Thailand has called on all parties to the conflict to exercise utmost restraints and immediately cease all acts of hostility, protect civilian infrastructures, and comply with the international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The call was made by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in her statement at the third Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit on 3 October 2024 in Doha, State of Qatar. The Prime Minister referred to the escalating tensions in the region, which have severely affected the innocent civilian population on the ground.

Amidst the various challenges that demand global solutions, be they geopolitical tensions and conflicts, climate change, or technological advancements, she stated that ACD leaders need to lead the way forward, as well as holding the key to building solutions and forging collaborations across diverse sectors. This should be done to offer the stability and growth the world needs. It is often said that the 21st century is the Asian Century. As home to about 60% of the world’s population, Asia is both a global energy and food security centers – the “powerhouse” and “kitchen” of the world.

The Prime Minister said, “As far as Thailand is concerned, one of our strengths is the food and agriculture sector, with key food exports of rice, fruit, poultry, and seafood. This is not only vital to our economy but also ensure that we meet the growing global demand for high-quality, reliable food supplies.
 
“To address food security challenges, we believe that the ACD nations should strengthen our trade networks and align our standards so to ensure that the global food supply chain remains strong and resilient.

“The geographical location of Thailand allows us to be a natural gateway between the East and the West. Our infrastructure – whether it be our expanding road networks, railways, ports, or airports – has been designed with this strategic vision in mind.

“So, as we look toward the future, we will continue to invest in improving and modernizing our transport infrastructure. We invite our ACD partners to join us in developing new trade corridors that will enhance connectivity and spur economic growth across the continent. We are, and will continue to be, part and parcel of the global economy.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn said that, today, the role of ACD is more crucial than ever. Since its inception in 2002, ACD has been Asia’s first and only continental-wide framework that unites together allthe diverse subregions. Thailand seeks to carry forward this very same idea into its chairmanship next year. It envisions the ACD as a “converging forum of Asia.”

She said, “As we assume the chairmanship of the ACD in 2025, allow me to reiterate once again that Thailand, as a bridge builder, looks forward to working with all member states to be an active promoter of peace and common prosperity. We believe that it is high time for us to join hands more firmly and warmly, especially for countries in the Global South, to enhance our collective impact on global economic stability and security.

“To enhance the frameworks of ACD collaborations, during the Thai Chairmanship next year, we will work toward the revitalization of the activities under the six pillars of cooperation to achieve a more constructive and coherent socio-economic development for ACD members. As the next ACD Chair and current prime mover of the pillar on inclusive and sustainable development, Thailand will work closely with other pillar prime movers to strategize and launch activities to be implemented under each pillar in a synchronized manner.

“Thailand proposes that we work toward strategically aligning the ACD’s efforts with similar groupings and fora, such as ASEAN, GCC, BRICS, CICA and SCO, for example through high-level ACD discussions.”

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure economic and financial stability to mobilize sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth for the people. “The painful experience from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis makes us believe in striking the “Balance of Financial Architecture,” she said.

To achieve this, Thailand sees the importance of revisiting the idea of a more balanced and resilient financial architecture, in support of the global agenda on Financing for Development.