Thailand has stressed the need to recalibrate its foreign policy and strengthen “Team Thailand” in response to the global trends, as the international order is undergoing significant structural shifts, and these changes, driven by geopolitical competition among major powers, have impacted Thailand’s national security and economic stability.

Participants in the 2025 Meeting of Thai Ambassadors and Consuls-General, held from 8 to 14 June 2025 in Bangkok, engaged in brainstorming sessions to adjust foreign policy strategies and approaches amidst a changing world order.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on recalibrating Thailand’s foreign policy, the meeting shared the view that the country should pursue a geostrategic de-risking and multiple alignment strategy to maintain strategic balance while expanding close partnership across various regions. The meeting also emphasized enhancing Thailand’s strategic value by leveraging modern soft power in engaging with all countries, aiming to become not only a friendly but also an indispensable partner. In addition, it discussed ways to advance proactive diplomacy to safeguard regional stability and security through deepening Thailand’s relations with neighboring countries and reinforcing the ASEAN mechanisms.

Proactive Economic Diplomacy

To respond effectively to global trade tension and changes in the international order, the meeting agreed on the adoption of proactive economic diplomacy that focuses on promoting exports, attracting foreign tourists as well as direct investment in target industries, and attracting talent and wealth from around the world. At the same time, Thailand would “join the right conversations” by focusing on enhancing competitiveness through accelerating FTA negotiations, increasing engagement with the OECD and BRICS, advancing Thailand’s role as a logistics and transportation hub, attracting investments in clean energy and carbon emission reduction innovations, and contributing in shaping the rules and regulations of emerging economic sectors, such as digital economy, AI governance and ethics, and cybersecurity.

On strengthening “Team Thailand,” the meeting emphasized the importance of fostering unity in foreign policy implementation. Efficiency and synergy of Team Thailand mechanisms should be enhanced through closer collaboration between all sectors, including the public sector, private sector, civil society, and the people.

Presentation of Action Plans

At the closing ceremony of the meeting on 13 June 2025, representatives of the Ambassadors and Consuls-General reported on the key outcomes of the Action Plans’ formulation to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as follows:

1. Enhancing Thailand’s economic competitiveness under the context of the geo-economic tensions – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States;

2. Attracting investments and advancing cooperation on technology and innovation from traditional markets – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the French Republic;

3. Building partnerships and expanding into new markets to diversify geopolitical risks – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

4. Strengthening cooperation for comprehensive security for the Thai people – by the Ambassador of Thailand to Japan.

Prime Minister’s Policy Guidance

After the presentation of the Action Plans, the Prime Minister delivered her policy guidance, tasking the Ambassadors and Consuls-General to advance proactive foreign policy. She emphasized Team Thailand integration in order to respond to the shifting global structure and order, reciprocal tariff measures, and regional challenges. Also, among the priorities are fostering close relations and mutual understanding with neighboring and fellow ASEAN countries, driving forward proactive economic diplomacy by expanding tourism and medical services, expanding into new markets for agricultural products and Thai food, accelerating FTA negotiations, promoting two-way investments, and upskilling/reskilling the Thai workforce, as well as positioning Thailand as an Active Promoter of Peace and Common Prosperity in a changing world. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of working in synergy across agencies and sectors, and she would follow up on the implementation of the Proactive Diplomacy Action Plans every quarter.

Enhancing Consular Services and Public Engagement

The meeting brainstormed ways to further enhance the efficiency of consular services and the protection of Thai nationals abroad. The ministry also took advantage of this meeting to communicate with the public by inviting the media to interview the Ambassadors and Consuls-General on issues of public interest, such as supporting overseas Thai communities, workers, and students; emergency evacuation plan for Thai nationals; Thailand’s policy toward the situation in Myanmar; telecommunications fraud and online scams; and the situation in the Middle East.