Gathering to Showcase Thailand's Influence Through Cultural Diplomacy
The "Splash -- Soft Power Forum 2025" has officially commenced at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, marking Southeast Asia's largest soft power event. Running from July 8 to 11, the forum is a joint initiative by Thailand's Ministry of Culture, the Department of Cultural Promotion, the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), with support from the private sector, local communities, and international networks.
The event's theme, "Thailand's Opportunities in the Creative Cultural Industry," aims to advance Thailand's soft power and elevate its global presence by showcasing the country's cultural creativity as a driver of sustainable economic growth. The forum spotlights 14 creative industries, including food, fashion, film, tourism, Muay Thai, festivals, music, visual arts, performing arts, design, gaming, literature, and wellness—portraying them as tools for economic and social influence worldwide.
The event features a Visionary Stage, where leading thinkers, creators, and leaders from Thailand and abroad share insights and strategies to inspire new generations and push Thailand’s creative sectors forward. Interactive exhibitions, business networking, expert-led workshops, and innovative tech-driven experiences are also on offer, fostering collaboration both locally and internationally.
Prominent figures such as the current culture minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin will address participants at the event. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opened the forum with a speech on "Thailand Rising: Tourism, Education and the New Soft Power Frontier" on Tuesday.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will speak on "Crafting the Future: From Otop to ThaiWorks and Beyond" on Wednesday, while former prime minister Srettha Thavisin will participate in a discussion on "Rethinking Thai Sports in a Disruptive Era" on Thursday, joining Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek and taekwondo champion Panipak Wongpattanakit.
Admission to the "Splash -- Soft Power Forum 2025" is free with advance registration at splash.thacca.go.th, emphasizing public engagement in this cultural-economic initiative. The government spokesman stated that the forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from national leaders and experts, and gain inspiration to convert cultural value into economic power.
By bringing together Thailand's creative talents and strategic minds, the "Splash -- Soft Power Forum 2025" aims to reimagine how Thai identity can thrive on the world stage economically, socially, and artistically.
- The event spans across various creative industries, including food-and-drink, fashion, travel, music, visual arts, performing arts, design, gaming, literature, and wellness-related sectors, demonstrating their potential as global drivers of economic growth and social influence.
- Education-and-self-development is on the agenda through workshops and talks from national leaders and experts, providing attendees with valuable insights and strategies for personal growth and the conversion of cultural value into economic power.
- Beyond speeches, the forum offers interactive exhibitions, networking opportunities, and innovative tech-driven experiences, fostering a platform for collaboration among creators, thinkers, and leaders from around the world, ultimately enhancing international connections and home-and-garden collaborations in the creative cultural industry.
