ส.อ.ท. เปิดตัวสถาบัน “CISPI” ส่งเสริมอุตสาหกรรมสร้างสรรค์และซอฟต์พาวเวอร์ไทยFTI Launches the “CISPI” Institute to Promote the Creative Industries and Thai Soft Power

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) held a press conference to launch the “Creative Industry and Soft Power Institute” (CISPI). The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Surapong Suwansang, Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, who joined the launch to express his vision for national soft power development. Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of FTI, provided an overview of the trends in the Thai industrial economy and creative industries through Thai soft power. Mrs. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Institute, welcomed everyone and reported on the background of the establishment of the Institute at Thai Bev Plaza, 10th Floor, FTI.

The Creative Industry and Soft Power Institute (CISPI), under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), has been established with the main objective of connecting the public and private sectors involved in creating an Enabling Ecosystem for the Thai industry towards creative industries using Soft Power, encompassing Thai culture, heritage, and wisdom. This initiative aims to drive a new growth engine for the economy, enhancing the value and worth of Thai identity while promoting the branding of Thai products for long-term global competitiveness.

Dr. Surapong Suwansang, Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, spoke about the government's policy to enhance competitiveness and lay the foundation for future development, emphasizing essential components such as promoting the elevation of Thai wisdom into a creative culture to enhance the country’s soft power. In this regard, THACCA (Thailand Creative Culture Agency) will serve as the central agency to promote the entire system of creative cultural industries, enabling Thailand to break through the middle-income trap through creative culture and become a global leader in soft power.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the Thai economy has faced numerous impacts from global changes creating challenges over the past period, such as trade wars, geopolitical issues, rapid technological changes, and cybercrime. These challenges are likely to affect various aspects of the Thai industry in 2025, both positively and negatively. FTI recognizes the significance of industries that are expected to shine this year and in the future, with creative industries driven by soft power policies being one of them. This is particularly crucial for the tourism economic sector, which is regarded as an important economic driving force.

“In terms of developing the creative industries through Thai soft power, Thailand is distinguished by its unique culture, exquisite craftsmanship through creativity, and has the opportunity to transition from production industries to creative industries, which hold an economic value of up to 1.46 trillion baht, with a continuous growth trend expected each year,” Mr. Kriangkrai stated.

On the part of Mrs. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Creative Industry and Soft Power Institute, she stated that under the context of global changes that challenge and impact the economic structure of Thailand, the mission of the Institute is to promote Thai uniqueness by branding “Thailand as a Brand” and seeking Product Champions while creating a partnership ecosystem. In the initial phase, the Institute has identified six pilot groups for development, including Food, Fashion, Gems, Gaming, Wellness, and Regional Soft Power, with the following details:

1) Food: The goal is to place Thai food in the Top 10 globally using the Ministry of Commerce's “THAI SELECT” as the Umbrella Brand to certify the quality of Thai food from the end of the supply chain to the raw materials and ingredients sourced from agriculture. Collaborative projects include the Food Valley and Smart Agriculture Industry project from FTI.

2) Fashion: The goal is to establish Thai fashion brands in the Top 10 globally by collaborating with designers and the supply chain, as well as promoting innovation in the fashion industry, utilizing digital technologies in design, and advancing sustainable materials.

3) Gems: The aim is to establish Thailand as a center for gems and jewelry.

4) Gaming: The objective is to replace imported games with Thai games, aiming for a 10% share of imports, valuing nearly 40 billion baht, with potential game creators in Thailand.

5) Wellness: The goal is to present the allure of Thai Wellness as a brand that generates global impressions and satisfaction.

6) Regional Soft Power: By creating models through easily accessible media via television programs and online channels, promoting local soft power, including introducing local products and establishing branding.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the government for recognizing the importance of the Federation of Thai Industries by appointing committee members as representatives in the National Soft Power Strategy Committee and the National Soft Power Development Committee, as well as appointing representatives to serve as subcommittee members in the food, fashion, gaming, and wellness sectors, including promoting the participation of representatives in all 12 industrial groups for operational agility. The CISPI Institute is ready to create an Enabling Ecosystem to act as a New Growth Engine for the Thai industry with Thai Soft Power under the concept of Thainess: High Tech to High Touch, transforming old traditions into new creativity while making Thai identity easy to remember, bringing satisfaction and happiness to the world,” Mrs. Pimjai concluded.

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Released by the Corporate Communications Department, Federation of Thai Industries, Tel. 02-345-1051