Thai Times

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Saturday, Aug 02, 2025

Thai Leaders to Showcase Soft Power Initiatives at 2025 Forum

Significant forum in Bangkok will feature key figures discussing the future of Thai soft power through various cultural and economic lenses.

Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin, are set to present their visions for the future of Thai soft power at the upcoming Splash – Soft Power Forum 2025. The forum is scheduled to take place from July 8 to July 11, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, as announced by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the National Soft Power Committee, along with its subcommittees, and enjoys backing from private sector stakeholders, local communities, and international networks. The focus of the forum is to highlight soft power as a critical driver of Thai identity and global cultural impact.

The forum will include a Visionary Stage, where experts from 14 different soft power industries will present their insights and ideate future directions to inspire a new generation of leaders and creatives.

Paetongtarn, who is also the Minister of Culture, will deliver a keynote speech titled “Thailand Rising: Tourism, Education and the New Soft Power Frontier” on July 8, scheduled from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Her address aims to explore the interconnections between tourism, education, and soft power development in Thailand.

Thaksin Shinawatra is set to present on July 9 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, focusing on his vision titled “Crafting the Future: From OTOP to ThaiWORKS and Beyond.” This discussion will delve into Thailand's One Tambon One Product (OTOP) initiative and broader efforts towards national branding and economic development through domestic craftsmanship.

On July 10, Srettha Thavisin will participate in a panel discussion alongside prominent sports figures, including Buakaw Banchamek, a legendary Muay Thai boxer, and Panipak Wongpattanakit, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo. Their talk, “Rethinking Thai Sports in a Disruptive Era,” aims to provoke thought around the future of athletics in Thailand in the context of global change.

The forum will also feature six interactive zones designed to engage visitors and stakeholders extensively:

  1. Creative Culture Village: This zone will showcase interactive exhibits from 14 Thai creative sectors, including food, film, music, fashion, and tourism, aimed primarily at fostering engagement with the younger demographic.
  2. THACCA Pavilion: This central hub will provide essential knowledge, strategy, and branding tools that seek to advance Thailand's identity through soft power methodologies. It will offer expert guidance for entrepreneurs in the cultural sector.
  3. Glo-Cal Networking: A dedicated space for business matchmaking, this zone will connect local and international entrepreneurs with potential investors to advance collaborative projects and creative partnerships.
  4. Workshop & Masterclass: Under the initiative named “One Family One Soft Power (OFOS),” the forum will provide hands-on learning experiences aimed at connecting youth and emerging entrepreneurs with industry professionals.
  5. Experiential Zone: This immersive exhibition, titled Multisensory Mindfulness Experiences, will aim to engage visitors' senses and offer innovative interpretations of Thai soft power.
  6. Visionary Stage: A platform for global thinkers and creative pioneers to share insights and inspire new cultural innovations and economic growth opportunities within the region.
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