The context for this training is profoundly shaped by broader trends. Over the past decade, Southeast Asia has witnessed a surge in migrant populations, driven largely by economic opportunities in Thailand, Malaysia, and increasingly, Vietnam. Simultaneously, anxieties surrounding irregular migration, border security, and perceived threats to national identity have fueled conservative political movements and shaped media coverage. Data from the United Nations indicates that over 1.4 million individuals, primarily from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, were recorded as residing in Thailand as of 2024, a number continuing to grow despite fluctuating economic conditions. Furthermore, research from the Institute for Security Analysis suggests a correlation between rising populist sentiment and increased negative media representations of migrants, frequently framed as “criminals” or “economic burdens.”
The core of the MOFA’s action is to proactively address these narratives. Deputy Director-General Maratee Nalita Andamo, in her welcome address, emphasized Thailand’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of migrants to the country’s economy and social fabric. However, her statement – “negative portrayals of migrants continue to appear in the media” – underscores a critical vulnerability. The training’s explicit goal was to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to produce more accurate, nuanced, and ethical reports. The emphasis on “evidence-based migration discourse” reflects a recognition that simplistic or emotionally-charged narratives contribute to prejudice and misunderstanding. As Chief of Mission ad interim Michiko Ito noted, “misinformation and disinformation continue to shape public perceptions,” highlighting a challenge that extends beyond Thailand’s borders and reverberates across the region.
The curriculum, developed in collaboration with academic institutions such as Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, and Hanyang University, incorporates methodologies focused on data analysis, interviewing techniques, and media law. A key element is the adoption of a “human rights-based approach,” urging journalists to prioritize the experiences and vulnerabilities of migrants. The training explicitly tackled the dangers of relying on anecdotal evidence or sensationalized reporting, advocating instead for a reliance on official statistics, research findings, and interviews with migrant communities themselves. This approach is a direct response to criticism leveled against Thai media outlets, which have frequently been accused of perpetuating stereotypes and fueling anti-immigrant sentiment through selectively reporting on incidents involving irregular migration.
However, the initiative’s success is far from guaranteed. Several factors contribute to the inherent complexity of the situation. Firstly, Thailand’s borders remain a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, which has triggered a massive displacement of Rohingya refugees and other ethnic minorities. Reporting on this complex situation often involves navigating highly sensitive political issues and competing narratives. Secondly, the training’s impact is limited to a relatively small cohort of journalists. Scaling up this training to reach a broader segment of the Thai media landscape – particularly those operating in more commercially-driven environments – presents a considerable challenge. Thirdly, the shift in media landscapes in Southeast Asia, with the increasing dominance of digital platforms and social media, introduces a new layer of complexity. Misinformation can spread rapidly across these networks, regardless of journalistic training.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely see continued pressure on Thai media to produce more balanced reporting on migration issues. The ongoing political climate in Myanmar, combined with Thailand’s own internal security concerns, are likely to generate further stories demanding careful contextualization. Over the longer term (5-10 years), the success of the training will be measured not just by the immediate output of journalists, but by its contribution to a broader shift in public discourse. A sustainable outcome hinges on fostering a deeper understanding of migration issues among policymakers, the public, and the media – a process that requires sustained effort and a commitment to promoting ethical journalism. The event at VIE Hotel Bangkok represents a significant step, but it underscores the protracted struggle to reconcile national interests with humanitarian imperatives within the ever-shifting sands of Southeast Asian geopolitics. The question remains: can Thailand effectively transform its media training initiative into a durable mechanism for fostering responsible and informed reporting, or will it ultimately prove to be a temporary response to a persistent challenge?