Thai PM Outlines ASEAN Vision at Secretariat, First Address in 17 Years

Prime minister and interior minister anutin charnvirakul outlined a three-point strategy for asean's future during a speech at the asean secretariat on tuesday:oint strategy for ASEAN's future during a speech at the ASEAN Secretariat on Tuesday, marking the first address by a Thai prime minister at the headquarters in 17 years. Addressing over 100 diplomats and foreign representatives, Anutin called for stronger regionalism, greater resilience, and lasting relevance to address interconnected global challenges across geopolitics, economics, technology, and security. According to Thai News Agency, Anutin emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality by advocating for a flexible application of consensus and non-interference principles. He addressed the situation in Myanmar by reaffirming support for the Five-Point Consensus and a calibrated re-engagement approach, highlighting recent developments such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) gaining access to Aung San Suu Kyi. On relatio ns with Cambodia, he noted that both countries agreed to restore trust and maintain bilateral dialogue under international law. Anutin urged ASEAN to build resilience by strengthening supply chains, ensuring energy and food security, advancing digital connectivity, and expanding cooperation with middle powers and the Global South to safeguard strategic autonomy. To ensure lasting relevance, he stated that ASEAN's success must deliver practical benefits to its people, which includes combating cross-border crime, creating jobs, and strengthening institutions and operational mechanisms to effectively implement leaders' decisions. Reflecting on Thailand's role as a founding member of ASEAN, Anutin highlighted past initiatives such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). He reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to play an active leadership role as the regional body approaches its 60th anniversary next year.