In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand recently organized a two-day training workshop on migration reporting for journalists. Held at the Pullman Bangkok King Power on May 28th and 29th, 2024, the workshop aimed to deepen understanding of migration issues among media professionals while highlighting the role of Thai government agencies and international cooperation frameworks in migration management.
Fifteen participants representing various Thai media agencies attended the workshop, which featured sessions on diverse topics such as the current migration landscape in Thailand and the region, essential terminology, combating misinformation, and utilizing photojournalism and mixed media techniques in reporting.
During the opening session, Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson, emphasized the significant contributions of migrants to Thailand’s economy and social fabric. He also underscored the pivotal role of the media in influencing public perceptions of migrants and advocating for positive policy changes.
Ms. Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission at IOM Thailand, highlighted the prevalent misconceptions faced by migrants globally, underscoring the need for evidence-based discourse to foster more favorable attitudes towards migration. She referenced the Global Migration Media Academy, an initiative by IOM aimed at improving perceptions of migration through informed public dialogue.
Additionally, Ms. Kanita Sapphaisal, Minister Counsellor at the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a special lecture on the comprehensive approach to migration management, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative effort involving all sectors of society and government.
The training concluded with an interactive “editorial conference” workshop where participants shared and pitched creative ideas for covering migrant stories, aiming to encourage nuanced and empathetic reporting on migration issues.
This training workshop is part of a broader two-year project undertaken jointly by the MFA and IOM Thailand to promote evidence-based discourse on migration and enhance media reporting. Future activities under this project include additional training workshops for students, journalism grants, field visits, and international exchanges, all aimed at fostering a more informed and empathetic understanding of migration.