The Government Public Relations Department (PRD)
Brief History
Originally called the Publicity Division, the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) was established on 3 May 1933, almost one year after Thailand had changed its administrative system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It was given the unique status of a special agency under the control of the Cabinet and acted somewhat like today’s government spokesman. The agency was entrusted with creating a better understanding of democratic administration and parliamentary democracy among the public. On 9 December 1933, it was upgraded to the Publicity Office and later given the status of a department. From this modest start, the office grew rapidly, and its name was changed to the Public Relations Department on 8 March 1952.

Functions
PRD is under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office. It is the national information and communication agency, charged with informing the public, both local and foreign, of the Thai government's policies and activities while reflecting the people’s needs and concerns. PRD strives to be both a strategic planner and a content creator while also being a technology-oriented organization.

Services
As a Public Communications and Media Policy Planner
The PRD National Policy and Planning Development Office serves as the secretariat of the National Public Relations Committee, which gives advice on public communications strategies to all government agencies and at the same time monitors and evaluates their information and communications projects. It also conducts public communications campaigns on national agenda items.
As a multi-media operator
PRD operates a variety of multimedia platforms. As a content creator, it produces and seeks out programs that benefit and promote quality of life for all groups of people. 

National Broadcasting Services of Thailand
The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, or NBT2HD, the national digital television network, broadcasts news and information with an aim to empower the public and enhance its understanding of events and issues. The network has its master station in Bangkok, covering all regions of Thailand. It has also added new media outlets in order to expand the service to a wider audience, including online television and social network. Besides, four other regional digital television networks have also been established to offer local content to serve the specific needs of viewers throughout the nation.

NBT World
NBT World, Thailand’s national English-language television network, offers a variety of programs ranging from news, current affairs, and talk shows to documentaries. Audience around the globe can access its service anywhere, anytime, online.

Radio Thailand
Radio Thailand (RTH) handles AM and FM frequencies for local listening and short-wave frequencies for overseas listeners. Its services are available online as well. Programs in tribal dialects are additionally presented to suit audiences in different areas. Radio Thailand World Service now broadcasts in six languages, namely English, Malay, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai, targeting an international audience.

As a Public Communications Network
In addition to its headquarters in Bangkok, PRD has eight regional centers in different parts of the country. These centers oversee radio and television broadcasting to serve the needs of the local people. Furthermore, there are public relations offices in all provinces to assist the provincial administrations. Moreover, PRD issues press cards for journalists, both domestic and foreign.

International Relations
The PRD’s Foreign Office is the core agency for conducting international communications through various media and activities to create a favorable image of the country. It facilitates the operations of members of the foreign media based in Thailand and cooperates with media organizations throughout the world. PRD plays an active role in implementing programs under the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), the Southeast Asia-Pacific Audio-Visual Archive Association (SEAPAVAA), and the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA). PRD has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the fields of broadcasting, news exchange, information, and mass communication with several foreign media organizations. A foreign audience can find out more about Thailand through PRD’s following online outlets.
Websites: http://thailand.prd.go.th, http://thainews.prd.go.th
Facebook pages: PR Thai Government, NBT World, FM 88 Radio Thailand English
Twitter: PR Thai Government(@prdthailand), NNT(@nnthotnews)  

As a Public Relations and Media Training Center
The PRD Institute of Public Relations, Broadcasting, and Mass Communication offers in-house training and arranges training programs on public relations, information, and mass communication for other government agencies and the general public.