Anutin Charnvirakul presented his vision at the ASEAN Secretariat for the first time in 17 years, highlighting three approaches to coping with a volatile world.

Anutin Charnvirakul presented his vision at the ASEAN Secretariat for the first time in 17 years, highlighting three approaches to strengthen unity, enhance resilience against volatility, and emphasizing Thailand's readiness to regain a significant role at a crucial juncture in the region.

On August 4, 2026, at 11:50 AM local time in Jakarta (which is the same time in Thailand), at Nusantara Hall, ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Thailand delivered a statement outlining its vision for the future of ASEAN, attended by permanent representatives to the ASEAN Secretariat and diplomats from over 100 countries.

The Prime Minister proposed three key approaches to enable ASEAN to address global challenges, maintain its regional leadership role, and create tangible results for its people.

Following the conclusion of the statement, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Prime Minister proposed that ASEAN move forward along three lines: strengthening robust regionalism, building resilience and preparedness for volatility, and making ASEAN sustainably meaningful to the lives of its people.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the world is currently facing interconnected challenges in geopolitics, economics, technology, and security, and therefore cannot be solved by any single country. "Regional challenges require regional solutions."

First approach Strengthening Regionalism: The Prime Minister believes that in an increasingly divided world, ASEAN's unity and centrality are even more crucial. The principles of consensus and non-interference in internal affairs remain fundamental, but should be applied flexibly and appropriately to ensure ASEAN maintains its unity and can effectively respond to various situations.

The situation in Myanmar is a clear test.

The Five-Point Consensus remains ASEAN's primary framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar. Thailand supports a calibrated re-engagement approach, focusing on maintaining channels for dialogue, opening up space for interaction, and responding to the facts on the ground, while simultaneously promoting concrete progress.

This approach appears to be moving in the right direction, as evidenced by yesterday's sighting of Aung San Suu Kyi by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who reportedly met with her in good health. This is something Thailand has consistently advocated for, and we hope to see further positive developments in the near future.

A peaceful and stable Myanmar is not only in the interest of Thailand as a neighboring country sharing a border, but is also a crucial factor for the unity of ASEAN and the stability of the region as a whole.

Regarding relations between Thailand and Cambodia, the Prime Minister affirmed that both sides agreed to restore trust and allow bilateral negotiations to continue. Thailand is ready to open a new chapter in its relations with its neighbor, committed to resolving differences peacefully and in accordance with international law, while maintaining the unity and common agenda of ASEAN.

The second approach Regarding building resilience and preparedness for volatility (Greater Resilience), the Prime Minister stated that ASEAN must not wait for crises to occur before addressing them, but must prepare in advance by strengthening the security of supply chains, energy, and food, as well as accelerating digital connectivity and developing technological capabilities.

At the same time, ASEAN should expand cooperation with middle-powers and countries in the Global South to increase options, reduce dependence on any single source, and maintain the region's strategic independence.

Third way Making ASEAN lastingly relevant to its people (Lasting Relevance): The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN's success must be measured by tangible results for its citizens, including food and energy security, combating cross-border crime and threats, creating jobs and economic opportunities, and developing skills for the next generation to be ready for the digital economy and rapidly changing technology.

At the same time, ASEAN must strengthen its institutions and mechanisms so that the decisions of its leaders can be implemented and truly benefit the people.

The Prime Minister stated that ASEAN is a regional cooperation framework that Thailand co-founded since the signing of the Bangkok Declaration 59 years ago, which helped transform a once conflict-ridden region into a community based on rules, cooperation, and dialogue.

Throughout history, Thailand has played a significant role in the development of ASEAN at various stages, including the promotion of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the laying of the foundation for the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

This statement also marks the first speech by a Thai Prime Minister at the ASEAN Secretariat in 17 years, since 2552.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that the 60th anniversary of ASEAN next year will be a significant opportunity to shape the region's new direction. Thailand is ready to play a crucial role at this critical juncture, contributing to building a strong, unified ASEAN that is resilient to change and truly benefits its people.

"This is the future of ASEAN that Thailand believes in, and it is a future that we all must build together." The Prime Minister said

refer : www.thaigov.go.th

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