logo
PRCA Thailand Conference Reveals Nine in Ten Thais Want Transparency as AI Use Explodes

PRCA Thailand Conference Reveals Nine in Ten Thais Want Transparency as AI Use Explodes

The Sun3 days ago
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 August 2025 – As Thailand accelerates investment in artificial intelligence (AI), new research from PRCA APAC and YouGov reveals that trust is the cornerstone of public acceptance. While there is cautious optimism and strong calls for regulation, the Thai public expects transparency from brands and institutions to build and maintain that trust.
Presented at the inaugural PRCA Thailand Conference 2025, the study, titled 'The Impact of AI on Thai Society', reveals a complex national picture. While Thailand is emerging as a regional leader in AI, with a USD 15.4 billion investment in infrastructure and a national plan to produce 90,000 AI professionals, the public remains sharply aware of the risks that come with rapid adoption.
Key highlights from the research include:
--> Transparency builds trust: 92% of Thais want brands to disclose AI use. Trust spikes among Gen Z (37%) and young families (31%) when AI use is transparent.
--> Misuse tops concerns: 40% cite AI misuse as their biggest worry, followed by misinformation, deepfakes, privacy, and ethics. Gen X and rural groups are most cautious.
--> AI supports, not replaces: 55% say AI boosts efficiency, but most agree it should enhance—not replace—human creativity.
--> Demand for guidance: Many want practical AI education online and offline, with calls for stronger government regulation on ethics and skills training.
'Trust and transparency aren't just public expectations, they're now brand imperatives in the AI era,' said Dr. Karine Lohitnavy, Chair of PRCA Thailand and Founder of Midas PR. 'As communicators, we have a vital role to play in bridging the gap between innovation and understanding. That means helping the public make sense of AI's impact while holding brands accountable to ethical, human-first storytelling.'
Speaker Narongyod Mahittivanicha, Founder of TWF Agency and Vice President of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, reinforced the irreplaceable role of human creativity in public relations. Referencing a recent viral Coldplay-related campaign known as the 'Astronomer CEO' crisis response, he noted that the level of creativity, emotional intelligence, and nuance involved is something AI cannot yet replicate.
In a fireside chat titled 'Viva La Press Release! Old Format, New Tech,' Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: 'In today's digital publishing and AI era, press releases play a vital role in driving brand trust through verbatim, guaranteed posting on authoritative news websites. These features give PR professionals the ability to control the narrative of key corporate messages, building brand equity with targeted journalists and media across their chosen markets. The advancements in AI will further empower the public relations industry.'
Panel discussions included leaders from Microsoft Thailand, SCBx, Predictive, and Xponential Co., exploring AI's real-world applications in PR, brand reputation, and public perception. Moderated by Edelman Thailand's Vorasit Turongsomboon and digital creator Tossapol Leongsuppon, the panels addressed ethical governance, influencer transparency, and the public's call for structured AI education and stronger regulation.
Jaruwan Vorarakthananun, Communications Lead at Microsoft Thailand, said: 'AI isn't here to replace communications professionals—it's here to empower us. Generative AI is still evolving, learning every day. It's up to us to guide its growth and ensure it truly works for us. Don't hesitate to adopt AI into your daily work. Treat it as a trusted assistant that helps us work smarter, faster, and with greater impact.'
The inaugural PRCA Thailand Conference took place on 6 August 2025 at SCBx NEXT Tech, Siam Paragon, bringing together professionals from Thailand's public relations, business, and technology communities. The conference was supported by Gold Sponsor Media OutReach Newswire and other sponsors, including Edelman Thailand, MIDAS-PR, Moonshot Digital, Vero, SCBX, and YouGov.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Uncertainties over US interest rates will likely see the ringgit trade around RM4.20-4.22 this week
Uncertainties over US interest rates will likely see the ringgit trade around RM4.20-4.22 this week

The Star

time6 hours ago

  • The Star

Uncertainties over US interest rates will likely see the ringgit trade around RM4.20-4.22 this week

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The ringgit is expected to hover between RM4.20 and RM4.22 this week as traders and investors remain cautious over the trajectory of US interest rates. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the release of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes next Thursday, Aug 20 (Wednesday, Aug 19, in the US) could offer more clarity on the state of the US economy, particularly after two FOMC members dissented from the recent decision and favoured a 25-basis-point rate cut. Meanwhile, Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd said that markets continued to swing between two and three US Federal Reserve (Fed) cuts over the past few weeks. "We maintain our base case for two, underpinned by evidence that firms are absorbing tariff costs, a trend that is unsustainable and likely to squeeze margins,' it said in a research note. Moreover, the investment bank said further easing would require either a major deterioration in the next jobs report or a significantly dovish tone from Fed chair Jerome Powell. "Hence, we expect the ringgit to range around RM4.22 to RM4.23 against the greenback in the near term,' it added. On Thursday, the ringgit appreciated to the 4.18 level against the US dollar, its strongest level in more than six weeks. The last time it reached a similar high was on July 1, when it hit 4.1805. Meanwhile, on a Friday-to-Friday basis, the ringgit ended the week higher against the greenback, closing at 4.2085/2155 versus 4.2420/2480 previously. The local note traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. The ringgit appreciated vis-à-vis the Japanese yen to 2.8653/8702 from 2.8720/8763 the previous week and rose versus the euro to 4.9185/9267 from 4.9381/9451, but declined against the British pound to 5.7050/7145 from 5.7034/7114 The ringgit also trended firmer against Asean currencies. The local note improved against the Singapore dollar to 3.2820/2877 from 3.3014/3064 at the end of last week, inched up versus the Thai baht to 12.9760/13.0032 from 13.1173/1419, gained versus the Indonesian rupiah to 260.2/260.8 from 260.3/260.8 and strengthened against the Philippine peso to 7.37/7.39 from 7.43/7.44 in the preceding week. - Bernama

Philippines suspends rice imports for 60 days, hitting Thai exporters
Philippines suspends rice imports for 60 days, hitting Thai exporters

The Star

time10 hours ago

  • The Star

Philippines suspends rice imports for 60 days, hitting Thai exporters

BANGKOK: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced after a Cabinet meeting that he would order a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from Sept 1 to Oct 30, to ease the impact of falling paddy prices during the harvest season. The move follows a proposal from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who recommended a temporary halt to rice imports. The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the domestic rice market has been under pressure from cheap imported rice, forcing some traders to buy paddy from farmers at only 8–10 pesos per kilogramme, well below the production cost of 12–14 pesos per kilogramme. Farmers blamed the influx of cheap imports as the main reason for the depressed farmgate prices. According to the Thailand's Office of Commercial Affairs in Manila, the suspension applies to regular milled rice and well-milled rice, while basmati and other speciality rice varieties will be exempted. Industry stakeholders noted that reducing imports will increase reliance on domestic harvests, pushing farmgate paddy prices higher. However, retail rice prices are also expected to rise by about 1–2 pesos per kilogramme. Thai exporters hit by Philippine rice import suspension, Commerce Ministry eyes new markets - Photo: The Nation/ANN Arada Fuangtong (pic), Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said Thai rice exporters had reported that the Philippine government's decision to suspend rice imports would affect exports. Other rice-exporting countries would also face similar impacts, as pending orders might not be delivered before the Sept 1, 2025, deadline. She added that Philippine rice importers were discussing the matter among themselves and planned to petition the relevant authorities to allow flexibility for shipments already contracted, or alternatively to request that the suspension be lifted. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Trade is preparing measures to support Thai rice exports and secure new orders to absorb domestic output and generate income for farmers. These measures include expanding markets and strengthening trade relations to build confidence and boost Thai rice exports. Key initiatives include accelerating government-to-government (G2G) rice sales agreements, such as the remaining 280,000 tonnes under the contract with China's state-owned COFCO; promoting exports of white rice and parboiled rice to high-demand markets such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq; organising a trade mission to Japan from September 7–11, 2025; and hosting a delegation of Hong Kong rice importers in Thailand in November 2025. In addition, Thailand is promoting and publicising the image of Thai rice at international trade fairs to boost opportunities and expand export channels. The Thailand Rice Convention (TRC) roadshow is also being organised, featuring seminars for rice farmers to update them on global market demand trends. The aim is to encourage farmers to produce rice varieties that align more closely with international demand, with the programme scheduled for August. In 2024, Thailand exported rice to the Philippines worth US$333 million, a 58.69% increase from US$210.45 million in 2023. During the first half of 2025 (January–June), Thailand exported about 141,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, accounting for just 3.78% of the country's total rice exports. 'We expect overall Thai rice exports this year to reach the target of 7.5 million tonnes,' Arada said. - The Nation/ANN

B. Grimm Urges Faster ASEAN Energy Integration To Harness Laos' Hydro And Malaysia's Solar Capacities
B. Grimm Urges Faster ASEAN Energy Integration To Harness Laos' Hydro And Malaysia's Solar Capacities

Barnama

time15 hours ago

  • Barnama

B. Grimm Urges Faster ASEAN Energy Integration To Harness Laos' Hydro And Malaysia's Solar Capacities

B. Grimm's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Harald Link speaks to Bernama recently at Sama-Sama Hotel, on Thai energy giant B. Grimm's planned RM4.26 billion investment in Malaysia's renewable energy sector, including the expansion of major solar power projects. Thailand's multinational power conglomerate, B. Grimm Power Public Company Ltd, is set to expand its presence in Malaysia with an investment exceeding US$1 billion (RM4.26 billion) in the country's rapidly growing renewable energy and power sectors over the coming years, particularly through the development of large-scale solar plants. Link said the move is driven by the strong bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries and B. Grimm's longstanding relationship with Malaysia, spanning over two decades. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED B. Grimm's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Harald Link poses for a photo after speaking to Bernama at Sama-Sama Hotel recently, regarding Thai energy giant B. Grimm's plan to invest RM4.26 billion in Malaysia's renewable energy sector, including the expansion of major solar power projects. Thailand's multinational power conglomerate, B. Grimm Power Public Company Ltd, is set to expand its presence in Malaysia with an investment exceeding US$1 billion (RM4.26 billion) in the country's rapidly growing renewable energy and power sectors over the coming years, particularly through the development of large-scale solar plants. Link said the move is driven by the strong bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries and B. Grimm's longstanding relationship with Malaysia, spanning over two decades. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED B. Grimm Urges Faster ASEAN Energy Integration To Harness Laos' Hydro And Malaysia's Solar Capacities By Harizah Hanim Mohamed KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) – The groundwork for ASEAN energy integration has long been laid, but sharper focus and faster action are needed to propel renewable energy to the next level by harnessing each member's strengths, said B. Grimm Power Public Company Ltd. B. Grimm, a multinational conglomerate rooted in Thailand for 147 years, has a strong footing in ASEAN, with operations in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. B. Grimm chairman and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Harald Link, pointed out that Laos has vast hydropower resources, while Malaysia has abundant solar power potential, both of which should be tapped further by establishing a stronger interconnected grid from diverse sources. 'When you look at the ASEAN grid, each country has different strengths. Laos, for example, is the only country in the region with abundant hydropower potential. So, it makes sense for Laos to capitalise on that by exporting electricity to Thailand, Malaysia and even Singapore, and earn revenue in the process. But for that to happen, the grid needs to be in place, and the interconnections must be upgraded,' he told Bernama recently. The interview was held after Link was awarded the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri', in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang at Balai Mahkota, Istana Abdulaziz, on July 28, 2025. The Thailand-Peninsular Malaysia interconnection was established and has been in service since June 2002, with a 300 MW capacity and was constructed to connect Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia via a grid-to-grid 300 kV HVDC overhead transmission line. The existing interconnection spans around 110 km from a substation in Khlong Ngae, Thailand, to Gurun East in Malaysia, which Link described as being 'a very old line.' Commenting on Malaysia's role in pushing for an interconnection grid upgrade, Link highlighted that Malaysia's Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) is pushing hard for the interconnection grid upgrade. 'B. Grimm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TNB, which will purchase hydropower from Laos through us to Malaysia, but that MOU is waiting for the ASEAN grid or Thailand-Malaysia grid to be upgraded,' Link said. In 2023, TNB signed deals with three major energy players in Thailand to develop regional infrastructure for RE. TNB, through its subsidiary, TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd, partnered with to look into opportunities for collaboration for the development of renewable power projects in Southeast Asia. Across ASEAN, B. Grimm's footprint is visible; it operates solar farms in the Philippines and Vietnam. B. Grimm built the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia in 2018, alongside a distribution network. In Cambodia, partnered with Chinese state-owned contractors and constructed a second solar farm. In Laos, operates three hydropower plants, contributing to the country's RE mix. On the ASEAN energy mix, Link has proposed to build many hydro plants in Laos and set up a grid to transmit that power, even to Malaysia. 'It makes more sense to buy the power rather than generate it locally if you don't have the resources yourself. At the same time, I would also strongly develop solar farms, because solar energy is something Malaysia has and it's free,' he added. All in all, Link reckons that the ASEAN Economic Community Plan should bring real benefits to the member countries, with the free movement of people and money, as well as no territorial conflict. 'Like in the European Union (EU), citizens didn't care if they were in Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, or France; they could move freely, find jobs, and live wherever they wanted. 'Lesser developed countries received central funding. Portugal, for example, used to be very poor, but received a lot of money from Brussels. You might get the occasional disagreement, but nothing destructive. 'The European Union has been a great peacemaker. ASEAN should aim for the same. So yes, I truly believe these unions, whether ASEAN or the EU, bring real benefits for every single person,' he concluded. -- BERNAMA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store