Bangkok: Chotika Akrakitsobhakul, the newly appointed Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, has officially taken office with a commitment to preserving and developing Thailand's cultural heritage, while creating new opportunities for the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chotika marked her first day by paying respects to sacred objects at the Ministry of Culture, a gesture that signifies her dedication to cultural preservation. She was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and received congratulations from Mr. Sommai Suwanwong, Deputy Managing Director of MCOT Public Company Limited, and other executives. In response, Ms. Chotika expressed gratitude for MCOT's focus on cultural affairs and the support offered for her new role.
Ms. Chotika's strategy as Director-General involves integrating culture into daily life, with a focus on three main areas: preserving valuable cultural assets, leveraging cultural capital, and creating new opportunities for Thai people. Her plan includes protecting the intellectual heritage and traditions of the community, particularly for the younger generation, and utilizing cultural elements such as Thai textiles, food, music, and festivals to generate economic value.
Furthermore, she aims to create platforms for children, youth, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and promote Thai culture globally. The overarching goal is to make culture an integral part of everyday life, fostering both pride and economic benefits for the Thai population.
Addressing the potential merger of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ms. Chotika views it as a positive development for the civil service system. She emphasizes that the Department of Cultural Promotion has already been collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aiming to establish a central hub for tourism that integrates cultural and economic initiatives. The Director-General, along with her team, is prepared to support and implement government policies in this direction.