Thailand is ready to serve as a bridge connecting the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and ASEAN to enhance mutual understanding and promote multilateral collaboration in Asia, particularly as Thailand prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, led a Thai delegation to the 7th Summit of CICA in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 14-15 October 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Vice Minister delivered a statement at the Plenary Session, reaffirming Thailand’s active engagement with CICA, including its roles as coordinators in the field of sustainable development and SMEs, as well as its support for CICA’s transformation into a full-fledged international organization.

In response to Cambodian Prime Minister’s remarks concerning the Thailand - Cambodia situation, the Vice Minister underscored that Thailand did not initiate the conflict, which had never been in Thailand’s interest. Over the years, Thailand has extended assistance to Cambodia, including providing shelter to Cambodians fleeing the civil war, supporting the country’s reconstruction, while strengthening bilateral relations at all levels. 

Thailand remains committed to the ceasefire agreement, including maintaining current troop deployments and continuing to uphold diplomacy and dialogue to address the existing conflict. However, Cambodia’s actions have undermined mutual trust between the two countries. Thailand hopes that, moving forward, Cambodia would join hands with Thailand in an atmosphere of goodwill toward achieving the lasting peace.

The Vice Minister also had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of CICA during which both sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration between Thailand and CICA and the way forward.

He underlined Thailand’s readiness to continue supporting the work of CICA, while congratulating CICA’s Secretary General on the completion of his tour of duty at the end of October 2026. Also, the Vice Minister expressed Thailand’s commitment to fostering the transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international organization alongside its strong determination to strengthening the confidence building measures (CBMs) to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia.