The Prime Minister announced Thailand's vision at the 49th ASEAN Summit, proposing three approaches to advance ASEAN in responding to global challenges, aiming to build a united ASEAN with resilience and a people-centered focus.
At 10:15 a.m. on 15 November 2026 (local time in Manila, which is one hour ahead of Thailand) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Ekaphop Pianpiset, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a statement at the 49th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session. The main points are summarized as follows.
The Prime Minister recalled the ASEAN Summit in Cebu earlier this year, where leaders discussed the impacts of conflicts in the Middle East. He pointed out that beyond those crises lie deeper challenges: declining confidence in the international rules-based order, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing economic fragmentation. These underscore the necessity for ASEAN to maintain unity, strengthen resilience, and respond to the needs of its people.
The Prime Minister proposed three key approaches:
1. United ASEAN: ASEAN must enhance unity through deeper regional integration and stronger economic ties. Thailand welcomes the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and suggests accelerating its implementation alongside the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) to boost intra-ASEAN trade and create new economic opportunities.
2. Resilient ASEAN: ASEAN needs to strengthen cooperation, particularly in energy, by advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and promoting cross-border trade of renewable energy such as solar power. Member states that are ready may begin joint initiatives to foster an enabling environment and drive wider regional integration. Furthermore, amid geopolitical competition in AI technology, ASEAN should develop its own AI strategy based on regional interests and priorities to fully harness AI's benefits without taking sides.
3. People-centred ASEAN: ASEAN cooperation must prioritize protecting the safety, health, and well-being of its people, especially by enhancing collaboration to combat online scams and cybercrime. This includes building on the Global Partnership against Online Scams initiative to establish a network of key national agencies in the region, promote information exchange, improve law enforcement coordination, and support joint operations.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). As one of the host countries, Thailand reaffirms its commitment to strengthening regional capacity to prepare for future public health emergencies.
"ASEAN must intensify joint efforts to prevent and address transboundary environmental issues, particularly haze pollution and water pollution from source to downstream, along with promoting sustainable land and water management. The countries involved must take immediate action and cooperate," the Prime Minister stated. The Prime Minister called for continued cooperation and urgent action in these areas.
In closing, the Prime Minister said the upcoming 60th anniversary of ASEAN next year presents an important opportunity for member states to review and enhance operational efficiency and to set ASEAN's future direction. He congratulated the President of the Philippines on a successful ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed Thailand's full support for Singapore's hosting next year, confident that together they will elevate ASEAN's work to greater heights.
