Published: 4/09/2010 BKK Post
The government is launching its "Thailand in your mind" project as part of an attempt to invite citizen input on how brand Thailand should be promoted internationally.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday presided over a ceremony to kick off the campaign at the Foreign Ministry.
The campaign urges citizens to vote for which image of Thailand they want the government to promote internationally. Four choices are offered:
- Thailand as a country of open-minded people with a positive attitude.
- Thailand as a country with local wisdom that is still open to the world.
- Thailand as the place where business, culture and nature converge into one destination.
- Thailand as a hub for investment and exemplary service.
Voting started yesterday and will continue until Sep 24, and can be done via the post, text messaging, and through many online venues including Facebook and Twitter. Full details are available on ThailandBranding.org
In addition, the Foreign Ministry has printed 4 million ballots for the project that are available at selected 7-Eleven, stores, Bangkok Bank branches, MK restaurants and Thailand Post.
The ministry will advertise the campaign through several media such as television, newspapers, local cable stations, stickers, billboards as well as conducting roadshows in provinces.
The results from the vote will be submitted to a committee on Thailand's image recovery and public relations headed by Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri, which will use them to devise a strategic plan.
Mr Abhisit said it is necessary to redeem Thailand's image in the eyes of foreigners, as the country has lost opportunities in trade, investment and tourism in recent years due to the political unrest.
"We will let the world know that the Thai economy is recovering and the country has returned to normalcy now.
"I would like to communicate to other countries that Thailand is ready to join in economic partnership with them," said Mr Abhisit.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said in order for a public relations campaign to be successful it must have contributions from people from all works of life, including those in state agencies, the private sector, as well as members of the general public.
"The Thailand in your mind project will let them vote for what they feel is the potential of the country. If we wish to see the country's image go in a particular direction, we should vote in order to make it come true," said Mr Kasit.
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With all the good intentions it painfully shows the state of denial of the Thais about themselves.
- Anything but open minded.
- You have a chance if you take the word "still" out.
- business is often a scam and culture is mis understood, nature is for sale.
- It used to be, not anymore, neighbours are winning fast.
Just my 2 cents.
The government is launching its "Thailand in your mind" project as part of an attempt to invite citizen input on how brand Thailand should be promoted internationally.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday presided over a ceremony to kick off the campaign at the Foreign Ministry.
The campaign urges citizens to vote for which image of Thailand they want the government to promote internationally. Four choices are offered:
- Thailand as a country of open-minded people with a positive attitude.
- Thailand as a country with local wisdom that is still open to the world.
- Thailand as the place where business, culture and nature converge into one destination.
- Thailand as a hub for investment and exemplary service.
Voting started yesterday and will continue until Sep 24, and can be done via the post, text messaging, and through many online venues including Facebook and Twitter. Full details are available on ThailandBranding.org
In addition, the Foreign Ministry has printed 4 million ballots for the project that are available at selected 7-Eleven, stores, Bangkok Bank branches, MK restaurants and Thailand Post.
The ministry will advertise the campaign through several media such as television, newspapers, local cable stations, stickers, billboards as well as conducting roadshows in provinces.
The results from the vote will be submitted to a committee on Thailand's image recovery and public relations headed by Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri, which will use them to devise a strategic plan.
Mr Abhisit said it is necessary to redeem Thailand's image in the eyes of foreigners, as the country has lost opportunities in trade, investment and tourism in recent years due to the political unrest.
"We will let the world know that the Thai economy is recovering and the country has returned to normalcy now.
"I would like to communicate to other countries that Thailand is ready to join in economic partnership with them," said Mr Abhisit.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said in order for a public relations campaign to be successful it must have contributions from people from all works of life, including those in state agencies, the private sector, as well as members of the general public.
"The Thailand in your mind project will let them vote for what they feel is the potential of the country. If we wish to see the country's image go in a particular direction, we should vote in order to make it come true," said Mr Kasit.
------------------------------------------------------
With all the good intentions it painfully shows the state of denial of the Thais about themselves.



- Anything but open minded.
- You have a chance if you take the word "still" out.
- business is often a scam and culture is mis understood, nature is for sale.
- It used to be, not anymore, neighbours are winning fast.
Just my 2 cents.