Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Ja Thananon, attended the opening ceremony of the 49th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, where the host country showcased the “Movement as One” cultural performance. He prepared to discuss key regional issues with ASEAN leaders and hold bilateral talks with Laos.
On 15 November 2026 at 08:32 local time in Manila—one hour ahead of Thailand—at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Ekaphop Piansiset, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife arrived at the PICC to join the welcoming ceremony for ASEAN leaders. They then attended the opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. They were warmly greeted by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The Prime Minister and his wife shook hands and posed for photos with the President and First Lady before proceeding to the Delegation Lounge.
The Philippines provided electric three-wheeled vehicles (e-trikes) as transportation for leaders. Upon arrival at the meeting hall, ASEAN leaders and their spouses gathered for a group photo on the steps at the Plenary Hall entrance, reflecting the spirit of friendship among member countries before the official opening ceremony.
At 09:00, the Prime Minister and his wife attended the official opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. The ceremony began with unveiling the updated ASEAN emblem and hoisting the revised ASEAN flag, accompanied by the ASEAN anthem. The Philippine President and ASEAN Secretary-General jointly handed over the updated flag and official certificates, then welcomed leaders and participants. This was followed by the “Movement as One” cultural performance, symbolizing ASEAN’s cultural diversity and unity.
The opening also featured the handover of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), already signed, by the Chair of the ASEAN Economic Community Council to the Philippine President, who then passed it to the ASEAN Secretary-General. This marked a significant step toward enhancing digital economic connectivity and trade facilitation among ASEAN members. The ceremony included the presentation of the 2026 ASEAN Prize, honoring individuals or organizations contributing to ASEAN cooperation and community development.
The opening ceremony was attended by heads of state and government or representatives from all ASEAN member countries, as well as leaders and representatives from dialogue partners and international organizations. These included the Prime Minister of China, President of South Korea, Prime Ministers of Japan, India, and Australia, U.S. President, Russian Foreign Minister, and the UN Secretary-General. Special guests of the ASEAN Chair included the President of Brazil, Prime Minister of Canada, and IMF Managing Director.
The Prime Minister’s schedule is as follows:
In the morning, the Prime Minister will attend the full plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit.
At midday, he will join a lunch with heads of state/government from ASEAN member countries.
Afterward, an informal retreat meeting will be held to discuss key regional issues with ASEAN leaders.
In the afternoon, he will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Laos, followed by participation in meetings between ASEAN leaders and representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
“The 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings serve as a crucial platform to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN members and dialogue partners in areas including economy, trade, investment, connectivity, and addressing security and international challenges,” said the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson. “The Prime Minister aims to use this opportunity to push for tangible cooperation results, especially in expanding economic opportunities, generating income, and improving citizens’ quality of life, while promoting ASEAN’s role in maintaining regional peace, stability, and security.”
