Thailand to host World's Press in 2013

The invitation was issued at this year's World Newspaper Congress, World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. More than 1000 newspaper publishers, chief editors and other senior newspaper executives attended the Kiev meetings.

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is one of the world's great destinations. Its hospitality and attraction makes it among the leading conference venues in Asia, with direct air connections from major cities all over the world.

In addition to the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum, the global summit meetings of the world's newspapers and news publishers, the 2013 events will also include the annual World Newspaper Advertising Forum, WAN-IFRA's premier event focused on advertising practices and revenues.

This is the first time Thailand and Southeast Asia will host the World Newspaper Congress and its related conferences and to date, key supporters of the Bangkok 2013 conference includes the Prime Minister's Office, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International, the Thai Journalists Association, the Press Council of Thailand and the Online News Providers Association.

Chakkrish Permpool, chairman of the Press Council of Thailand said: "On behalf of the Thai independent self-regulatory body founded by all major newspapers in Thailand, we would like to welcome all our friends in newspaper industry from around the world to come and experience the free press atmosphere in Thailand."

"Thailand has so many vibrant newspapers. Journalists here enjoy their freedom and are very excited with the opportunity to exchange views on the future of journalists and newspapers with guests in this upcoming historic World Newspapers Congress in Bangkok," added Chavarong Limpattamapanee, president, Thai Journalists Association.

Although strongly challenged in recent years by the rapid growth and access to the internet, mobile phones and digital media, Thai newspapers remain unregulated and the market is highly competitive.

"It has been a while since the Congress was held in the region (Seoul, South Korea in 2005 and Hyderabad, India in 2009) and WAN-IFRA's Asia Pacific Committee is excited and looking forward to assisting the Thai newspaper associations and Thai government agencies in making the Bangkok congress a resounding success,' said its chairman Pichai Chuensuksawadi.

"The Thai government is proud that Bangkok had been chosen as the host city for these important media and advertising events and looks forward to welcoming the delegates to Thailand," said Professor Tongthong Chandrangsu, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office. Thailand, he said, shares the goal of improving cooperation between all members of the international press, electronic and digital web-based media and advertising sectors worldwide.

"As a government organization in charge of promoting Thailand as a preferred destination of choice for international meetings, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) looks forward to welcoming the 65th World Newspaper Congress and all distinguished delegates to Thailand in 2013," said TCEB Board member and acting president Thongchai Sridama.

Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, "Thailand is honored that so many prominent media personalities will be congregating here. This is good proof that Thailand is not only a world-class meetings and holiday destination, but also underscores the vital role that local and international free media plays in Thai society."

Registration and information about next year's Congress and Forum in Bangkok can be found at http://www.wan-ifra.org/bangkok2013