Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

ASEAN Summit 2023: Thailand's Multifaceted Approach to Regional Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thai Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges. She highlighted two major achievements: the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045 and the tripartite meeting between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. The summit's agenda centered on maintaining ASEAN's stability, promoting regional integration, and addressing economic, social, and environmental concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 46th ASEAN Summit resulted in the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, setting a new vision for the ASEAN Community over the next 20 years.
  • The summit marked the first tripartite meeting between ASEAN, the GCC, and China, aiming to create new economic cooperation dynamics.
  • Thailand emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN as a peaceful and stable region, adapting to global geopolitical and geoeconomic volatility.
  • Thailand supported Timor-Leste's admission into ASEAN and reiterated its stance on various regional issues, including Myanmar, the South China Sea, and the Middle East.
  • The Prime Minister proposes that ASEAN countries take advantage of existing FTAs and expand them with new partners, promoting food and energy security through the establishment of the ASEAN Power Grid.
  • The summit discussed the impact of US tariffs and agreed to maintain an international trade regime based on mutually acceptable principles, ready to negotiate constructively with the US.
  • Thailand is committed to promoting a truly people-centered ASEAN community, focusing on human security, counter-transnational crimes, and sustainable development.
  • Thailand aims to drive the green agenda, achieving the 'green ASEAN' goal by focusing on green finance, disaster response, clean energy, and digital transformation.
  • The Prime Minister also met with leaders of various countries to strengthen relations and promote cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, including the Philippines, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain.

Statistics:

  • ASEAN has sent proposals to the United States on addressing the tariff wall issue.
  • Thailand supports Timor-Leste's admission into ASEAN.
  • ASEAN countries have agreed to maintain an international trade regime based on mutually acceptable principles.
  • Thailand proposes that ASEAN countries take advantage of existing FTAs and expand them with new partners.
  • Thailand aims to create energy security, focusing on clean energy with high potential and investment from leading Thai technology companies.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency, 27 May 2025.
  • Interview with Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, 27 May 2025.

Read more