The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of “Team Thailand” in Tokyo on 21 September 2026 to discuss the directions of Thai-Japanese relations toward a dynamic strategic partnership.

Speaking at the meeting, he cited changes in technology, the environment, and geopolitics as major factors shaping Thai-Japanese cooperation in the future. Thailand continues to attach importance to Japanese direct investment. 

Regarding the automotive industry, Thailand's cooperation with Japan over the past several decades has built a strong supply chain in the country, with a large volume of domestic automotive parts manufacturing. However, the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) has changed the competitive structure, and investors from other countries have played an increased role in industries related to batteries, electronics, and semiconductors.

The Prime Minister noted Japan's strong potential and continued interest in investing in Thailand and the region. He stressed that Thailand should take advantage of its long-term ties with Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation, focusing on investments that integrate with existing Japanese supply chains and that can expand into new high-value industries. 

He also urged Team Thailand and other relevant agencies to closely follow up on Thai-Japanese relations and economic cooperation, collecting information and submitting recommendations to the Government, especially concerning trade, investment, energy, and industrial development.

After his mission in Japan, the Prime Minister and his delegation departed for the United States to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) during High-level Week, from 21-24 September, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

During High-level Week, the Prime Minister will deliver a national statement on behalf of Thailand in the General Debate and have bilateral meetings with senior United Nations officials and leaders of various countries.

This initiative took place during the delegation’s visit to Tokyo on 17–19 September 2026. It aligns with the policy of Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, who places importance on youth participation in government communication to foster awareness, understanding, and positive relations from the individual to the national level.

PRD organized the “Thai Youth Media Network in Japan: Connecting Thai Stories to the World” event, bringing together Thai students and youth studying and living in Japan, including members of the Thai Students’ Association in Japan, as well as other Thai youth with diverse interests and experiences. The event introduced opportunities for young people to contribute to PRD’s media content and connect with Japanese media networks. Dr. Dhanakorn Srisooksai, Manager of the Thai Media Fund, also joined this event to exchange views with the participants and support opportunities for young people in communication and media.

The PRD Director-General said that Thai youth in Japan possess the knowledge, abilities, and potential to become part of PRD’s network of young communicators. They can play an important role in sharing meaningful stories and promoting friendly relations between Thailand and Japan. She encouraged them to inspire others and serve as positive role models, while developing media literacy and maintaining resilience in receiving and using media appropriately.

Previously, PRD had provided opportunities for Thai youth in Japan to participate in media production. The work of Ms. Chutimon Suetosak and Mr. Chantit Asarassakorn demonstrates how the perspectives and experiences of the younger generation can be shared through PRD’s media platforms. Their creations were also presented to NHK representatives, followed by discussions on future opportunities for Thai youth to engage in NHK's media activities. 

The event also demonstrated PRD’s efforts to provide Thai youth in Japan with opportunities to contribute to communication content for PRD’s English-language media platforms, including NBT World and the Sawasdee Thailand website (thailand.go. th). In particular, the “Thainess Beyond Borders” column provides a platform through which young people may share their stories, experiences, and perspectives of living abroad with audiences in Thailand and around the world.

The Manager of the Thai Media Fund expressed readiness to support PRD in expanding communication opportunities for young people. He also emphasized the importance of encouraging the younger generation to play an active role in creating media, developing media literacy, and using media creatively and responsibly.

The Thai Youth Media Network in Japan initiative marks another step in building on existing achievements and collaboration, while expanding PRD’s network of Thai youth overseas. It creates sustained opportunities for the younger generation to engage with PRD, share stories about Thailand through their own perspectives, and contribute to strengthening the close and friendly relations between Thailand and Japan.

During the visit, the delegation met with NHK executives to exchange views on media development, focusing on creative content for children and media accessibility for vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities. Discussions also highlighted media content produced by NBT World with the participation of Thai youth in Japan, showcasing their potential in media and communication. 

Additionally, PRD presented the “Thainess Beyond Borders” project, which aims to build a network of young Thai communicators in Japan.

A key focus of the visit was the meeting with JIJI Press, where both sides discussed ways to deepen their existing relations and explored the possibility of developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a framework for sustained media cooperation. Proposed areas of collaboration include the exchange of news and digital content, knowledge and personnel exchanges, international and English-language news, digital media, and the use of technology in news production and dissemination.

Both sides also discussed support for journalists working in Thailand and Japan, cooperation on crisis reporting and communication, as well as content exchanges and special interviews with key figures to mark the 140th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations in 2027. These discussions aim to establish a clearer framework for practical cooperation, paving the way for a future MOU.

The visit reflects the PRD’s efforts to strengthen its international media network, enhance the professional capacity of its personnel, promote the exchange of reliable and useful information, and expand opportunities for Thai content to reach international audiences.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichanok Chidchob, during these missions from 20 to 27 September 2026, according to Government Spokesperson Ekkapol Pianpises.

The Prime Minister will also lead executives of the Thai Capital Market Business Council and the Stock Exchange of Thailand on a roadshow to present the potential of Thailand’s capital market. The goal is to create opportunities and build confidence in the Thai economy, while connecting Thailand’s capital market with leading global investors and financial institutions.

On the morning of 20 September, the Prime Minister and his delegation will depart Thailand for Tokyo. On 21 September, he is scheduled to meet Thai athletes participating in the 20th Asian Games to offer encouragement, and chair a meeting with Team Thailand in Japan, before traveling to New York City.

At UNGA81, the Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony and the general debate at UN Headquarters. He will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and senior representatives, including Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Armenia, and Bangladesh, as well as the UN Secretary-General. On 24 September, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver his statement at the general debate.

This year’s UNGA81 focuses on the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” aiming to ensure that the UN can effectively address modern global challenges and deliver sustainable and equitable benefits to all people. It is an important opportunity for Thailand to present its role and perspectives to the international community and advance cooperation that benefits the country and its people.

The Prime Minister will also meet with major U.S. businesses and investors. On 22 September, he is scheduled to join an investor roundtable discussion co-hosted by Bank of America and Jefferies Group, and meet with executives from Pacific Investment Management Company. 

He will later attend a dinner co-hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he will deliver a speech to the U.S. private sector to boost confidence in Thailand’s economic potential, attract investment, and expand economic cooperation between the two nations.

Another key mission of this trip is to drive forward cooperation in digital economy, technology, and AI. On 23 September, the Prime Minister, together with Minister of Digital Economy and Society, is scheduled to visit Google to meet with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, to discuss digital and technology cooperation. The Prime Minister will also explore Google’s innovations and technologies, particularly interactive AI and digital solutions that can be applied to Thailand’s economic and service development.

After completing his official engagements in the United States, the Prime Minister will travel to London. He will be accompanied by executives from the Stock Exchange of Thailand to meet with UK institutional investors during a roadshow. Conducted in collaboration with UBS Group AG, a leading global financial institution, the event aims to present Thailand’s economic potential, strategic direction, and investment opportunities in the Thai capital market. 

This initiative seeks to build confidence among international institutional investors, expand the foreign investor base, and connect Thailand’s capital market with global financial centers, thereby enhancing prospects for long-term investment into the country. Additionally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with representatives of leading UK businesses, including Virgin Atlantic Airways and Rolls-Royce, to promote business opportunities, investment, and cooperation with the UK private sector.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will depart the United Kingdom and are scheduled to return to Thailand on the morning of 27 September.

The meeting took place in Singapore on 14-16 September 2026. The delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, namely the Hydrographic Department and the Naval Operations Department, Royal Thai Navy, as well as the Department of Mineral Fuels, Ministry of Energy.

At the meeting on 14 September, the two parties adopted two key documents: (1) the Terms of Appointment (TOA), which establish the framework for the Commission’s work, proceedings and functions, with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) designated as the Registry; and (2) the Rules of Procedure (ROP), which set out the rules and framework governing the conduct of the Commission's proceedings, including arrangements and guidelines for subsequent meetings. 

On 15–16 September 2026, the two parties participated in the joint session, with live broadcast for the opening statements of both parties, which set out their respective positions in the conciliation proceedings. Subsequently, the Commission convened separate meetings with each party to engage in substantive and in-depth discussions, providing each party with an opportunity to present the relevant facts and views in a candid manner.

In his opening statement, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to participating in the conciliation proceedings in good faith and with a view to achieving an equitable solution to the maritime boundary delimitation, in accordance with international law and with full respect for Thailand’s sovereignty and maritime rights. He also highlighted the developments of the issue and reaffirmed Thailand’s position that discussions in the bilateral mechanisms remain the most appropriate and effective means of building mutual trust and confidence and achieving a sustainable solution. As a State Party to UNCLOS, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with the Conciliation Commission towards an equitable and lasting solution for both sides.

The next meeting with the Conciliation Commission is tentatively scheduled for October 2026. It is expected that the conciliation process will take around 12 months, after which the Commission will issue its report, including its conclusions or recommendations, which is non-legally binding upon which the two parties may use as a basis for further discussions to reach a sustainable resolution as appropriate.

The delegation is led by Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as Agent, and Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyut, in his capacity as Deputy Agent,

On 15 September, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak delivered an opening statement at the meeting, as follows:

1. It is my honour to represent the Kingdom of Thailand. I am here with a clear purpose: to seek a solution on maritime delimitation that protects our rights and enables Thailand and Cambodia to move forward as neighbours. 
2. At the outset, permit me to address the broader context of the relations between Thailand and Cambodia, which I believe is very pertinent to our meeting today. 
3. There is a need to understand the circumstances and the course of events that have led us here to Singapore. At the heart of this process is a stark divergence in how Thailand and Cambodia have chosen to manage the issues between us.
4. Thailand has consistently believed that differences between neighbours should be addressed through dialogue. That has been our approach throughout: to keep channels open, rebuild confidence, and seek sustainable solutions through bilateral negotiations. 
5. But Cambodia has approached the issues differently. It always claims that it respects international law and portrays Thailand as flouting it. But its claims are self-serving and contain elements of hypocrisy.
6. We should recall the events that precipitated the conflict. 
7. When Cambodia leaked a private telephone conversation between our leaders, when Cambodian rockets hit and killed innocent Thai civilians, and when our soldiers lost their legs to landmines planted by Cambodia, where was respect for international law?
8. Let me be clear. Thailand’s commitment to international law is unwavering. We firmly uphold the rules-based international order and will defend our rights within it. 
9. For Thailand, international law and diplomacy are complementary foundations of peaceful relations between States. Law provides the framework. Diplomacy enables neighbours to apply that framework, build trust and confidence, and arrive at acceptable and sustainable solutions. 
10. This matters all the more now because our relationship has been through a difficult period. Conflicts have damaged trust and taken a heavy toll on communities on both sides. 
11. But if we want a real chance at finding sustainable solutions, we must rebuild that trust. Thailand has therefore pursued dialogue and a pragmatic approach to create the confidence needed to tackle harder issues. 
12. At the ASEAN Summit in Cebu earlier this year, our leaders reaffirmed their commitment to gradually restore relations.
13. And when I met my Cambodian counterpart, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, in New York in May, I proposed practical step-by-step measures to advance that commitment. These would have built confidence and enabled us to confidently move forward on the contentious issues before us. 
14. Regrettably, that pragmatic approach of diplomacy has never been given a real chance by Cambodia. And from Thailand’s perspective, this reflects a troubling pattern in Cambodia’s approach. 
15. Instead of engaging fully and sincerely through bilateral dialogue, Cambodia has repeatedly vilified Thailand through false narratives, distortion of facts and unfounded accusations against us, almost on a daily basis, including at international forums. And it does this by playing the role of a victim with a sense of self-righteousness aimed at claiming the moral high ground.
16. We cannot ignore how domestic political considerations in Cambodia have shaped this pattern. For us, relations between our two countries — and the welfare of citizens on both sides — should never be made subject to short-term political calculations. 
17. This is the path that Cambodia has chosen all along. Such an approach bears heavy consequences. It inflames public sentiment, deepens tensions, and hardens positions. This makes the accommodation and reconciliation that both countries need even more difficult. 
18. The path that Thailand has sought to pursue is one in which recourse to legal means is accompanied by clear-eyed diplomacy to build trust. Diplomacy must not become a contest in one-upmanship that seeks unilateral advantage.

Termination of the 2001 MOU 

19. Madam Chair, members of the Commission, the work ahead of us requires an accurate account of how we arrived here. I therefore wish to briefly address Cambodia’s portrayal of Thailand’s decision to terminate the 2001 MOU. 
20. Cambodia suggests that Thailand’s decision to terminate the MOU left it with no option but to initiate these proceedings. This is simply not true. 
21. The truth is that, over a period of twenty-five years, we managed to hold only two rounds of official talks. It is clear that the MOU had produced no concrete progress. Thailand therefore chose to give negotiations a fresh start. 
22. Cambodia’s very recent ratification of UNCLOS would have provided a timely opportunity to resume talks on a common and firmer legal basis.
23. Thailand expressly offered that path. I personally proposed to my counterpart that we begin direct talks on the maritime boundary, which could have helped to improve relations and open the way to resolving other outstanding issues. 
24. And I proposed that if no agreement emerged within six months, we could then proceed to conciliation together. 
25. So, for Cambodia to claim that it had no other option but to initiate these proceedings after Thailand terminated the MOU was an outright distortion of the facts. 
26. Cambodia was indeed presented with an option. But Cambodia disregardsed this option, for reasons which we find difficult to comprehend.

Scope of the Dispute 

27. To reach a settlement, Madam Chair, we must be clear about the scope of the subject matter before the Commission. 
28. The scope of these proceedings concerns only maritime boundary delimitation between Thailand and Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. 
29. Thailand reaffirms its maritime boundary position as reflected in the Royal Proclamation of 18 May 1973. We seek nothing more than the protection of our sovereignty, sovereign rights and our legitimate entitlements under international law. 
30. And let me be clear. This conciliation does not concern sovereignty over land including the island of Ko Kut. There has never been a debate on this matter. Thailand rejects Cambodia’s 1972 continental shelf claim line which is without legal basis.

How Thailand Approaches Conciliation 

31. Madam Chair, members of the Commission, Thailand enters this conciliation in good faith, fully mindful of the provisions of UNCLOS, and with confidence in the independence, impartiality and collective expertise of this Commission. 
32. Thailand stands ready to engage in this process constructively, with the aim of achieving, with the Commission’s assistance, a negotiated and equitable solution. Conciliation can help the parties to identify common ground, narrow divergent legal positions, and negotiate a way forward. 
33. And we trust that, with your guidance, both parties can achieve an equitable, pragmatic, and lasting solution on the delimitation of a maritime boundary. 
34. The door for dialogue is open. In the end, the onus still rests on our two countries to find the way forward together, in earnest and in good faith.

Conclusion 

35. As we commence the proceedings today, we must be mindful that how this case evolves and the outcome of this conciliation process will have important implications for the future relations between Thailand and Cambodia. 
36. This process is not an exercise in zero-sum diplomacy. 
37. Let there be no doubt that Thailand is fully committed to upholding international law. 
38. Let there be no doubt that Thailand defends its sovereignty and maritime rights firmly.
39. And let there be no doubt in our commitment to peace and prosperity with our neighbours. 
40. This has been amply demonstrated in the past when we worked with many like-minded countries for many years to bring peace to Cambodia and help to rebuild the country for its people. 
41. Thailand stands firmly on the path of peace. 
42. Moving forward requires political will on both sides. As we have emphasised many times before, the choice is for Cambodia to make. And we hope Cambodia can muster political will to join us on this path. 
43. Before long after these proceedings conclude, Thailand and Cambodia will remain neighbours. Our task is to ensure that the legacy we leave behind will allow future generations to enjoy the dividends of peace and prosperity between our two countries. 
44. Thailand stands ready to do our part. We hope Cambodia will do the same. 
Thank you, Madam Chair.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 13 September 2026 delivered a statement on behalf of Thailand, representing Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, during the Open Session of the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit.

The event was held under the theme "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth," at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.

In his statement, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored that, in a multipolar world where international rules are in transition, Thailand stands ready to help shape the direction of the international order together with developing countries, so that the voice and interests of the Global South carry weight in setting the global agenda.

He highlighted Thailand's proactive role through South–South cooperation, in particular the Thailand–Africa Initiative, the Global Partnership against Online Scams to establish a global cooperation mechanism to combat online crime, and climate change, where Thailand advocates wider access to green finance, including through the New Development Bank.

On the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand also met with Mr. Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Ms. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mr. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Mr. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba.

The Deputy Prime Minister delivered a statement in the Session “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth” on 13 September, when he understored Thailand's role and readiness to serve as a bridge between BRICS and ASEAN as follows:

“Thailand congratulates India on its chairmanship and BRICS on two decades of cooperation. As we all have underscored this morning, the world is facing many challenges and disruptions that test both our countries’ resilience and the rules-based international order we have long relied on. This makes it all the more important for the Global South to come together.

“Together, we can indeed make a difference. Our economies are increasingly driving global growth. And by working together, we can strengthen resilience and ensure our voice in global decisions is heard and heeded in shaping the international order in a multipolar world. 

“BRICS can help turn our collective strength into influence and action, giving the Global South a greater say and helping us build the capacity to respond together.

“That is why Thailand values its partnership with BRICS as a platform to deepen ties and work together on common challenges across the Global South. 

“Our cooperation to strengthen countries’ ability to manage risks, adapt to change and share benefits for growth. Indeed, we have made progress, still much more remains to be done, especially in trade and investment, cooperation in new technology, AI and financial transactions, issues that we all have touched upon this morning. 

“This is also the principle behind Thailand’s approach to South-South Cooperation: practical partnerships that build resilience and make development more inclusive.

“Our Thailand–Africa Initiative puts this approach into practice. During my recent visit to Nigeria and Ethiopia last month, we explored how Thailand can support development needs through development cooperation, trade and investment. 

“Our approach is to combine technical know-how, development cooperation and business partnership to support growth and resilience, in ways that respond to the priorities of local communities. 

“That is how Thailand seeks to contribute, and an approach we can help develop together across the Global South. 

“Importantly, that same spirit of cooperation must guide how we manage risks that no country can tackle alone, from online scams to climate change. 

“Last year, global financial losses from scams exceeded 422 billion US dollars, while seven in ten adults worldwide reported having encountered online scams in one way or another. Last year, Thailand helped repatriate tens of thousands of victims, and we have launched a Global Partnership against Online Scams to strengthen international cooperation against these networks.

“Climate resilience is another shared challenge. Thailand supports wider access to green finance, including through the New Development Bank, so countries can build resilience without holding back development. 

“Challenges like this show why multilateralism and regionalism are mutually reinforcing. Many cross-border problems cannot be solved by countries acting alone. Regional frameworks allow us to combine strengths, coordinate responses and act together.

“For Thailand, in our own region, ASEAN provides that foundation. But we also see scope for closer ASEAN–BRICS cooperation, particularly on food security, supply chain and the digital economy. 

“By connecting our regions, ASEAN and BRICS can widen cooperation, strengthen resilience and amplify the Global South’s collective voice. And Thailand stands ready to play our part.”

The State Funeral of His Majesty King Harald V was held on 9 September 2026 at 13.00 hr (Oslo local time) at Oslo Cathedral. Prior to the ceremony, a royal procession conveyed the royal remains from the Royal Palace to the Cathedral, amid a solemn atmosphere of mourning as the Norwegian people lined the route to pay their final respects to their long‑reigning monarch. The ceremony was attended by members of royal families, heads of state, prime ministers, and senior representatives from around the world.

The Prime Minister’s mission in Oslo reflects the close and cordial relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Norway, as well as Thailand's dignity and standing in the international arena.

On the same day at 17.30 hr (Oslo local time), the Prime Minister attended the state reception at the Royal Palace in Oslo, alongside royal guests, heads of state, members of royal families, and senior representatives from various countries who gathered to pay tribute and express their condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.

The reception was held following the conclusion of the State Funeral at Oslo Cathedral, with His Majesty King Haakon VIII of Norway graciously hosting the distinguished international guests.

Global Times President Guan Kejiang welcomed the delegation and shared how the outlet transitioned into an all-media model - spanning websites, applications, and social media alongside traditional print - to adapt to shifting reader habits. He emphasized, “Audiences don't need a massive volume of information; they want the truth.” 

This visit is part of the Media Practitioner Exchange program, under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between PRD and People's Daily to develop their media personnel. PRD will apply this experience exchange to develop its public relations work, providing useful information that reaches and directly meets the needs of target audiences more effectively.

This ongoing partnership strengthens media cooperation between Thailand and China, driving digital innovation and fostering deeper cross-border understanding.