Bangkok: The Media Development Fund is entering its 11th year of sustainability with the launch of STEPPING INTO YEAR 11: Beyond Sustainability, showcasing safe and creative media projects and preparing to open additional funding to cover all groups. Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Chairwoman of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, opened the event STEPPING INTO YEAR 11: Beyond Sustainability, stepping into the 11th year, moving towards sustainability. Dr. Thanakorn Srisuksai, Manager of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, and a large network of grant recipients attended the event.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas stated that the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund plays a crucial role in promoting and developing media producers, reflecting the media's potential as a tool for generating positive energy and truly driving constructive social change. With the increasing diversity of media available today, media should be a source of reliance for the public.
The Fund is preparing to propose adjustments to the regulations, criteria, and methods for allocating funds to meet the missions under Section 5 of the Fund. This will expand funding to cover all groups, ensuring universal access and utilization. This will address the needs of diverse target groups, including students, the elderly, people with disabilities, artists in various fields, and influencers who produce creative media.
Dr. Thanakorn stated that media production and human resource development require a budget. If laws and regulations are amended, with a portion of the fund's budget derived from the government's allocated budget, it will help transform the media and film industries creatively and drive true social change. He pointed out that producing a single film requires an investment of hundreds of millions to billions of baht. To produce a good film that raises public awareness, a substantial budget is required each year. This will contribute to the growth of the Thai film industry, foster skilled personnel for career advancement, and produce AI engineers for media production and production that can keep pace with technology.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the Fund's vision for its 11th year of sustainable development, along with media works by grant recipients. The aim was to inspire the development of safe and creative media for a new generation of media producers, ensuring access, understanding, and utilization for people of all ages. A forum was also held to share ideas and perspectives with media professionals, influencers, and new media producers.