On 13 December 2023, the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted the “Third MFA – Foreign Media Armchair Series”, an initiative in which leading foreign journalists in Thailand are invited to discuss issues of interest with the MFA community. On this occasion, the MFA was honoured to be joined by Ms. May Wong, Senior Indochina Correspondent and Thailand Bureau Chief of Channel NewsAsia (CNA), a leading Singaporean international news media. Ms. Wong is an award-winning journalist with extensive experience covering Asia.

Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson, delivered welcoming remarks, after which Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Director of the News Division, led a wide-ranging conversation with Ms. Wong, who shared her views on the role of ASEAN and various issues pertaining to the region. Thoughts were also shared regarding effective communication, interactions between media and government, as well as memorable moments from Ms Wong’s journalistic career. This was followed by an active Q&A session, which expanded upon a number of the issues discussed.

Being the third session in the MFA-Foreign Media Armchair the Series, the MFA continues its meaningful engagement with foreign media in Thailand. As Director - General Kanchana noted, Ms. Wong is the first female journalist to take part in these Series, where she has brought valuable insights and perspectives. We look forward to furthering the conversations and fostering the constructive relations between the MFA and foreign media community through these activities in the future.