Published on January 13, 2006

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants to see Thailand become the regional animation production hub.

Speaking yesterday during the opening of the Thailand Animation and Multimedia 2006 (TAM 2006), the premier said that it was not impossible for Thailand to be the animation hub of Southeast Asia first and all of Asia later.

He said Thais were skilful and imaginative, key characteristics required in producing top-class animations.

“I believe that the country’s animation industry will get stronger in the next five years,” he added.

Thaksin also urged the relevant parties – including the Software Industry Promotion Agency (Sipa) and the Information and Communications Technology Ministry – to jointly devise a solid plan to turn Thailand into a regional animation hub. The Kingdom began to aggressively promote multimedia and animation development a few years ago under the initiative of former ICT minister Surapong Suebwonglee.

Thaksin added that the relevant state agencies should also work with the Social Development and Human Security Ministry to turn teen game addicts into animation developers.

ICT Minister Sora-at Klinpratoom said he had asked TOT Plc and CAT Telecom Plc to speed up their development of the broadband Internet network to support the growth of digital contents. Sipa and the ICT Ministry are jointly hosting the third TAM 2006 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The showcase ends on Sunday.

Telecom Reporters

The Nation

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