Thailand’s Public Relations Department (泰國民聯廳), or PRD, is Thailand’s national information and communication agency, operating under the Prime Minister’s Office. It traces its origin to the Publicity Division, established May 3, 1933, roughly a year after Thailand’s transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy, created to build public understanding of parliamentary democracy under the new system. It took its current name on March 8, 1952. PRD operates Thailand’s state broadcaster, the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT2HD), an English-language international channel, NBT World, and Radio Thailand’s World Service, which broadcasts in six languages including English, Mandarin, and Japanese. PRD also issues press credentials to domestic and foreign journalists. Its Foreign Affairs Office describes its role as conducting international communications “to create a favorable image of the country,” and PRD holds membership in the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development, and other regional media bodies, alongside roles in ASEAN and UNESCO cultural and information programs. PRD has signed memoranda of understanding on broadcasting, news exchange, and mass communication with foreign media organizations including China’s Xinhua News Agency, the People’s Daily, and China Media Group.