Hanoi-based Kinh te & Do thi (Economic and Urban) Newspaper and ThaiNews, a local newspaper in Chiang Mai, Thailand, plan to expand their cooperation in the near future, their editors-in-chief said today (September 12).

Managers and journalists from both newspapers take a group photo. Photo: Tran Quy/The Hanoi Times

At a meeting between the two media organizations in Chiang Mai today, Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-chief of Economic and Urban Newspaper, said his media serves as the official voice of the Hanoi People's Committee.

"In addition to our online newspaper and six thematic electronic platforms, we currently publish two print newspapers, Kinh te & Do Thi and Phap luat & Xa hoi (Law & Society). We also have an English-language news site, The Hanoi Times. The online platform covers both domestic and international news and promotes Vietnam and Hanoi worldwide," he said.

"We put special emphasis on cooperation with ASEAN countries, including Thailand and especially Chiang Mai," Nguyen Thanh Loi said.

The Vietnamese official highly appreciated the strong partnership between the two media outlets and noted the value of their professional exchanges.

He expected the two newspapers to further strengthen their joint activities and make a positive contribution to the development of both Hanoi and Chiang Mai.

"We hope that the Chiang Mai authorities will continue to support both sides to foster our cooperation and strengthen our information exchange relations," he said.

Loi also expressed his pleasure to visit the ThaiNews newsroom and praised the paper's development, especially the growing relationship between the two newspapers through various exchange programs.

Journalists from the two newspapers discuss modern journalism. Photo: Tran Quy/The Hanoi Times

He noted that these efforts have contributed significantly to professional media cooperation and comprehensive relations between the cities of Hanoi and Chiang Mai.

"With 55 years of history, ThaiNews has made considerable efforts to adapt to new changes, including expanding its relationship with Economic & Urban Newspaper. I hope our partnership will flourish," said Editor-in-Chief Loi.

ThaiNews General Director Ubolnadda Supawan, for her part, thanked the delegation from the Hanoi newspaper for visiting Chiang Mai and ThaiNews, and praised it as a step to consolidate relations between the two media.

She noted that the future of journalism lies in the development of digital platforms and that media organizations need to focus on growing their online presence.

She went on to say that to sustain and grow the newspaper, it is necessary to build strong relationships with local partners, such as businesses and media outlets.

The Thai official underscored that ThaiNews is a highly respected newspaper in the region. She said the newspaper's top priority is always to provide quality and truthful information.

ThaiNews is committed to curbing fake news to retain and build its readership, she said.

According to General Director Ubolnadda, the print version of ThaiNews dedicates its front pages to important political news in Thailand and Chiang Mai and also covers daily events, education, entertainment, tourism, culture, and the arts. It also has a page of sports news from Northern Thailand, serving 14 provinces.

Journalists from the two newspapers and the Chiang Mai government take a group photo. Photo: Tran Quy/The Hanoi Times

Proud of ThaiNews' 55-year history, she noted that it is the only fully financially independent newspaper in Chiang Mai, supported primarily by its journalistic business activities.

She added that the paper has print copies available on shelves in public places and supermarkets throughout Chiang Mai, making it easily accessible to readers and businesses.

The General Director of ThaiNews also expressed her desire to learn from the Economic and Urban Newspaper about the use of modern technology in producing journalistic content.

She hoped that their relationship would continue to strengthen and grow in the future.

At the meeting, the two sides exchanged professional insights and shared experiences in various fields, including economics, urban management, culture, and media-business relations.

The cooperation between ThaiNews and Economic & Urban Newspaper started in 2015. After a pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the partnership resumed in 2023.

Chiang Mai invites Vietnamese to local festival

Assanee Buranupakorn, Mayor of Chiang Mai, today gave a warm reception to Vietnamese visitors and businesses, welcoming them to participate in a local festival called "Loy Krathong Festival."

Journalists from the Economic and Urban Newspaper present a gift to Mayor of Chiang Mai, Assanee Buranupakorn. Photo: Tran Quy/The Hanoi Times

On behalf of the mayor, Vice Mayor of Chiang Mai Soontorn Yamsiri introduced the Economic and Urban Newspaper delegation to the festival and a car parade that promotes local culture and tourism. 

The vice mayor also briefed the economic and social development situation in Chiang Mai. This area holds a significant position in Northern Thailand and is one of the top cities in the country for attracting foreign tourists.

He talked about the festival, which will take place from November 14 to 17, is a great event, rich in local traditions, that honors nature, while at the same time holding a great parade of specially decorated cars, with a king's prize awarded to the winning team.

"We would like to invite representatives from Vietnam to participate in the festivities. The parade will be staged on November 16 and will last only one day. Every year this event attracts a large number of tourists and is considered an international event in Chiang Mai," said Vice Mayor Soontorn Yamsiri.

At the meeting, the Thai official welcomed the Hanoi newspaper delegation at Chiang Mai City Hall. According to him, Chiang Mai holds a key position in northern Thailand, ranking second in the country for foreign tourism. The city covers an area of nearly 42 km2 and is home to 150,000 residents, with tourism and business being the main sources of income.