The government spokesperson summarized the overall foreign affairs efforts, highlighting proactive progress by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources and Environment to elevate economic and environmental cooperation. They support the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement and cross-border PM2.5 pollution solutions to improve the quality of life for the Thai people, and the environment is a key focus.
On 2 May 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, the government spokesperson, revealed the government's key foreign affairs activities over the past week. The government has promoted cooperation in economy, security, and environment to boost investment, trade, employment, and raise citizens' living standards. This is alongside strengthening partnerships with neighboring countries to concretely address cross-border haze and PM2.5 dust pollution.
The spokesperson said that on 27-28 April, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 25th ASEAN-European Union Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting discussed ways to jointly strengthen trade, investment, energy, and new security forms through cooperation such as accelerating negotiations for the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement, advancing the transition to renewable energy, and combating transnational crime. They also agreed to promote ASEAN and the EU as key regional mechanisms to effectively tackle emerging challenges.
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister used the opportunity to hold bilateral discussions with foreign ministers and senior representatives from the EU, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, and Cyprus. These talks aimed to expand cooperation in economy, trade, energy transition, security, and digital collaboration, as well as to push forward Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Thailand and the EU and between ASEAN and the EU.
Meanwhile, on 29-30 April, Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, visited the Lao PDR to participate in meetings addressing cross-border haze pollution, a shared regional challenge. He also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Both Thailand and Laos agreed to elevate cooperation under the “Clear Sky Strategy,” focusing on systematically reducing hotspots and preventing forest fires. They plan to develop traceability systems and exchange knowledge to strengthen long-term joint capabilities.
Ms. Ratchada added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Thai government takes the haze and PM2.5 dust pollution issue seriously. The focus is on proactive measures and cooperation with neighboring countries. This recent visit to Laos marks an important step forward in jointly addressing environmental problems to create cleaner air and reduce health, economic, and environmental impacts from dust pollution.
“The government affirms its commitment to a proactive foreign policy aimed at delivering tangible benefits to the Thai people, including economic opportunities and integrated cooperation with international partners. This approach addresses challenges, improves citizens' quality of life in the long term, and strengthens the country's capabilities and sustainability in all dimensions,” the spokesperson concluded.