On 14 September 2026, Mr. Pornsith Pibulnakarintr, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs delivered welcome remarks at the reception of the 15th Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Journalists Seminar at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai. Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Thai Governor to ASEF and representatives of diplomatic missions from the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Member Countries also attended the reception.

The Deputy Director-General highlighted Thailand’s role as a regional hub for international media and for organizing international gatherings. He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to promoting multilateralism and people-to-people relations between Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska, Executive Director of ASEF, spoke about the background of ASEF, its various programmes and activities, and its objective of strengthening people-to-people connections between Europe and Asia.

The 15th ASEF Journalists Seminar was held from 14 to 17 September 2026 in Bangkok under the theme “Journalistic Resilience in a Volatile World.”  22 journalists from 20 ASEM Member Countries attended this year's Seminar. First organised in 1998, the Seminar provides a platform for journalists from Asia and Europe to exchange perspectives and experiences. This year marks the first time that Thailand hosted the ASEF Journalists Seminar.