On 27 April 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, was invited to the Gala Dinner of the 21st General Assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ), hosted by the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) at the Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by YB Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia. Also in attendance were Mr. Low Boon Tat, President of NUJM, along with representatives and observers from CAJ member media organisations across ASEAN, as well as from China and the Republic of Korea, totaling over 100 participants.

 

The Deputy Minister congratulated CAJ on the signing of the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Journalism and Ethical Innovation”, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation in journalism grounded in ethical practices amid current challenges. He also underscored the role of the media as a cultural bridge in fostering mutual understanding and unity within ASEAN, and encouraged support for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign to promote tourism in Malaysia throughout 2026.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador exchanged views with the Deputy Minister on the Embassy’s initiatives to promote people-to-people connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, particularly in the fields of arts, culture, and tourism. She also extended her congratulations to the President of NUJM on his appointment as President of CAJ for the 2026–2028 term. In addition, the Ambassador met with representatives from Thailand’s Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ), namely Mr. Chavarong Limpattamapanee, Advisor to CTJ and Chairman of the National Press Council of Thailand; Ms. Norrinee Ruangnoo, Deputy President of CTJ and President of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA); and Dr. Anucha Charoenpo, Deputy Secretary-General of CTJ and Vice President for International Affairs of TJA, who attended the meeting as CAJ members. The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to advancing public diplomacy and enhancing cooperation in the media sector with Malaysia and other partners, with a view to fostering friendship, mutual understanding, and a positive image of Thailand among the international community.