LocationsBreak the Communications Barriers: A Conversation with Karnklon Raktham, Head of Communications, UNDP Thailand
October 7, 2025
From Aspiring Journalist to Communications for Development Professional
Aim, Karnklon Raktham’s journey began with a deep passion for storytelling. After earning a bachelor degree in journalism and mass communication at Thammasat University, she pursued a master's degree in international relations at The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, with the Chevening Scholarship. It was during these years of study that she came to realize just how powerful communication could be not only in shaping public perspectives, but also in driving meaningful change.
Her early internships at media agencies were formative, shaping her to look beyond surface headlines and search instead for the heart of every story. “I was trained to find the soul of a narrative,” she recalls. “It’s not enough to simply report facts. You need to uncover the human side—the element that connects people emotionally to an issue.”
A decade spent working as a journalist further honed these instincts. She learned how to ask the right questions, simplify complex issues without leaving their gists, and connect with audiences across cultures and backgrounds. For Karnklon, communication was never about only chasing publicity; it was about sparking dialogue, bridging divides, and inspiring action. “I’ve always believed that stories can be the spark for change,” she explains. “A well-told story can make people think differently, feel differently, and ultimately act differently.”
In 2019, this belief was strengthened when Karnklon was selected as one of only 15 journalists worldwide to join the prestigious United Nations Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship at UN Headquarters in New York. There, she covered issues ranging from gender equality to counterterrorism and quickly recognized a gap in how development challenges were communicated. “What struck me was that so many of these issues are critical, but the way they are explained often doesn’t connect with the public,” she reflects. “That’s when I realized I wanted to use my skills to close that gap—to bring development stories closer to people’s lives, to make them tangible, practical, and relatable.”
Along the way, a mentor gave her a piece of advice that has stayed with her ever since: “If we cannot explain complex ideas simply, it means we have not worked hard enough to understand them.” For Karnklon, this became a guiding principle. “That line changed the way I approach my work,” she says. “It reminded me that the true power of communication lies not in complexity but in clarity—in making every story accessible, human, and meaningful.”
Karnklon at the United Nations Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship at UN Headquarters in New York.
Where Strategy Meets Storytelling
“My days at UNDP Thailand are dynamic and multifaceted,” Karnklon shared with a smile. “No two days ever look the same. One day I might be developing a communications strategy or supporting projects, and the next I could be coordinating with colleagues across departments, meeting external partners, or working with government agencies. A big part of my work also takes me outside the office to events, exhibitions, and field visits, where I get to document results and gather stories directly from the people we serve.”
For her, this constant variety is what makes the role meaningful. It allows her to connect the dots between strategy and impact, between planning at the desk and listening in the field. “I’ve learned that communications isn’t just about what we say, it’s about how we make people feel and how we bring them closer to development work that might otherwise seem distant.”
Karnklon is deeply committed to keeping an eye on what she calls the “big picture” of communications. “Every strategy has to reflect UNDP’s mission, but it also has to stay grounded in reality, what is actually happening in communities, and how people’s lives are being impacted,” she explained. To make this vision possible, she emphasizes the importance of teamwork, organization, and adaptability. “You can’t do this work alone. You need colleagues who support you, systems that keep you organized, and the flexibility to adapt when things change, which they often do.”
For Karnklon, it is this balance between vision and detail, between strategy and people—that defines her day-to-day work. And it is in that balance where she finds both purpose and inspiration.
Memories That Keep Me Going
Working with UNDP has allowed Aim to see the interconnected picture of development work and the power of communication in amplifying results. “What I’m most proud of,” she says, “is translating complex issues — such as the impacts of climate change on Thailand, biodiversity, and more — into accessible products like infographics that have been widely used by policy planners, Parliament, and local communities. These tools have helped drive changes from policy level to practical applications on the ground. Another example is transforming UNDP’s Annual Report from a document of statistics into a story that builds understanding and trust among partners — opening doors to new collaborations.”
Another project she takes great pride in is the UNDP Media Fellowship Programme, which creates a platform for journalists to learn and communicate about development in a creative and meaningful way — covering topics ranging from gender diversity, persons with disabilities, and the environment to disasters, business, and human rights. The programme has brought together more than 100 journalists and communicators across the country, resulting in powerful stories that advance development across multiple platforms. “It truly shows that communication is the bridge connecting UNDP’s work with society.”
Her field missions across the provinces have also left a lasting impression. Meeting communities, talking with people, and witnessing real results remind her that behind every strategy are people’s lives and hopes. This belief later inspired the production of the documentary “The Mother’s Dream” — telling the story of how climate change is affecting women in Pattani, to advocate for greater investment in climate resilience through the Climate Finance Network project.
Her work has also extended beyond Thailand. Karnklon was given the opportunity of 2-month detail assignment to manage a pioneering EU-funded media development project in Somalia. Though based in Bangkok, she had the opportunity to travel and work in UNDP Somalia for 2 months, where she supported the EU-funded project on Somali Women Media Project (SWOMP). She worked closely with Somali counterparts and beneficiaries, including female journalists whose resilience continues to inspire her. Managing this project under pressure pushed her to adapt quickly, make decisive choices, and support colleagues in a challenging environment. The experience reaffirmed her belief that communications, when done with empathy and clarity, can create real impact even in the most venerable places.
Resilience in Action
For Karnklon, one of the greatest challenges in her role is making the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) accessible to everyone—whether it’s policymakers shaping national agendas, young people eager to create change, or everyday citizens like bus drivers and parents. “The SDGs can seem abstract or distant to many people,” she explains. “But I don’t see that as a barrier—I see it as an opportunity. It’s about finding ways to weave UNDP’s mission into the rhythm of daily life, so that development feels real, relatable, and connected to the choices people make every day.”
This perspective was deepened during her time managing a pioneering media development project in Somalia. It was an experience that tested not just her skills but also her resilience. “Working under pressure in such a complex environment taught me how to prioritize, stay decisive when time is short, and most importantly, learn from mistakes,” she recalls. The project pushed her to adapt quickly, balance urgent demands, and remain steady in the face of challenges.
For Karnklon, these lessons went beyond professional growth—they shaped her understanding of leadership itself. “In communications, the role isn’t only about delivering messages. It’s about listening, adapting, and being able to balance diverse expectations with empathy,” she says. “To move development forward, you cannot be self-centered. You need humility, collaboration, and the mindset that every challenge is not an obstacle but a platform for growth.”
Today, she carries these lessons into her work at UNDP Thailand. Each challenge becomes a chance to cultivate both technical expertise and the human qualities—patience, empathy, and teamwork—that she believes are essential to making development not only effective, but truly meaningful.
Moving Towards a Fairer, More Equal Society Through Communication
For Karnklon, the role of media in strengthening democracy is undeniable. “Media is not just about delivering information, it is the bridge that connects institutions with the people they serve,” she explains. To her, media has the power to amplify voices too often left unheard and to create space where difficult but necessary conversations on human rights, climate action, governance, and peace can take place. “Without a strong and inclusive media, democracy cannot truly flourish.”
At UNDP Thailand, Karnklon has worked to ensure that communications go beyond visibility and become a platform for inclusion. “Democracy only works when everyone is seen and heard. That’s why diversity must be visible in everything we do,” she says. This conviction has shaped initiatives such as Pride Month campaigns—highlighting LGBTI+ voices across intersections with health, disability rights, and equality—as well as the Media Fellowship Programme, which equips journalists to tell stories of social inclusion, climate resilience, and human rights in ways that reach broad audiences.
For her, these platforms are more than communications campaigns; they are opportunities to bring people into democratic dialogue. “When we create space for people of all genders, identities, and communities to speak with confidence, we are not only informing the public—we are empowering them. That’s when communications become a force for change.”
Shaping Stories in the Digital Age
Digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), are rapidly transforming the way development stories are created and shared. For Karnklon, the challenge is not simply to embrace these new tools, but to ensure they remain people-centered and true to UNDP’s values. “Technology should never overshadow humanity,” she emphasizes. “At UNDP, our role is to make sure that innovations like AI serve people—especially those who are often left behind.”
One example is the use of AI-generated image descriptions on UNDP Thailand’s website, which enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities. “Something as simple as making sure every image is described so it can be understood by someone using assistive technology may not seem revolutionary, but for that person, it can make all the difference,” Karnklon explains. “That is what people-centered AI looks like in practice.”
This commitment to keeping people at the heart of digital innovation is also echoed at the global level. The 2024 Global Human Development Report focuses on AI, underscoring the importance of ensuring that technological progress uplifts individuals rather than excludes them. For Karnklon, this aligns seamlessly with her own philosophy of communication. “AI should enhance human stories, not replace them,” she reflects. “If we use these tools wisely, they can make our narratives more inclusive, more accessible, and more powerful in reaching people who need to hear them most.”
For her, innovation is not about chasing trends but about expanding possibilities. “The future of communications isn’t just digital—it’s human. AI is just one tool to help us tell stories that are more inclusive, more authentic, and more impactful.”
Breaking Silos to Achieve the SDGs
For Karnklon, one of the most important parts of her role is showing how the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are deeply interconnected. “Too often, people see the SDGs as separate boxes—gender in one, climate in another, poverty in a different one,” she explains. “But development doesn’t work that way. Real life is interconnected, and so are the solutions.” She often points to examples such as the link between gender equality (SDG 5) and climate action (SDG 13). “When women are empowered, communities are more resilient to climate change. That’s the kind of connection people need to see—it makes the SDGs come alive as a holistic journey, not just a list of goals.”
But awareness alone is not enough. Karnklon is clear-eyed about what it takes to accelerate progress. “We cannot achieve the SDGs without resources—financial investment, time, knowledge, and collective energy,” she stresses. Mobilizing these resources, she believes, is as much about people as it is about money.
One example close to her heart is the UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme, which empowers young people to act as changemakers in their own communities. “Youth have the creativity, the passion, and the networks to spread awareness in ways that institutions sometimes can’t,” she says. “When we equip them with knowledge of the SDGs, they take that back to their peers, their schools, and their communities. It creates a ripple effect.”
Through initiatives like these, Karnklon sees her role as both strategic and human: breaking down silos in policy and communication, while also building bridges among people. “At the end of the day, the SDGs are not just global goals—they are local realities. My job is to help people see those connections and feel that they are part of the journey.”
For Those Who Dream of Making a Difference
When asked what advice she would give to those who dream of joining UNDP, Karnklon pauses thoughtfully. “Working here is not just a job—it’s a mission,” she begins. “It requires a blend of skills, resilience, and most importantly, a mindset that sees your own expertise as part of something bigger than yourself.”
She explains that UNDP is not only looking for technical knowledge, but for people who understand the human side of development. “What we do is complex. But at the heart of it, we are searching for people who can find the soul of development—who can look at a project and see not just policies or numbers, but the lives it touches.”
For Karnklon, this is what makes UNDP unique: its ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and turn their strengths into collective action. “Everyone has a role to play in the SDGs. Whether your expertise is in economics, communications, technology, or social policy, there is space for you to contribute. What matters is the willingness to collaborate, to learn, and to grow with others.”
Her encouragement to aspiring applicants is clear and heartfelt. “If you are considering applying, don’t underestimate the value of what you bring. UNDP is looking for the next generation of risers—the ones who can drive meaningful change. You could be one of them.”
Give us three words that describe UNDP Thailand: People, Resilient and Transform.
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