Lertkasem reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to continued partnership with UNESCO IFAP, outlining plans to pilot digital-literacy workshops in rural provinces and expand mobile-app news services with adjustable font sizes and voice-output options. “Our goal is to ensure that no Thai citizen is left behind—regardless of age, language, or ability,” she stated.
By sharing best practices on the global stage, Thailand aims not only to uplift its own information ecosystem but also to inspire fellow IFAP members to adopt similar accessibility standards. As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, such collaborative efforts are vital to building an inclusive, informed society for all.
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