HUA HIN, Thailand, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) launched here Friday the bloc's first satellite TV channel.

    Thai government and the Mass Communication Authority of Thailand (MCOT) would operate the TV channel, which aimed to present news, information, culture, tourism and sports of the region, said Thai Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.

    One hundred and twenty million baht (about 3.6 million U.S. dollars) is being spent on the launch of the channel to cover the ASEAN Summit and promote cultural exchanges between member nations.

    The programs will be in the native language of each country with English subtitles.

    "This ASEAN channel will be an important tool in strengthening relations and exchanging culture among the ten ASEAN countries and to link their people together," said Sathit.

    Funding for the 24-hour channel, which will continue after the summit, would be divided between Thai government and the state-run MCOT.