Bangkok: Academics analyze Anutin’s leadership on the ASEAN-APEC stage as clear, proactive, and results-oriented. Assistant Professor Chettha Sap-yen, a lecturer in the Department of Political Administration and Management at the College of Metropolitan Development, Navamindradhiraj University, gave an interview following the conclusion of the ASEAN Summit and APEC meetings by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. He addressed Thailand’s leadership role on the global stage, noting that Prime Minister Anutin’s first appearance on an international stage is an important signal of the new direction of foreign affairs, emphasizing cooperation in technology, the digital economy, and international security. He also analyzed Thailand’s leadership role through a clear framework of proactive and results-oriented leadership.
According to Thai News Agency, Asst. Prof. Chettha stated that the most striking feature was the elevation of the scammer problem to a regional agenda, along with a proposal for Thailand to host a joint meeting to suppress online fraud networks. This demonstration of leadership, working collaboratively to solve problems, has received international acclaim and reinforces Thailand’s role in modern security issues.
Academics also summarized Prime Minister Anutin’s key role in five dimensions: He is a leader focused on promoting investment and regional connectivity, promoting Thailand’s role as an economic connectivity hub, embracing AI, digital, and green economy investments, boosting global investor confidence, and acting as a “connector” on the global stage.
Promote the “Bridge – Business – Beyond” concept, positioning Thailand as a bridge connecting the Western and Asian economic systems and a key player in regional security. Furthermore, Thailand is a leading “economic salesman” of the nation, using the world stage to find negotiation opportunities to bring benefits back to Thailand, such as offering to sell 500,000 tons of rice to China and requesting a reduction in import tariffs on Thai goods from the United States to below 19%.
And leaders who focus on results and are hands-on, demonstrate a “Quick Big Win” approach to work, such as emphasizing negotiations to reduce taxes with the US leader and emphasizing cooperation with the Chinese leader, even for a short period of time, reflecting action more than talk and being an approachable leader, using friendliness to build trust and create personal relationships with leaders of many countries, as seen from friendly meetings and greetings, such as hugging and inviting the New Zealand leader for ice cream.
Asst. Prof. Chettha concluded that Prime Minister Anutin’s overall leadership at the ASEAN-APEC forum is that of a practical leader emphasizing connectivity, cooperation, and tangible results. He uses the concept of “Bridge – Business – Beyond” to drive Thailand’s role as a global economic center and a strong regional security partner. This reflects a digital-age leader who uses networks, trust, and national interests as the core of his diplomacy.