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.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said, “Today, as we can all see, much of the world is becoming more fragmented, more polarized, and more uncertain. Global trade patterns are shifting. Technology is progressing at a much more rapid pace than ever. Climate change is placing growing pressure on our economies and societies. Taken together, these developments are not simply another cycle of uncertainty. They point to a deeper transition in the regional and global order. For ASEAN, this presents both risks and opportunities.

“At a time when many regions are facing turbulence, ASEAN has the potential to become one of the most stable regions in the world. At a time when investment is searching for reliable destinations, ASEAN has the potential to become one of the world’s leading regions for growth, innovation, and opportunity.

“Whether we realize that potential will depend on the choices we make today. First, ASEAN must draw on its strategic advantage. For more than five decades, ASEAN’s success has been about our ability to align national interest with regional interest. This has been vital to ASEAN centrality, enabling ASEAN to be the anchor of peace and security in the region.  

“In an increasingly divided world, ASEAN’s value lies not in choosing sides, but in maintaining trust, preserving dialogue, and creating space for cooperation. ASEAN centrality remains essential because it allows our region to engage constructively with all partners while safeguarding our own interests.

“Second, ‘resilience’ must underpin future prosperity. This means more integration. Our first step dated back in 1992 when Thailand proposed AFTA. But much more needs to be done even today. Resilience also means leveraging on our strategic location at the crossroads of major sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. We must therefore enhance our connectivity in all dimensions. An important dimension of connectivity is digital connectivity. Thailand looks forward to the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement this year to unlock the full potential of ASEAN’s digital economy.  

“At the heart of connectivity are vital sea lanes of transport and commerce. Recent developments in the Middle East, including in the Strait of Hormuz, have exposed the vulnerabilities of critical chokepoints, which have impacted maritime, food and energy security. 

“It is in this context that Thailand has pushed forward the idea of Land Bridge in Southern Thailand as an alternative route to safeguard against supply chain disruption.”

At the recent ASEAN Summit in Cebu, he said, “We extensively discussed the issue of food and energy security and how we can do more to assist each other. Thailand has offered to make jet fuels available to ASEAN friends given our excess capacity and to help other Member States in ensuring food security.

“Third, ASEAN must remain focused on delivering tangible benefits to its people. Ultimately, the success of ASEAN will not be measured by the number of meetings we hold or declarations we adopt. It will be measured by whether our peoples feel safer, more secure, and more optimistic about their future. This is particularly important for our younger generation, who will face both the opportunities and disruptions brought about by technological change, including AI.

“This requires stronger cooperation to address challenges that directly affect daily life, including online scams, cyber threats, public health risks, and natural disasters. It also requires continued investment in education, skills development, healthcare, and social protection so that our people are prepared for the opportunities and disruptions of the future economy.

  “As the world is changing rapidly, the question is whether ASEAN is prepared not only to manage the challenges ahead, but also to seize the opportunities they create. I believe we have what it takes to do so, because ASEAN enters this new era with something many regions increasingly lack: stability, connectivity, and trust.

“In today’s world, predictability and rules-based regional order have become a competitive advantage. And stability is not simply a security objective. It is an economic asset. It attracts investment, supports growth, and creates opportunities for our peoples. If we continue to strengthen these foundations, ASEAN will not only remain relevant. It can become one of the world’s most stable regions and one of the greatest regions of opportunity. Let me assure you, Thailand stands ready to work with all ASEAN Member States and partners to help realize that vision.

“Lastly, I wish to address the issue concerning relations between Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand and Cambodia are at an important crossroads. The decision we make today will have a bearing on the future course of our relations. We need to meet the challenges together to turn a new page in our ties. It is only through demonstrating political will and resolve that we can achieve peaceful and lasting solutions. There is no easy path. It will require trust and confidence, as well as dialogue in good faith.”

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 8 June 2026 held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the occasion of his official visit to Vietnam. The two sides agreed to enhance military cooperation, particularly through the establishment of a border defense cooperation mechanism, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the economic front, both sides supported greater engagement between the private sectors of the two countries, the achievement of the bilateral trade target of USD 25 billion, and the setting of an even more ambitious trade target in the future. 

Prime Minister Anutin also requested the Vietnamese government to continue supporting Thai private-sector investments in Vietnam and encouraged greater Vietnamese investment in Thailand in order to promote a more balanced flow of two-way investment.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional developments. The Thai side briefed Vietnam on the Thailand - Cambodia situation, while the Vietnamese side expressed support for the peaceful resolution of issues between the two countries. In addition, both sides agreed that ASEAN should increase its engagement with Myanmar.

On the same day, the Prime Minister met Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam. Both sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Thailand and Vietnam and welcomed the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

They also underscored the importance of close cooperation between the legislative branches of both countries, particularly in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the House of Representatives of Thailand and the National Assembly of Vietnam, enhancing the role of the Thailand–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Groups, and coordinating positions in multilateral parliamentary forums, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The Prime Minister also requested the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam to support and facilitate a conducive regulatory environment for Thai investors operating in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister began his two-day official visit in Vietnam on 8 June, when he met representatives of Thai companies investing and conducting business in Vietnam to exchange views on trade, investment, and business opportunities in the country. Participants included representatives of Thai businesses operating in the energy, retail and real estate, petrochemical, industrial estate, consumer goods, and banking and financial sectors.

Prime Minister Anutin said that both Thailand and Vietnam complement each other. Vietnam plays an important role in the global production chain, while Thailand is strong in industries, logistics, and regional connectivity. The two nations possess immense potential to leverage their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to drive ASEAN’s economic future.

Private sector representatives shared updates in the meeting on their business operations in Vietnam. Companies in the energy, retail and manufacturing sectors indicated plans to further expand their investments in the future. They also proposed measures to enhance the business environment and improve operational efficiency, including facilitating investment approval processes, maximizing the benefits of the Thailand -  Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and strengthening coordination mechanisms to support operations of Thai investors.

The private sector representatives also shared their perspectives on Vietnam’s economic development, including infrastructure development, public administration reform, the promotion of energy security, and the enhancement of the country’s economic role. These factors have significantly contributed to strengthening confidence among foreign investors. Many companies agreed that Thailand and Vietnam can grow together through closer economic, trade and investment cooperation, particularly through shared supply chains.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow noted that the Thai government attaches great importance to promoting Thai businesses overseas, saying that Vietnam is an important Comprehensive Strategic Partner of Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make full use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including proposing the convening of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation at the foreign minister level within this year, as well as following up on the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan and the Joint Trade Committee meeting within the same timeframe, which will allow both governments to monitor and advance trade and investment cooperation, while also facilitating the operations of businesses.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first official visit to Vietnam since assuming office and a continuation of the recent successful official visit to Thailand by Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of Vietnam. 

The visit reflects the close Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will be part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Thai-Vietnamese diplomatic relations this year.

Accompanying the Prime Minister on this visit will be Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul, Minister of Defense Adul Boonthumjaroen, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan, and Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa.

On 8 June, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the President of the National Assembly of Vietnam and will pay a courtesy call on the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of Vietnam. He is also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Thai and Vietnamese private sectors to promote trade, investment, and economic partnership between the two countries. 

On 9 June, the Prime Minister will join and deliver remarks at the third ASEAN Future Forum under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered.” Begore returning to Thailand, he will participate in the Thailand–Vietnam Investment and Business Forum, organized by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

In his statement, he said, “For Thailand, industrial policy has been part of our development story. From the 1960s onwards, Thailand pursued a strategy to build domestic industrial capacity. We moved from import substitution to export-oriented policy involving targeted investment incentives, robust FDI strategy and developing local supply chains. 

“These policies helped transform Thailand from an agriculture-based economy into one of the region’s manufacturing hubs, especially in automotive industry, electronics, and petrochemical. 

“But obviously the domestic and international contexts are changing.

  “Today, investors look beyond tax incentives. They prioritize skills, innovation, regulatory quality, ease of doing business, policy continuity, and policy stability. 

“At the same time, countries must also create quality jobs, strengthen resilience and advance sustainability alongside growth.

“Industrial policy therefore remains relevant, but its focus must evolve from just supporting individual sectors into enabling economy-wide transitions.

“This means investing in people through skill development and lifelong learning. It means more investment in innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, and green technology. 

“And it means strengthening regional integration, as supply chains, technology, energy, and investment increasingly operate across borders. Meanwhile, we must also navigate geopolitical and geo-economic turbulence. 

“These are priorities guiding Thailand today as we accelerate reforms, strengthen competitiveness, and build resilience for the future. 

“This is why OECD accession matters to Thailand. We see accession not as an end goal, but as part of a broader economic transformation.

 “It helps us benchmark against international best practices, improve policy coherence, and strengthen institutions for the future.

“But we also believe that the OECD can benefit from Thailand’s experiences. As an upper-income economy, Thailand also brings practical experiences that can enrich OECD’s discussions and strengthen its engagement with emerging economies.

“In this sense, accession is as much about Thailand learning from the OECD as it is about contributing to the OECD’s growing global relevance, at a time when OECD’s role is evolving.”

The Deputy Prime Minister on 3 June 2026 delivered a statement during the Plenary Session on “Balancing the Goals and Impacts of Industrial Policy” at the 2026 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

In his statement, he underscored that Thailand’s OECD accession process is an integral part of the country’s broader economic transformation. While accession would help Thailand align with international best practices and strengthen its institutions,

The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized that while industrial policy remains important for economic development, it must evolve from supporting individual sectors to enabling economy-wide transitions that enhance competitiveness, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable growth.

He noted that such a transition requires investment in people through skills development and lifelong learning, alongside support for innovation, digital transformation, and green technologies. He also highlighted the importance of deeper regional economic integration, as supply chains, technology, energy, and investment are becoming increasingly interconnected across borders.

On the same day, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sarun Charoensuwan participated in the Southeast Asia–OECD Ministerial Breakfast on the theme “The Next Phase of Global Economic Integration: Southeast Asian Perspectives.” Hosted by Canada, the event brought together senior representatives from OECD member countries and Southeast Asian nations to exchange views on the future direction of the global economy and cooperation between the OECD and Southeast Asia.

The Vice Minister emphasized that economic integration in the current era should focus on maintaining a balance between resilience, security, and sustainability, while enhancing long-term competitiveness and strengthening participation in trusted and reliable regional and global supply chains.

He further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between Southeast Asia and the OECD in future-oriented sectors, including clean energy and regional energy connectivity, AI and digital governance, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable investment. He also expressed support for the OECD–Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) as an important mechanism for strengthening cooperation through the exchange of best practices, policy dialogue, and the promotion of innovation and future-oriented investment. Thailand stands ready to advance such cooperation and work with other partners towards a more open, resilient, and sustainable global economy.

This year’s MCM is held under the theme “Getting Industrial Policies Right for Open Markets, Growth and Prosperity.” Discussions will focus on how industrial policies can support economic growth while preserving open, fair, and sustainable trade and investment systems amid rapid technological change, green transition, and growing uncertainty in the global economy.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister will present Thailand’s vision and exchange views on promoting open, resilient, and sustainable growth through innovation, human capital development, and future industries. 

He will also hold meetings with the OECD Secretary-General and high-level representatives from various countries to strengthen cooperation with the OECD and its member states, as well as advancing Thailand’s OECD accession process. with the aim of achieving membership by 2028. 

The OECD accession is a key national priority for Thailand. Thailand is currently undergoing a technical review by 25 OECD Committees. This process serves as an important driver for domestic reforms, helping to raise standards in governance and the business environment, enhance national competitiveness, and strengthen international confidence in Thailand over the long term.

In his statement delivered at the UN Security Council Open Debate on 26 May 2026 at the Security Council Chamber in New York, the Deputy Prime Minister said, “Eighty years ago, when the United Nations was created from the ashes of the Second World War, its founders understood a profound lesson that when competition among nations is left completely unchecked, eventually everyone becomes less secure – including the powerful. 

“That is why they built an international system grounded not in power, but in rules. And not only in national interests, but in the understanding that cooperation ultimately serves everyone’s interests. Today, the challenge lies not just in conflicts and instability, but in the gradual erosion of confidence in the international system with the United Nations at its core. 

“When ‘might makes right’ and transactional calculations replace established rules and principles, trust begins to weaken. And slowly but surely, the foundations of international order begin to crack. 

“In reality, respect for international law and Charter must not be simply rhetoric nor a means of seeking unilateral gains. Ultimately, it is trust and confidence and good faith that matter, and that lead to peaceful solutions and lasting end to conflicts.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said that Thailand firmly believes that the United Nations must remain the cornerstone of the international system and the foundation of global order and multilateralism. He also urged Member States to focus on three practical approaches.

First, Member States must demonstrate stronger collective responsibility by exercising restraint and upholding the rules and principles that underpin international peace and security. “Thailand continues to be in full support of the role of the UN. We have therefore contributed to humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, food security, and human security, including combatting online scams,”

Second, he said that Member States must reform and strengthen multilateral institutions. “Thailand supports meaningful and forward-looking UN reform to ensure that it remains agile, effective, resilient, and responsive to the multi-faceted challenges, 

Third, Member States should recognize that strong regionalism and mini-lateral cooperation can reinforce multilateralism. Smaller, flexible and issue-based cooperation can often deliver practical and tangible outcomes more effectively. “In our region, ASEAN’s experiences have shown that regional cooperation can reduce tensions, strengthen resilience, and preserve dialogue even during periods of wider geopolitical uncertainty,” he said.

Concerning Thailand-Cambodia relations, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that Thailand is committed fully to the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia and going beyond the ceasefire towards sustainable peace. “But an enduring peace requires us to build trust and work in good faith so that we can turn a new page based on respect for international law and the UN charter.”

He also repeated that Thailand does not seek any claims on the territory of any country.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed key issues discussed at the dinner as follows:

1. Promotion of Trade and Investment  

The President of France and Prime Minister Anutin agreed to further promote bilateral trade and investment, particularly in high‑value industries, such as alternative energy, space and aviation, and smart power grids, as well as infrastructure for AI and data centers. These are future industries in which the French private sector possesses strong expertise and capacity. Following the Prime Minister’s meeting with representatives of MEDEF International and leading French companies, several firms expressed interest in investing or expanding their investments in Thailand. The French President commended the Thai private sector investments in France and expressed hope to see more Thai enterprises investing in the country.

2. Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)  

The Thailand-EU FTA is one of the Thai government’s key policies, with a firm commitment to finalize negotiations within this year. The Prime Minister thanked France for its continued support of the negotiation process and expressed confidence that the agreement will be a turning point that creates significant economic opportunities for both countries.

3. Enhancing Security Cooperation Towards Cybersecurity  

Building upon both countries’ participation in the Cobra Gold exercise, cooperation will be expanded to include security and cybersecurity. This aligns with the Government’s intention to seek global cooperation in combating scammers and online threats, which has already yielded tangible results in prosecutions, extraditions, and the seizure of illegal assets.

4. Thailand – Cambodia and Myanmar Situations  

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s adherence to the principles of sovereignty, peace, and international law. The decision to terminate MOU 44 was made because there had been no progress for almost 25 years. Thailand has, therefore, opted to rely on international law, specifically UNCLOS, in bilateral discussions. For land border issues, Thailand will adhere to the joint statement signed late last year. There is also the need to assess Cambodia’s sincerity in this process.

On this occasion, both sides agreed to implement the “Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai–French Partnership 2026–2028,” an important step towards elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Participants from the French side at the dinner included Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot; Deputy Minister for Francophonie and International Partnerships Éléonore Caroit; Director‑General for Asia and Oceania Benoît Guidée; Ambassador of France to Thailand Jean‑Claude Poimboeuf; Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France Emmanuel Bonne; Advisor on Asian Affairs Julie Le Saos; Advisor on International Communications Jean‑Noël Ladois; Advisor on International Economic Affairs Victoire Vandeville; and Military Advisor to the President of France General Vincent Giraud.