GMA Network opened its doors to representatives of Thailand’s media and entertainment sector on August 27, as part of an industry exchange focused on strengthening ties between the Philippines and Thailand.
The delegation from Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, and the Thai Trade Center in Manila visited the GMA Network Center in Quezon City. The visit formed part of the Thai Trade Commission’s Overseas Trade Negotiation Mission, which seeks to identify opportunities for business partnerships while encouraging knowledge-sharing between the two countries’ creative industries.
GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes welcomed the delegation alongside fellow Network executives Joseph T. Francia, Cheryl Ching-Sy, Angela Javier-Cruz, Mitzi G. Garcia, Ma. Concepcion R. Agnes, and Roche S. Salvador.
During the meeting, Gozon-Valdes pointed to the established cultural and entertainment links between Filipinos and Thais, noting GMA Network’s role in introducing Thai television dramas to local viewers.
“The Philippines and Thailand have a long shared connection in culture, media, and entertainment. GMA is proud to have been among the early Philippine broadcasters to bring Thai lakorn to Filipino audiences. Since 2018, we have aired close to 100 Thai series,” she shared.
The discussions also covered the changes shaping the media business, from content production and audience engagement to the growing influence of digital platforms. The Philippine and Thai representatives exchanged perspectives on how broadcasters and entertainment companies are responding to shifts in viewing habits and the wider digital environment.
Leading the Thai delegation was Sutinee Vathana, Director of the Thai Trade Center in Manila. She was accompanied by executives, producers, and actors from various Thai entertainment companies, including Go On House, Kantana Group, Mahamongkol Film Studio Production, Matching Maximize Solution, Mojo Living, One 31, Progold Plus, Rabbit Moon Corporation, RS Multimedia & Entertainment, Starhunter Entertainment, Thai Broadcasting or Workpoint Group, Themework Studio, Waga Creative, and World Premier Art.
For Vathana, the visit provided the Thai representatives with an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the Philippine media landscape and learn from one of its major broadcasters.
“We are very pleased to have been given this opportunity to learn more about the Philippines’ media and entertainment industries from one of the country’s leading broadcasting and content companies. We are particularly interested in learning about GMA Network’s experience in content production, reaching audiences, and adapting to changes in the media industry.”
The industry exchange continued beyond the meeting room, with the Thai delegation touring GMA Network’s facilities. Among the stops were the studios used for the popular game show Family Feud and variety program TiktoClock, as well as the studios of radio stations Super Radyo DZBB and Barangay LS.
The visit highlighted the existing links between the Philippine and Thai entertainment industries while also opening conversations about potential areas for cooperation. Gozon-Valdes expressed hope that the August 27 meeting could lead to more exchanges and partnerships in the future.
“There is already much that connects us, and we hope today opens the door to even more.”
