{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Thailand on Global Stage","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/49","items":[{"id":"064d09f68c6999fcb31ba232621402e3","title":"Prime Minister Presides Over Merit-Making Ceremony in Paris in Dedication to Queen Rambhai Barni ","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 23 May 2026 presided over a merit-making and alms-giving ceremony in dedication to Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni of the Seventh Reign, hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris at Wat Buddhananachat, Paris, the French Republic.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Also participating in the ceremony were the Prime Minister’s spouse Thananon Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Culture Sabida Thaised, Ambassador of Thailand to the French Republic Nikorndej Balankura, and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, as well as members of the local Thai community.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has honored Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), in commemoration of the centennial celebration of the Queen’ s enduring legacy and contributions to humanity. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The organization has included the 100th anniversary of Queen Rambhai Barni’s contributions to education, social development, and gender equality in its “Anniversaries Celebration” program for 2026-2027.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The National Commission on the Celebrations to Honor Queen Rambhai Barni of the Seventh Reign has approved the organizing of activities in honor of the Queen, both in Thailand and abroad, so that Thai people from all walks of life would be able to join and express their gratitude to the Queen.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Queen Rambhai Barni passed away on 22 May 1984 at the age of 79. The National Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has set 22 May 2026 to 31 December 2027 as the period to mark the centennial celebration of the Queen’ s legacy. The Government is organizing an exhibition featuring Queen Rambhai Barni’ life and work at Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok from 22 to 31 May 2026. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

King Prajadhipok Museum, under King Prajadhipok's Institute, is joining hands with its network in organizing an exhibition in honor of the Queen from 2026 to 2027. It will also hold discussions, music performances, movie screenings, and an international meeting to mark this occasion. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/505993","date_published":"2026-05-24T13:15:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026052486fb7946adbf5cc3f34b5d2dd15cc5db132612.jpeg"},{"id":"5415defc7fdad6f271ac21f55af7566d","title":"Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Is on a Visit to France","content_text":"

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is leading a Thai delegation to visit France from 21 to 27 May 2026. The Thai delegation comprises Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised, and Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Traisuree Taisaranakul.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Prime Minister on 22 May met the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency to discuss the promotion of energy security, and the Director-General of UNESCO to discuss the promotion of Thai culture on the global stage. The inscription of “Chud Thai (Thai traditional dresses)” on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage was also discussed. It is hoped that Chud Thai will be successfully inscribed toward the end of this year to create global awareness and add more value to Thailand’s creative economy on the global stage, both in terms of fashion, handicrafts, tourism, and other items of “soft power.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the Prime Minister on 23 May will preside over the Buddhist chanting and alms-making ceremony in dedication to Queen Rambhai Barni of the Seventh Reign, and will meet with the Thai community at a Buddhist temple. He will, later, hold a discussion with Thai investors in France in such industries as food production and processing, recycling and sustainable packaging manufacturing, and restaurant businesses.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On 24 May, the Prime Minister will attend the conference of the Thai ambassadors and consuls-general in Europe to exchange views on driving forward the Government’s policy directives in the context of the European region.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On 25 May, in the morning, the Prime Minister will meet with representatives of Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF International) and the French private sector in various fields of business, such as, basic materials industry, medical devices\/optics, aviation, and aerospace. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In the evening, he will attend a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée, where they will discuss strengthening relations toward strategic partnership. the Prime Minister will take this opportunity to invite the French private sector to invest in Thailand’s large-scale projects, especially in the fields where France has expertise, such as aviation and space industry, clean energy, and defense industry.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Also, on 25 May, Thailand and France are scheduled to sign the new Joint Action Plan for Strengthening Thailand – France Partnership for 2026–2028. The Joint Action Plan will serve as a framework for driving forward bilateral cooperation over the next three years. It aims to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, while expanding collaboration in areas that are aligned with global trends, such as transition to decarbonized energy, and promotion of Thailand’s soft power in fashion, film, and cuisine.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Government Spokesperson said that the signing of the Joint Action Plan would mark another significant milestone in Thailand-France relations, which will contribute to reinforcing cooperation in the fields of economy, technology, energy, and human resource development, thereby, creating new opportunities and fostering long-term collaboration between the two countries.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/505815","date_published":"2026-05-22T20:59:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026052282a2b2923915290eaea4ed552e82fc56210956.jpeg"},{"id":"734e9f5d3a606a1dd73d96032b4af1ab","title":"Thailand Advocates Deeper Cooperation on Climate Change and Sustainable Development at ASEAN - Australia Forum","content_text":"

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Chettaphan Maksamphan, in the 38th ASEAN - Australia Forum in Sydney, Australia, encouraged enhanced cooperation on the Green Agenda, particularly in the areas of clean and renewable energy, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage technologies, as well as the establishment of a regional carbon market mechanism.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Mr. Chettaphan on 13 May 2026 participated in the forum and led a discussion on cooperation on climate change and sustainable development, <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

He underscored the importance of utilizing existing financing facilities, support mechanisms, and tools within ASEAN-Australia frameworks, including the Aus4ASEAN Initiatives, Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I), and cooperation under the Mekong sub-regional framework. He also urged closer cooperation on sustainable development and the Blue Economy.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The ASEAN - Australia Forum discussed how to further advance ASEAN - Australia Dialogue Relations, as this year marks the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and preparation for the 6th ASEAN - Australia Summit to be held in November this year. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The meeting also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and the energy crisis.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On this occasion. the Deputy Permanent Secretary had a meeting with the Advisory Board of the ASEAN - Australia Centre (AAC) to discuss ways to strengthen people-to-people, cultural, and educational connections between Australia and ASEAN. The establishment of the AAC was among the key outcomes of the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit in 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/504520","date_published":"2026-05-19T15:35:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260519bbc6c273081f0389e6e613d6cb6d8aed154453.jpg"},{"id":"fe1ff943ecbce8a0c3c901d64b780d7f","title":"EU Adopts Visa Cascade Scheme for Thai Passport Holders","content_text":"

The European Commission has approved the application of the European Union’s Visa Cascade regime to Thai nationals residing in Thailand who apply for short-stay Schengen visas at the embassies or consulates of Schengen States in Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

This measure, issued on 8 May 2026, will facilitate the issuance of longer-validity short-stay visas to Thai passport holders who have previously obtained Schengen visas and maintained a good travel record, thereby reducing the need for frequent visa applications and saving both time and costs, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Under the Visa Cascade scheme, applicants who have previously obtained and lawfully used a Schengen visa may be eligible for multiple-entry visas with progressively longer validity accordingly:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

• For a validity period of 1 year, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used one visa within the previous 2 years.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

• For a validity period of 2 years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year within the previous 3 years.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

• For a validity period of 5 years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for 2 years within the previous 4 years.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Visa Cascade is not a Schengen visa exemption. Thai passport holders will continue to be required to apply for Schengen visas through the normal process, and the applicable requirements remain unchanged. To be eligible for longer-validity visas, applicants must maintain a good travel record, including full compliance with the laws and regulations of destination countries.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

This achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thorough close cooperation between the Department of European Affairs, the Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels, Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General across Europe, the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, and the Embassies of EU and Schengen States in Thailand. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Through an evidence-based approach, the Ministry demonstrated that Thai passport holders present low migration and security risks and contribute significant economic benefits to the EU and Schengen countries. Thailand is currently one of seven countries to have been granted the Visa Cascade regime, following India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman in 2024, and Turkey and Indonesia in 2025. Thailand is the second ASEAN country to benefit from this arrangement.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Ministry has expressed appreciation to Thai travelers for their responsible travel conduct, which has helped the Government successfully advocate this initiative. The Visa Cascade reflects the EU’s confidence in Thailand and marks another important milestone in Thailand - EU relations, which have continued to expand across political, security, and economic dimensions, particularly following the provisional application of the Thailand - EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) on 20 October 2024. The measure will further facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people ties, representing a tangible outcome of Thailand’s people-centric diplomacy. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue working toward Thailand’s long-term objective of securing Schengen visa exemption, with a view to promoting travel, trade, investment, education, and skilled mobility for the benefit of the Thai people.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/503903","date_published":"2026-05-18T10:24:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260518a8f5ef990b46c61cdd52e30641cd4b53103836.png"},{"id":"e972651927aa56467ce91e90e6b37128","title":"Thailand Stands Ready to Serve as a Bridge between ASEAN and BRICS","content_text":"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that Thailand stands ready to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and BRICS to further promote practical cooperation that responds to the needs of the people of both sides.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Deputy Prime Minister attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) and related meetings with partner countries on 14-15 May 2026 in New Delhi, at the invitation of Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, in India’s capacity as BRICS Chair for 2026.
\r\nIn his statement delivered at the 2026 BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 14 May 2026, he underscored the importance of BRICS in promoting the voice of developing countries and the Global South to ensure their meaningful participation in global decision-making processes. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with countries of the Global South through the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI), with a view to expanding practical cooperation in the areas of economy, technology and sustainable development with African countries, particularly in the context of an evolving global landscape amidst rising geopolitical tensions. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation within regional frameworks and the multilateral system, while upholding the rules-based international order, to foster greater resilience and mutual trust in addressing shared challenges.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to driving resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability as key pillars in addressing shared challenges and restoring the international order. He also highlighted the three principles that Thailand has championed within ASEAN, namely Regionalism, Resilience and Relevance, and proposed that BRICS adopt these approaches to further strengthen its role on the global stage, while expressing Thailand’s readiness to advance connected and purposeful partnerships. In this connection, Thailand will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also paid a joint call on Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, together with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of BRICS member states and partner countries, before delivering the statement<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

This BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” BRICS is an interregional grouping of many developing countries to further promote the interests of the Global South. BRICS currently has 10 member countries and 10 partner countries. Thailand has been a partner country since January 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/503620","date_published":"2026-05-16T10:52:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260516906730c4ab8a7128a70ed9e4192aa3d8111839.jpeg"},{"id":"bb3d355aeb5a3ccea19699cb9446fb5f","title":"Vision of Trustworthy Media in the Age of AI Highlighted at the Asia Media Summit in the Maldives","content_text":"

Mrs. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of Thailand’s Public Relations Department (PRD), in her capacity as President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference, delivered the opening remarks at the 21st Asia Media Summit (AMS 2026) in the Maldives, highlighting the vision of trustworthy media in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The AMS 2026, which is being held from 11 to 14 May 2026, under the theme “Maldives 2.0 – From Tradition to Tech,” brings together ministers, media executives, and policymakers from across the region.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In her remarks, the PRD Director-General stressed the need for the media to remain trustworthy even in the AI era, when tools become more advanced. She stated that the theme for this year’s Asia Media Summit serves as a roadmap for the region’s shared future — the transition from traditional foundations to a technology-driven era. While tools and platforms continue to evolve, she pointed out that the core mission of journalism to serve the public interest remains unchanged.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In times of conflict and humanitarian crises, she said, accurate reporting becomes a source of hope for the public. As President of the AIBD General Conference, Mrs. Sudruetai reaffirmed her commitment to transforming regional cooperation into tangible outcomes for AIBD members.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On the sidelines of the summit, the PRD Director-General held discussions with media leaders from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as heads of relevant international organizations, including the secretaries-general of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The discussions focused on exchanging views and exploring opportunities for media collaboration to strengthen people-to-people connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. She also reaffirmed her commitment to serving all AIBD members by helping build a media industry that is adaptive, inclusive, and responsive to the changing global landscape — ensuring that no member is left behind.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Asia Media Summit is AIBD’s flagship annual gathering, providing a platform where members are able to exchange ideas and best practices to strengthen the regional media industry. PRD has also sent its personnel to participate in professional training programs, while senior executives joined key panel discussions on the future of media. The knowledge and partnerships gained from this summit will be applied to further enhance Thailand’s government communication strategies.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Currently, AIBD comprises 87 member organizations from 42 countries. Thailand’s leadership role through the PRD Director-General’s position, as President of the AIBD General Conference, further strengthens the country’s contribution to advancing media development, public communication, and information cooperation at the regional level. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/502667","date_published":"2026-05-13T15:19:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605132ad0032efd618423b6c2b96a64db12c9152849.jpeg"},{"id":"f06214a5dc5d49917b85c0883f60b8f6","title":"Highlighting the Promotion of Creative Economy and Thai Popularity Abroad","content_text":"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow has underscored the importance of proactive economic diplomacy, particularly in areas that respond to global transformation and the new world economy, including energy transition, green economy, and advanced technologies.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Deputy Prime Minister on 9 May 2026 delivered policy guidance to Thai officials, under the Team Thailand in Japan, during his visit to the 26th Thai Festival in Tokyo. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also stressed the need to elevate Thailand’s standards and regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) standards, as well as the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges, such as cybersecurity and the threat of online scams.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the 26th Thai Festival in Tokyo. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to laying a strong foundation for Thailand’s creative economy, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Japanese creative economy agencies in preparation for the upcoming celebration of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan in 2027.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Thai Festival in Tokyo is the largest Thai festival held overseas and one of Tokyo’s most prominent cultural exchange events, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. The 26th edition of the festival took place on 9-10 May at Yoyogi Park under the theme “Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat.” The event aimed to support Thailand’s nation-branding efforts by offering a firsthand experience of Thai culture, while creating opportunities for Thai products, services, and creative industries to expand from the local to the global stage.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand and Japan share a longstanding and close relationship. The two countries have consistently supported one another, including during times of crisis. In addition, Thailand serves as Japan’s principal investment base in Southeast Asia, with more than 6,000 Japanese companies located in Thailand (the highest number in ASEAN). <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Japan is also Thailand’s largest source of accumulated foreign investment, with total Japanese investment over the past 10 years amounting to 841.517 billion baht. As such, the two countries elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/501951","date_published":"2026-05-11T12:56:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260511df09d8c328a3f3d440604cede5fcd4f7131343.jpg"},{"id":"1a8e99703d3d91d7819e8f6c506b819f","title":"Bilateral Meetings between Thai Prime Minister and Four ASEAN Leaders ","content_text":"

On the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Cebu, the Philippines, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, held bilateral meetings with Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, and Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., the President of the Republic of the Philippines.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

During the meeting between Prime Ministers of Thailand and Malaysia, both sides reaffirmed their close relations as neighboring countries and expressed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including within the ASEAN framework. They also discussed cross-border connectivity, economic development, and border security, as well as exchanging views on regional and international issues of common concern. Thailand and Malaysia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2027.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In their meeting, Prime Minister Anutin and the Vietnamese Prime Minister discussed ways to encourage more trade and investment, particularly in key sectors, such as banking, aviation, and defense. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advance the Thailand-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed upcoming high-level visits this year which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Thailand-Vietnam diplomatic relations. They also exchanged views on regional issues, including development cooperation in the Mekong sub-region and the Thailand-Cambodia border situation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

As for the meeting between Prime Minister Anutin and the Prime Minister of Singapore, both sides expressed satisfaction with the good momentum of Thailand-Singapore relations reflected by continued high-level visits and agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, especially in the areas of digital economy, aviation industry, and energy security. They also exchanged views on regional issues, such as the situation in the Middle East and the importance of fostering energy security and connectivity in ASEAN, as well as recent developments in Myanmar.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

During his meeting with the President of the Philippines, Prime Minister Anutin admired the role of the Philippines in its initiative in convening the trilateral meeting between the leaders of Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia. He stated that the results of the meeting were satisfactory and marked a significant step to promote peace and stability in this region. On this occasion, Thailand and the Philippines also discussed bilateral cooperation on food security, trade, investment, and energy, in order to strengthen regional stability and security.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/501560","date_published":"2026-05-09T19:17:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026050917b4ff48b47538f95bed90de646b2b4f195917.jpeg"},{"id":"5d0d5f6e188b42505eda8ed1717aa970","title":"Thailand Proposes Strategies for ASEAN to Cope with More Volatile and Unpredictable World","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in an intervention at the Retreat Session of the 48th ASEAN Summit on 8 May 2026, proposed three strategic priorities for ASEAN to cope with more volatile and unpredictable world.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

First, regionalism. ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity. But this is not a given. It requires Member States to look beyond national positions, align around shared regional interests, and act on them. In practice, this means improving coordination and decision-making because in times of crisis, speed and coherence matter. And as challenges become more interconnected, ASEAN regionalism must also become more integrated and holistic.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Second, resilience. This means the ability to manage external pressures and strategic competition on a sure footing. And at the heart of that is ASEAN centrality, which requires Member States to place ASEAN at a core of their respective foreign policy. At the same time, resilience is also about having the ability to manage tensions before they turn into crises. ASEAN’s ability to foster inclusive dialogue remains a key asset. However, dialogue must be supported by stronger and more practical ASEAN mechanisms, from crisis coordination to concrete cooperation that builds trust and reduces tensions before they escalate.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Third, relevance. ASEAN must continue to matter both within and beyond the region. This means positioning itself as a credible and trusted partner, engaging meaningfully on regional challenges and working with like-minded partners to support multilateralism and a rules-based order. Ultimately, relevance is about delivering on the aspirations of the people, ensuring that regional integration translates into real improvements in livelihoods and opportunities for all.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Prime Minister pointed out that what everyone is seeing in the Middle East is not an isolated crisis, but part of a more volatile and unpredictable world. The international order as one has known will not be the same anymore.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also touched upon the Myanmar situation which, in many ways, brings together the challenges outlined above. It is a test of ASEAN’s unity, resilience, and relevance. Recent developments, including the granting of amnesty to former President U Win Myint and the relocation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a residence, are positive steps. They offer a window, however narrow, for a more conducive environment towards dialogue and reconciliation. This presents an opportunity for ASEAN to pursue a practical pathway through a calibrated and gradual re-engagement with Myanmar that supports the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. The Prime Minister suggested that Member States task the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to take this work forward. Thailand stands ready to support the Chair and the Special Envoy in this endeavor.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/501406","date_published":"2026-05-08T19:45:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605081a138fff94bb49007f64e6eb16bc61a5195254.jpeg"},{"id":"9d657acfe9c0761f92109881648c18a5","title":"Prime Minister Calls for ASEAN Collective Resilience Being Tested Now by Developments in the Middle East","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stressed the need for ASEAN to remain united, adaptive, and forward-looking, saying that resilience today must be built collectively and that collective resilience is now being tested in real time by developments in the Middle East, with repercussions for energy prices, food security, and the livelihoods of people. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Prime Minister on 8 May 2026 attended the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, and delivered an intervention at the Plenary Session, which was also attended by other ASEAN leaders and representatives,<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Concerning energy security, he stated that disruptions along key maritime chokepoints have exposed just how vulnerable global supply chains are, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation. This is a wake-up call for ASEAN to accelerate practical cooperation, from advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and making use of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, to scaling up investment in bankable renewable energy projects, including solar and biofuels.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Similar pressures have been seen on food security, the issue that all ASEAN leaders raised concern. Rising energy and fertilizer costs are straining production and prices across the region. He said that ASEAN needs stronger cooperation across the entire food value chain, while building on practical models already in place, such as the Thailand-Singapore rice trade arrangement that helps secure supply in times of need. ASEAN should explore expanding similar standby arrangements to other essential commodities to strengthen the region’s collective preparedness in times of crisis.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Prime Minister emphasized that, ultimately, ASEAN must be able to protect what matters most, that is, its people. During the recent conflict in the Middle East, he personally chaired Thailand’s war room to coordinate the evacuation of thousands of Thai nationals. It was not an easy task. But it also demonstrated the real value of ASEAN coordination. He commended Singapore for extending a helping hand in evacuating other ASEAN nationals on its special flight. This is ASEAN solidarity in action. This experience also carries an important lesson, that is, being able to rely on one another in times of crisis demonstrates in a tangible way what ASEAN is all about. It reinforces the sense that the citizens belong not only to their own nations, but also to a wider ASEAN community.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

At the Plenary Session of the 48th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN leaders agreed upon the CEBU Protocol to Amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which prescribes inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Timor\u2011Leste as a Member State of ASEAN. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

They also adopted the following four documents: 1) ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, 2) ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Priority Actions for Regional Resilience in Response to the Implications of the Situation in the Middle East on the Region, 3) ASEAN  Leaders' Statement on the ASEAN Convergence on Disaster Response: The ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework, and 4) ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/501404","date_published":"2026-05-08T19:30:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026050891dc927258728bf91bf32ac2208c2e5e194955.jpeg"}]}