Cebu: Prime Minister Sihasak Srisuk proposed a proactive role for Thailand in ASEAN, including in the digital economy, and adjusting the five-point consensus to align with developments in Myanmar following the elections. He emphasized Thailand’s commitment to the joint Thai-Cambodian statement and viewed ASEAN as needing greater cooperation to cope with the volatility of the global order.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summarized the outcomes of Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs,’s participation in the ASEAN Informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM Retreat) in Cebu, Philippines. The meeting was held under the theme ‘Navigating our Future, Together,’ and participants expressed their readiness to support the Philippines’ key agenda focusing on strengthening ASEAN cooperation to address common challenges and seek opportunities to improve the well-being of the region’s people.
The focus was on accelerating negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and speeding up the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement this year, in which Thailand plays a leading role as the chair of the negotiations. Other priorities included promoting green transition and energy connectivity in the region, strengthening climate security through the application of artificial intelligence, and preparing for future disasters.
On this occasion, Mr. Sihasak also participated in an Extended Informal Consultation on issues concerning Myanmar. The meeting exchanged views on the implementation of the five-point consensus. Thailand raised key issues regarding continued development within Myanmar following the elections, the effective implementation of the five resolutions, and emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian assistance and strengthening the continuity of the Special Envoy mechanism for Myanmar.
Simultaneously, Mr. Sihasak also held bilateral discussions with several ASEAN foreign ministers, including those from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, and Singapore, to exchange views on promoting relations and cooperation in all dimensions, as well as other issues of common interest such as developments in Myanmar following the elections, the suppression of online crime, and the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border. On these points, the participating countries agreed that both sides want to achieve successful discussions leading to lasting peace, and most importantly, to ensure the strict and full implementation of the Joint Statement. Thailand also places great importance on the implementation of all its provisions. Mr. Sihasak also discussed this issue with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia. The Philippines, as the ASEAN Chair, also supported dialogue between both sides to foster positive developments.
Furthermore, in ASEAN member states’ discussions to address the shaky global order caused by superpowers, particularly regarding the South China Sea issue, Thailand has played a clear role in advocating for peaceful resolution. ASEAN itself also desires constructive cooperation for mutual benefit. It remains to be seen what positive developments the Philippines, as the ASEAN chair, will bring on this issue, including the long-standing negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China. The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that this year there are issues that should be addressed through cooperation rather than those that create conflict, especially the issue Thailand is actively promoting: combating cybercrime or online scams. This is to assure the global community that ASEAN countries are continuously working to resolve this problem.