Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa advocated for enhanced ASEAN integration at the 57th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, emphasizing the need for a unified digital economy system, stronger sustainable development, and bolstered regional security. Highlighting ASEAN’s diversity as a foundational strength, he proposed strategic initiatives to deepen regional cooperation.
Maris called for economic integration through digital connectivity, citing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to enhance regional links. He pointed to the successful integration between Thailand’s PromptPay and Singapore’s PayNow as a model for ASEAN digital collaborations while suggesting increasing direct flights and extending visa periods to boost local economies.
The Thai minister also expressed support for the establishment of an ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific forum aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for 2030, striving for collective regional achievement.
Regarding security, Maris emphasized utilizing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to ensure regional peace and stability. He urged ASEAN countries to strengthen efforts against transnational crimes through established mechanisms like the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Centre and the ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scams.
