Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow has underscored that “the future is Asia” and its success is not the result of the rise of any single country, but rather of the ability of countries across the region to strengthen cooperation and harness their collective strengths.

The Deputy Prime Minister on 10 June 2026 delivered a keynote address at the 31st Nikkei Forum Future of Asia in Tokyo, Japan, organized under the theme “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia.”

He identified two crucial factors for the future of Asia. First, “integration,” whereby countries must become connected not only through trade and investment, but also through energy systems, digital and innovation networks, and talent pools. Second, “co-creation”, through which countries leverage their diverse strengths to build a shared ecosystem of knowledge and innovation.

The Deputy Prime Minister also outlined Thailand’s three key priorities in shaping Asia’s future. First, enhancing “resilience” through stronger food and energy security, skills development, and enhanced supply chains. Second, strengthening “connectivity” across infrastructure, digital systems, energy networks, financial platforms, and the exchange of knowledge throughout the region. Third, fostering “regionalism”, with ASEAN as the region’s essential platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and managing differences. The prosperity of Asia must go hand in hand with the preservation of peace, stability, and commitment to the international rules-based order.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in an on-stage fireside chat and gave an interview to Nikkei-affiliated media on Thailand’s economic landscape and economic diplomacy amid changing global geo-economic environment and Thailand’s position on regional issues of Japan’s interest, such as the economic impact of the Middle East situation, the Thailand-Cambodia situation and the situation in Myanmar. 

He also met with Mr. Iida Nobihisa, President and CEO of Nikkei Inc. to discuss cooperation with Nikkei, including the organization of Nikkei Asia Forum APAC in Bangkok on 16 July 2026 and other future activities.

On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister delivered remarks and engaged with Japanese media at the Japan National Press Club (JNPC). He emphasized the stability of the current Thai government and its readiness to drive foreign policy in addressing the shifting global geopolitical and geo-economics landscape and the developments on Thai-Japanese relations as both countries prepare to celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, particularly the role of Japanese investment in driving Thailand’s economy. 

He also offered insights into Thailand’s position on regional issues of the Japanese media’s interest, including the Thailand-Cambodia situation and the situation in Myanmar, while underscoring Thailand-Japan partnership as a cornerstone in maintaining a rules-based international order and promoting regional cooperation, in line with Japan’s Updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific.