Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking at the 44th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, outlined three key priorities to enhance regional cooperation: sustainability, human security, and deeper integration. She called for strengthened collective leadership among ASEAN’s member states to tackle shared challenges affecting the region’s over 700 million citizens.
In her address at the Plenary Session, Paetongtarn emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainability, urging ASEAN to advance climate action, carbon neutrality, and clean energy initiatives. She highlighted Thailand’s focus on promoting a green economic model, underpinned by digital innovation and green finance, to drive sustainable growth across the region.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of improving human security, particularly in areas of food and energy resilience. She called for innovative agricultural practices and an interconnected ASEAN power grid to reduce vulnerability to future disruptions. Combatting transnational crime, including drug trafficking and online fraud, was another area of concern, with Paetongtarn advocating for enhanced border control measures and better coordination among member states.
On the subject of regional integration, Paetongtarn supported efforts to modernize ASEAN’s trade agreements and urged the completion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement by 2025. She proposed initiatives to improve digital skills for small businesses and boost access to financial resources, aiming to strengthen economic growth in an unpredictable global environment. Additionally, she advocated for expanding connectivity through increased flight routes, visa-free agreements, and greater cultural exchanges to promote trade and tourism within the region.
In closing, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining ASEAN’s neutrality amid global geopolitical tensions, advocating for strategic partnerships with key external actors. Officials from across ASEAN were in attendance to discuss these initiatives and further the region’s collective development.