VIENTIANE – In her second day at the 44th-45th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has garnered attention from global leaders and media, making Thailand a focal point in discussions. Her leadership and vision have been praised, positioning Thailand as a strong player in ASEAN, ready to take a leading role in the region.
Spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jirayu Huangsap, on Oct 11, highlighted the Prime Minister’s impressive performance, with leaders from multiple countries praising her diplomatic style, vision, and her approachable, relatable demeanor. This has brought significant attention to Thailand’s potential on the world stage.
During the summit, Thailand participated in several key discussions, including:
- 27th ASEAN-China Summit: Emphasizing economic integration, people-to-people relations, and security cooperation, affirming ASEAN-China relations as a foundation of regional peace and prosperity.
- 25th ASEAN-South Korea Summit: Prime Minister Paetongtarn presented her ‘ABC’ vision (Advanced Technology, Balanced development, Creative economy) to foster a comprehensive strategic partnership with South Korea.
- 27th ASEAN-Japan Summit: Thailand proposed strategic partnerships in digital development, green energy, and innovation.
In the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) Summit, Thailand underscored the importance of addressing transnational crime, food security, water resource management, and financial stability in East Asia.
Additionally, Prime Minister Paetongtarn held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including:
-South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, who praised Thailand’s Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and expressed readiness for further cooperation in creative industries and content.
-Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), invited the Prime Minister to the WEF in Davos next year to showcase Thailand’s potential in infrastructure and food security.
-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who praised Thailand’s same-sex marriage law and committed to collaboration in education and vocational training.
-Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who supported the “6 Countries, 1 Destination” tourism initiative to stimulate regional tourism and cross-border economic development, particularly in southern Thailand.
-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who commended Thailand’s proactive role as a bridge between ASEAN and the U.S., ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally.
-Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who announced 2025 as the “Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship,” celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. Both sides agreed to convene the 7th Thai-Chinese Economic Joint Commission soon to expand trade and investment opportunities.
Jirayu emphasized that the Prime Minister’s diplomatic success reflects the potential for Thailand to regain a prominent role in regional and global affairs. Leaders from various nations expressed confidence in Thailand’s ability to drive trade, investment, tourism, and promote peace, ensuring that Thailand remains a country to watch on the global stage. (TNA)
