Bandar Seri Begawan: Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand, spearheaded the 17th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Meeting and the 8th ASEAN and Dialogue Partners’ Meeting (AMRI+3) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meetings, held on May 7-8, 2025, focused on enhancing regional cooperation to prevent fake news and promote the creative use of digital media. The theme for these gatherings was “MAJU: Media Advancing Joint Understanding,” emphasizing the media’s role in fostering cooperation and mutual understanding within the ASEAN region.

According to Thai News Agency, the meetings highlighted progress in communication cooperation among ASEAN member countries. Ms. Jiraporn outlined guidelines for promoting information roles in a creative, responsible, and ethical manner, while ensuring freedom of expression. Her approach, termed the ACT concept, included:

1) Accessible Media: Initiatives to develop media accessible to all ages, languages, and communities. Thailand is producing ASEAN content programs that cater to youth and are available in local languages nationwide.

2) Credible Information: Efforts to develop reliable information and promote media literacy. This includes producing and disseminating accurate information and promoting a love of learning and critical analysis of current news.

3) Transformative Youth: Collaborating with the new generation, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are both consumers and creators of media. Thailand’s New(s) Gen Leader Camp project aims to enhance youth communication skills and raise awareness about the harms of e-cigarettes.

The meetings also saw the endorsement of three significant documents:

1. The Draft Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on ASEAN Information Ministers’ commitment to driving media and information strategy.

2. The Draft Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN.

3. The Draft Joint Statement of the 17th ASEAN Information Ministers Meeting and the 8th ASEAN Information Ministers Meeting with Plus Three Dialogue Partners.

These documents aim to enhance the quality of government communication, ensure transparency, and prevent fake news, while promoting the responsible use of digital media. The outcomes are expected to strengthen information resilience among Thai people and expand ASEAN cooperation in media development for mutual benefit.