On 29 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Cebu, the Philippines. The meeting marked the first gathering of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 2026 under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, held under the theme “Navigating our Future, Together.”

The Meeting expressed readiness to support the ASEAN Chair’s priorities for the year, which aim to strengthen ASEAN cooperation in addressing regional challenges amid global political and economic volatility. These priorities include concluding the negotiations of the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and signing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) within the year, advancing the green transition and regional energy connectivity, enhancing climate security through the application of artificial intelligence (AI), and strengthening regional disaster preparedness.

Thailand underscored several key points, namely:

• the importance of upholding regionalism and strengthening ASEAN’s resilience and continued relevance;
• proposals to support the ASEAN Chair in ensuring continuity in the implementation of key priorities and in responding to urgent regional issues in a timely and effective manner; and​​​​​​
• Thailand’s continued commitment to combating online scams, including the proposal to take forward the outcomes of the international conference co-hosted by Thailand in December 2025 through ASEAN mechanisms and processes.

On Myanmar, Thailand emphasised the need for ASEAN to adjust its approach and engagement with Myanmar in line with the current situation following the elections, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the continued and effective work of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, as well as to facilitate dialogue among relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, the Meeting welcomed the positive developments between Thailand and Cambodia following the ceasefire agreement and the special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on 27 December 2025, and expressed hope for sustained peace in the region.

Source and Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand