PM urges Asian journalists to work for better Asia

He told over two dozens of editors and publishers from 18 Asian countries that the media will not only bring the region closer but also tap its collective strength. "We need to work together for better Asia," he said.

The prime minister reiterated these salient points in his opening speech to mark the 10th anniversary of Asian News Network (ANN) which began during the Asian economic crisis in 1997.

During his 20-minute speech, he touched on wide-ranging issues related to domestic situation in Thailand and regional economic cooperation during the global economic slowdown.

On Thai media, he emphasized that he would bring back the level of media freedom back to the highest level, which Thailand enjoyed a decade ago. During the Chuan government (1997-20001), Thai media freedom was consider the region's best and ranks in the top thirties of international media indexes.

The participants will also discuss the future of Asian media.

The ANN members include Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Laos, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.