Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has exuded positive image and successfully represented Thailand as one of the ASEAN leaders to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Lao PDR on October 9-11, 2024. During the first 2 days of the Summits, the PM attended 10 meetings in an effort to highlight Thailand’s position at the international stage, and to bring about prosperity to the country in all aspects.
At the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ASEAN-China relations as the region’s foundation for peace and prosperity. She also affirmed Thailand’s endorsement of economic integration, security cooperation, and people-to-people relations.
At the 25th ASEAN-ROK Summit, the PM proposed the ‘ABC Vision’ (Advanced Technology – Balanced development – Creative economy) in developing comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and South Korea.
At the 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit, Thailand proposed inclusive strategic partnership in 3 areas, that is, digital, green energy, and innovation.
At the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, Thailand highlighted 3 key issues that will enable East Asia to tackle current situations, namely, anti-transnational crime, food security and water resource management, and financial stability.
The PM had a bilateral meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea. The South Korean President commended Thailand for its establishment of Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) which promotes the country’s content and soft power industry as economic driver. He also affirmed South Korea’s readiness to cooperate with Thailand in various areas.
PM was invited to attend WEF annual meeting in Davos next year
At the bilateral meeting with Mr Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr Shwab extended an invitation for the PM to attend WEF Annual Meeting to be held in Davos, the Swiss Confederation next year to promote Thailand’s economic potentials in various aspects, such as infrastructure, food, etc.
The PM also met with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who commended Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act, and affirmed his country’s readiness to forge education and vocational cooperation with Thailand.
At the bilateral meeting with Malaysia, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim endorsed Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” scheme to promote regional tourism and boost the Southern border economy as Malaysia now ranks first in terms of the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand.
The PM met with H.E. Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, who commended Thailand’s proactive role as bridge builder between ASEAN and the U.S. to promote peace, stability, and prosperity at both regional and global levels. Thailand also affirmed its commitment to cooperate with the U.S. in all dimensions.
At the meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, the year 2025 was announced as “Golden Year of Friendship” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The two leaders also came to terms in holding the 7th Meeting of China-Thailand Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Economy soon to expedite expansion of trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
According to the Government spokesperson, national leaders who have met the Prime Minister were confident that the PMwould lead Thailand to stand out and to resume its leading role at the regional and global stage, as Thailand has full potential for trade and investment, and tourism. Thailand also strives to promote peace for the global community.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gave an interview to disclose overall success of her attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
According to the PM, she and Singaporean leader who were both new to the meetings, were warmly welcomed by leaders of other member states. At the summits, overall picture of cooperation was discussed, with the aim to increase economic opportunities and identify investment cooperation strategies.
The PM attended more than 20 meetings during her attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits, during which a number of key issues were raised and discussed, i.e., connectivity, tourism (increase of direct flights and free visa), water management, soft power, people-to-people relations, and human security (food security, and green energy).
Thailand committed to play a more proactive role to help bring back peace in Myanmar
The PM added that all countries came to terms on maintaining regional peace. On the Myanmar situation, Thailandcommitted to play a more proactive role to help bring back peace in Myanmar.
The PM also had bilateral discussion with leaders of 12 countries, all of whom expressed support on the “6 Countries 1 Destination” scheme, as well as addressing transboundary problems, water management, and climate change. In her meeting with the Australian Prime Minister, the Prime Minister discussed exchange of technologies. Thailand would like to learn from Australia’s experience and expertise on disaster management.
A working group will later be set up for this purpose. She added that the year 2025 was announced as “Golden Year of Friendship” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. Various activities will be held throughout the year to commemorate the occasion.
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