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The government is moving ahead with its ‘Five Pillars of the Economy’ initiative, combining short-term economic stimulus with long-term structural reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The strategy focuses on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), grassroots communities and the middle class, while laying the foundation for a transition to a green and digital economy, he said on Saturday at Sustainability Expo 2025 in Bangkok.

Speaking at the Thailand Supply Chain Network Business Partner Conference 2025, which focused on macroeconomic adaptation in a changing global context, Mr Ekniti stressed the importance of national adaptability.

‘The global landscape is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in trade and investment. Thailand’s economic growth has long relied on global supply chains,’ he said.

However, he noted that the global paradigm has shifted dramatically.

‘We are no longer in a purely globalised world, but in a fragmented one – one of ‘localisation’ and geopolitical bipolarity,’ he said.

‘The global free trade order has given way to one where nations are increasingly pressured to choose economic alliances. Those outside a given bloc may face trade restrictions or be excluded altogether.’

He went on to explain that low-cost goods are no longer guaranteed access to international markets due to rising protectionist measures, including tariffs and regulatory scrutiny.

‘The world used to champion tariff reductions to promote free trade, but now we’re seeing a resurgence of trade barriers. Certain goods are subject to stricter inspections,’ he said, adding that free trade is no longer as open or universal as before; the world has entered an era of economic bloc alignment.

He acknowledged that Thailand’s economy is facing a downturn, and immediate action is necessary to revive growth and ensure sustainability.

‘We need to grow the economy first, but sustainably. We must also tackle inequality. That’s why the economic team has adopted a unified framework for communication and policy.’

Mr Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister, elaborated on the ‘Five Pillars’ framework, highlighting how each pillar is designed to address immediate economic pressures while laying the foundation for long-term structural resilience.

As for economic stimulus, he said that with exports surging earlier this year in anticipation of tariff hikes under the Trump administration, the focus now shifts to domestic demand, particularly through government spending.

Low-income groups will benefit through state welfare cards, ensuring that support reaches the grassroots level and stimulates broad-based consumption.

For the middle class, the co-payment scheme (Khon La Khrueng) is being used to subsidise cost-of-living expenses, enhancing disposable income and supporting consumption.

The government also aims to revitalise tourism, with a strategic emphasis on second-tier cities. Tax incentives will be introduced to encourage tourism-related activity in these areas.

As for support for SMEs, this pillar focuses on improving liquidity for small businesses, which form the backbone of the Thai economy.

The government is developing supply chain financing schemes to inject working capital into SMEs via upstream corporate partners. A new tax break policy is under review, potentially offering 1.5- to 2-times tax deductions to large firms that assist smaller partners in the supply chain.

The last pillar involves future-oriented investment seeking to drive investment in strategic future sectors, particularly focusing on reskilling the workforce for modern industries, promoting the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model and supporting modern agriculture and removing regulatory barriers in the electricity sector to prioritise clean energy.

The North and Northeast of Thailand, currently affected by flooding, are expected to experience more rain brought by Storm Matmo as it intensifies into a typhoon and reaches Vietnam by Monday.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported on Saturday morning that the typhoon is expected to move through China’s southernmost Hainan Island, then into the Gulf of Tonkin. It is forecasted to reach the upper Vietnam coast on Sunday and Monday.

The typhoon will gradually weaken as a cold wind from China covers the area, TMD director-general Sukanyanee Yawinchan said.

Although Matmo will not enter Thailand, it will strengthen the southwest monsoon affecting the country, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing heavy rain in the North and Northeast from Sunday to Tuesday.

Flash floods, forest runoff and overflowing riverbanks may occur in these regions, Ms Sukanyanee added.

According to a report from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Saturday morning, flooding caused by the recent tropical storm Bualoi remained in 17 provinces across the North, Central Plains, Northeast, East and South, affecting 100,235 households and 341,356 people, with 12 fatalities.

China to cancel some flights as Matmo nears Hainan

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities will cancel flights in Hainan on Saturday night before Typhoon Matmo hits the southern province, likely disrupting a peak holiday travel period for the resort island.

All flights to and from the provincial capital Haikou’s international airport are expected to be cancelled from 11pm (1500 GMT), the official Xinhua news agency reported, as Matmo could bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern China, including Guangdong and Yunnan provinces.

Matmo, which caused flooding in the Philippines this week, is expected to make landfall on Sunday.

Haikou plans to halt all schools, work and transport from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, Xinhua said.

During China’s eight-day National Day holiday, which began on Wednesday, people are expected to make some 2.36 billion passenger trips, with daily average trips forecast to be up 3.2% from the same period last year, Xinhua said on Wednesday.

Haikou had planned nearly 150 cultural events and more than 10 sports competitions during the holiday period, while the resort city Sanya had planned 170 art and tourism activities, according to Hainan’s official social media.

State media China Central Television (CCTV), citing meteorological experts, asked the public to stay vigilant as Matmo will have a serious impact on tourism and transportation, while the number of travellers is up significantly.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it would raise the tropical cyclone warning signal to Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 12.20pm (0420 GMT) and assess the need for higher signals later on Saturday.

The financial hub has issued 12 tropical cyclone warning signals this year, the most since 1946, the observatory said on Friday.

The National Security Council (NSC) has appointed Gen Somsak Rungsita, a former NSC secretary-general, as the new head of Thailand’s Peace Dialogue Panel for the southern border provinces.

The announcement was made on Thursday by current NSC Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad, following the council’s latest meeting.

He said the members also approved a draft policy framework for the administration and the development of the southern border provinces for 2025-2027, in line with statutory requirements.

The new policy emphasises inclusive participation from all sectors in the region and integrates both security and development strategies.

To ensure transparency and international recognition, it will be translated into five languages and distributed globally.

Mr Chatchai stressed that this demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the South through dialogue and sustainable development.

On the issue of leadership change, Mr Chatchai, himself a former head of the Peace Dialogue Panel, highlighted Gen Somsak’s extensive background in security affairs.

In his new role, Gen Somsak will be tasked with forming a team and establishing mechanisms to advance peace negotiations, with the goal of fostering trust and long-term stability in the region.

Previously, Mr Chatchai was appointed to lead the Peace Dialogue Panel during the administration of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. However, his tenure ended when the Constitutional Court ordered Mr Srettha’s resignation in August last year, resulting in the government’s dissolution.

During the subsequent administration led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which lasted for about one year, no successor was appointed to the post. This left the position vacant despite repeated calls from stakeholders and local communities for stronger engagement in resolving the ongoing southern border conflict.

The Bangkok Post’s Flashcard education campaign has won the second place for Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign in the Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 organised by influencer platform Tellscore.

The 2025 award held under the concept ‘Creators of Change – Changing the World, Path to Survival’ highlighted the roles of creators who leverage story telling and creativity to drive positive impact, whether on individuals, the economy, society or even during periods of political uncertainty and natural disasters, Suvita Charanwong, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Tellscore, said at the event held at ICONSIAM in Bangkok on Friday.

‘Creators are no longer merely producers of entertainment content, but have become sources of inspiration and knowledge, as well as key drivers of economic and social progress, enabling people to discover new opportunities,’ Ms Suvita said, noting that a key trend this year in responding to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is creator-led branding.

‘This approach goes beyond simple differentiation, focusing instead on ‘telling stories with a human connection,’ she said. ‘It communicates what the brand represents, the value it delivers to consumers, and highlights the influencers and creators involved and how they engage with their communities.’

The Flashcard education campaign, created and launched by the Bangkok Post in February 2025, was given the second-prize award in the category Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign.

Chiratas Nivatpumin, Chief Operating Officer of the Bangkok Post, received the award on stage at the event held on Friday evening.

The Post flashcards in the Learning section feature more than 60 vocabulary categories, with Sustainability being the winner for the award.

The campaign used mother and teacher influencers to stimulate its exposure to the society.

‘Speaking for the Post Digital team, the Bangkok Post has been Thailand’s trusted companion for over 79 years-a cornerstone for building English proficiency. As AI and digital learning reshape how we grow, we’re evolving with the times,’ Sutthimas Roongwitoo, First Vice President of the Post Digital Media, said.

‘Through Bangkok Post Learning and our thoughtfully crafted flashcards, we’re here to remain your go-to English learning resource. We’re excited to collaborate with brands who share our vision-because together, we can keep this learning community thriving for generations to come.’

Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 by Tellscore, supported by its major partners, including Thai Life Insurance and ICONSIAM, aims to be the country’s leading platform honouring outstanding influencers, creators and innovative brand-agency campaigns.

The first-place winner in the Best Publisher, Broadcasting Influencer Campaign category was BrandThink x Glow Story.

Cinema has always been more than just entertainment. It is a mirror of national culture, a powerful channel of dialogue and a bridge that connects people across continents. In the 21st century, when international relations are often seen through the prism of politics and economics, cultural diplomacy — and especially cinema — offers a unique opportunity to speak directly to hearts and minds.

It is in this context that I am delighted to introduce a new Russian film award — The Diamond Butterfly. Launched this year, the prize aims to celebrate outstanding achievements in art of cinema that combine creative excellence with a strong humanistic message. The name itself — delicate yet precious — reflects the essence of cinema: fragile emotions turned into lasting works of art, carrying beauty and meaning across borders.

What makes The Diamond Butterfly special is its ambition to go beyond national recognition. While firmly rooted in Russia’s rich cinematic tradition, the award is conceived as an international platform. It will highlight films that not only showcase artistic mastery but also encourage dialogue between cultures, promote mutual understanding and inspire a sense of shared humanity.

For Thailand, where cinema enjoys immense popularity and where audiences are increasingly open to diverse cultural influences, The Diamond Butterfly offers a new avenue of connection. Russian cinema has long combined deep storytelling with a universal human appeal. From classic directors to contemporary voices exploring modern realities, our films resonate far beyond Russia’s borders. Through this award, we hope to create new opportunities for Thai filmmakers and audiences to engage with Russian and global cinema in fresh and meaningful ways.

Film diplomacy is not a new concept for Russia in Thailand. Over the years, the embassy has organised Russian film festivals in Bangkok and other cities, showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary productions. These events have always attracted large and enthusiastic audiences, proving that cinema speaks a universal language. The Thai audience has had opportunities to enjoy Russian films such as The Challenge, 110, Tzaddik and The Four Seasons, as well as fantasy cartoon Flying Ship and many others. Discussions after screenings often reveal how much viewers in Thailand find in common with Russian stories — from family bonds and personal dreams to social challenges and national pride.

Looking ahead, we see The Diamond Butterfly award as a natural extension of this tradition of cinematic dialogue. By recognising films that embody creativity and humanity, it invites new partnerships and exchanges. It is our belief that culture, and especially cinema, remains one of the most effective ways to build bridges between nations.

As Russia and Thailand continue to strengthen their cultural ties, cinema will remain at the forefront of this effort — a shared space where beauty, thought and emotion transcend political and geographical boundaries. And perhaps, like a butterfly’s wings, a single film can stir the air and bring people closer together. I would like to invite Thai filmmakers to nominee their works for this promising award at eurasianfilmacademy.com.

The southern insurgency has been a conundrum for all governments.

But currently, much of the kingdom’s attention has been on the Cambodian-Thai border, and so the violence in the deep South just blips on and off our radar.

The problem of this region won’t just fade away of its own accord. Silence and a lack of policy attention from the central government only goads insurgents to stage more violence.

It is therefore welcome news that the Anutin government approved the nomination of Gen Somsak Rungsita on Thursday to lead the peace negotiation team, paving the way for peace talks with the rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

However, Gen Somsak, a former secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), is the fifth negotiation leader who comes with a military background. Such a track record speaks volumes about the direction of our peace talks.

Among six negotiation leaders, only one, Chatchai Bangchuad, was a civil official. Yet, Mr Chatchai did not have much time to lead any peace talks, and he left over a year ago to lead the NSC. Since then, the Paetongtarn government left the position of negotiation leader vacant, resulting in peace talks with the BRN being put on hold. The lack of continuity and political commitment has stalled momentum, raising concerns about the sustainability of any future negotiations.

When Mr Chatchai was appointed chief of the negotiation team, there was fresh hope that with a civilian in the role, the direction of the peace talks would be changed or toned down from those pushed by the military.

Ideally, the head of the negotiation team should not come from the ranks of the security forces, so that they will at least offer some credibility as being impartial and serve as a bridge between the two sides.

The appointment of another military man as the negotiation team leader again raises questions about whether the future peace talks can produce a different outcome.

Despite government attempts to deal with the violence, my visits and interviews with local people over the past several years revealed to me that villagers have been living in fear. Every time they leave home, they must exercise caution and are subject to heightened scrutiny by police and military officers under special security laws still enforced in the area.

Indeed, governments have tried several means to reduce violence, such as approving more budget money for development and education, including scholarships.

Governments and security agencies have failed to win over the hearts and minds of local people. Special security laws, surveillance and executive decrees imposed by successive governments have pushed communities to the opposite side.

For over a decade, security management in the deep South — representing Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and four provinces in Songkhla — has been governed by a combination of special security laws: martial law, the Emergency Decree and the Internal Security Act (ISA). Among them, the Emergency Decree allows officials to arrest and detain individuals for up to 30 days without charge, outside the standard criminal justice system, in locations such as military camps.

The problem is that security officials apply these security edicts in a ham-fisted manner.

There are routine reports of arbitrary detentions, prolonged custody without charges, and invasive surveillance, such as the collection of DNA from suspects. There are recent cases where individuals were detained after passing through road checkpoints in the region, only to be released without explanation.

Make no mistake, I always acknowledge the importance of law and order. But genuine and meaningful reconciliation will only come from mutual trust — never coercion.

To build trust, authorities must refrain from enforcing these special security laws excessively and should apply them proportionally, with prudence and discretion.

The presence of security laws and their blunt application only reflects the absence of effective political leadership. Politicians take a backseat and leave the army to create a security strategy and run the show. Naturally, the army is made to control and win battles and wars.

Yet, the policy for the deep South should not be about winning but co-existing in a plural society where all sides feel their voices and opinions are registered and valued.

Sustainable peace in Thailand’s southern border provinces cannot be achieved through military dominance alone. Thailand has attempted military approaches for years, but they haven’t been successful.

The question is: When will we ever learn?

The Bhumibol and Sirikit dams still have sufficient capacity to hold water, with assurance that there will be no repeat of the notorious 2011 floods, according to the National Water Resources Office (ONWR).

Paitoon Kengkarnchang, deputy secretary-general of the ONWR, said yesterday that water levels in the Ping and Nan river basins have pushed the Bhumibol, Sirikit, and Kwae Noi dams to over 90% capacity, with water discharge now relying on the cascade spillway to manage the flow.

While Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are still largely dry, the heavy rain caused by Typhoon Bualoi has led to severe flooding at the back of Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit’s Thong Saen Khan and Nam Pat districts. To prevent overflow, the dam is releasing an additional 25 million cubic metres daily.

Bhumibol Dam has cut down its release to 5 million m³ per day, sending about 2,800-2,900 m³ per second towards the Chao Phraya Dam. With excess water in Pak Nam Pho, water from both sides of the Chao Phraya River is being diverted via the Tha Chin, Noi and Pasak rivers to Ayutthaya to minimise impact.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent assistance for affected communities and requested that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation consider providing compensation. He stressed that, unlike in 2011, dams remain under control and Bangkok can still withstand water release of up to 3,500 m³ per second.

In Bangkok and its vicinity, officials said that during periods of high tides, some areas outside the flood barriers in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani may be impacted, though only slightly, thanks to the Lat Pho Canal, which helps divert excess water.

In Ayutthaya, where the Chao Phraya Dam has already raised its rate to 2,400 m³/sec, 11 districts, 139 tambons, and 795 villages remain flooded, affecting 41,551 households, with three deaths reported.

India has long benefited from geopolitical arbitrage, maintaining working relationships with Russia, the United States, and Europe. But this delicate balancing act is now being tested by a series of policy shocks delivered by US President Donald Trump’s administration. These disruptions, unlikely to ease anytime soon, raise a critical question: Can India retain its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy?

The most urgent challenge facing Indian policymakers is weathering the escalating trade war. In August, Mr Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing the need to reduce India’s trade surplus with the US and punish the country for its massive purchases of Russian oil. Adding to the pressure, Mr Trump has urged the European Union and other G7 countries to take even harsher steps — namely, to impose a 100% tariff on imports from India and China.

Mr Trump’s decision to hike H-1B visa fees to US$100,000 (3.2 million baht) represents yet another blow to India’s economy, particularly its IT services industry — one of the country’s most dynamic growth engines. Currently, Indian nationals account for more than 70% of all H-1B holders, with most of them working in IT or technology-related sectors. Given this, it’s hardly surprising that the share prices of Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro, which rely heavily on H-1B visas to access the US market, declined following Mr Trump’s announcement.

While Mr Trump has labelled India a “dead economy”, it is unclear whether he meant this as a statement of fact or a threat he will make good unless India offers sufficient concessions in its trade negotiations with the US. Either way, there is little evidence to suggest the Indian economy is at risk of collapsing anytime soon.

On the contrary, India is among the world’s most vibrant economies. In July, before the new US tariffs were imposed, the International Monetary Fund projected that India’s GDP will grow by 6.4% in 2025 and 2026 — well ahead of America’s projected annual growth rate of 1.9%. No other major economy comes close, with the exception of China, at 4.8%.

Barring external shocks, India is well-positioned to sustain its rapid growth rate over the next decade and become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. Given its vast population and growth momentum, India could even overtake China and the US to emerge as the world’s largest economy within the next 50 years.

That said, the extent to which US policy shifts might affect India’s growth trajectory remains unclear. In the early 2000s, India was far less exposed to global trade than China was, with exports accounting for less than 15% of its GDP, compared with China’s 20%. Since then, however, India’s reliance on trade has increased significantly. Exports now make up more than 20% of GDP, leaving the country more vulnerable to trade shocks.

Given that the US is India’s largest export market, Mr Trump’s tariffs will likely hit harder than similar actions by other trade partners. Still, it is important to remember that India is a continental economy, with domestic consumption playing a far greater role than external demand. Moreover, the EU’s trade significance for India nearly matches that of the US, and China and the Middle East are also important export destinations. Consequently, while US tariff hikes are disruptive, they are far from fatal.

This is not to say that Indian policymakers can afford to be passive. To mitigate the impact of US restrictions, they must pursue a dual strategy comprising stimulative macroeconomic policies and a concerted effort to deepen trade ties with the EU, China, and the Middle East.

It is also worth noting that the relative importance of the US market is likely to decline as a result of Mr Trump’s protectionist trade policies. Should his administration stay the course, the EU and China may well surpass the US as the world’s leading import destinations by 2028.

Beyond short-term policy responses aimed at offsetting the fall in US demand, the Indian authorities would be well advised to implement structural reforms. Key priorities for sustaining long-term growth include raising the female labour-force participation rate from 33% to levels much closer to China’s 60%, improving the investment climate by tackling bureaucratic corruption, and upgrading infrastructure — roads, railways, ports, and airports — to lower the cost of production and trade.

By adopting these reforms, India will not only be able to weather Mr Trump’s tariff war in the short term but also sustain its growth miracle for years to come.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday hailed the successful suppression of nine major drug networks, with 16 suspects held and massive amounts of drugs seized in a nationwide crackdown in September.

Presiding over a press conference at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, said drug suppression was a national priority and an urgent mission for the Royal Thai Police.

He emphasised the need to elevate Thailand’s drug enforcement strategy given the severe threat illicit narcotics pose to public safety. He also instructed police to seek international cooperation to combat transnational trafficking.

Under the government’s anti-narcotics efforts, authorities in September busted nine major drug networks, arresting 16 suspects and seizing 18.5 million amphetamine pills, 1,488 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and 29kg of ketamine.

The arrests were made in Nakhon Phanom, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan and Chiang Rai. They included raids on drug storage points and seizures of trafficking vehicles bound for the Central Plains and South.

In Suphan Buri, an operation led by the Special Operations Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau broke up a major trafficking group, with one suspect wearing a monitoring bracelet in connection with a child abduction case.

Along the northeastern border, patrol officers arrested traffickers along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom and another gang in Bueng Kan.

In the 2025 fiscal year to Sept 30, the Royal Thai Police handled 265,446 drug-related cases and arrested 265,109 suspects. Seizures included 1.08 billion methamphetamine pills, 51,916kg of crystal meth, 6,031kg of ketamine and 11,294kg of heroin.

Ukraine has called on Thailand to appoint a special trade envoy to Kyiv to help coordinate reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country.

The request was made during a diplomatic visit by three Ukrainian MPs: Vadym Halaichuk of the Servant of the People Party, Tamila Tasheva, who oversees restoration in occupied territories, and Lesia Vasylenko, head of climate change and clean air panels.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Halaichuk emphasised the enduring friendship between Ukraine and Thailand since Ukraine’s independence, and the importance of expanding cooperation in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.

“This visit is part of a broader effort to inform our partners in Thailand about the realities in Ukraine,” Mr Halaichuk said.”Our top priority is to share our fight for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity — and to engage directly with decision-makers in Parliament, government, and civil society.”

The Ukrainian delegation met with Thai officials from the Senate, House of Representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and academic institutions.

More to be done

Mr Halaichuk highlighted Thailand’s consistent support for Ukraine at the United Nations, particularly in backing resolutions that defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide other humanitarian assistance, such as donations.

However, he noted that more could be done in areas such as trade, sanctions, and economic cooperation.

Mr Halaichuk also stressed the need for closer consultation between the two governments.

“We’re proposing formal consultations to push forward economic and cultural cooperation,” he said. “Appointing a Thai special trade envoy to Ukraine would be a significant step in that direction.”

“Seventeen countries have already appointed special envoys. We hope Thailand will join them soon,” he said.

He said that the Thai envoy’s role would be distinct — focused solely on reconstruction. “We need someone whose full attention is on rebuilding Ukraine.”

Thai officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department for European Affairs, reacted positively to the proposal.

“There’s strong interest. Now we await Thailand’s decision on who will take up this important role,” he said.

Mr Halaichuk said he had told Thai officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives that Ukraine is not only seeking humanitarian aid but also strategic investment partnerships.

“We are grateful for Thailand’s donations — money, medicine, electricity generators — but now we must focus on rebuilding,” he said. “We cannot wait for the war to end. Reconstruction must happen alongside resistance.”

Ukraine is currently rebuilding homes and infrastructure destroyed by Russian attacks, and he said Thailand’s potential role in supplying construction materials and modular housing technology is needed.

“Glass, for example, is in high demand, and Thailand has the capacity to provide it,” he noted.

“So these are very concrete issues that we have discussed,” he said.

“And hopefully, as the information passes through, certain decisions will be made, which will make those priorities addressed at our governmental level too … and with our businesses and put people together to work on.”

Mr Halaichuk affirmed that Ukraine’s commitment to international partnerships remains strong.

“Our president remains in office, and our foreign policy goals are clear. We’re ready to move forward with Thailand on multiple fronts,” he said.

Looking to Asean

Ms Tasheva said she has urged Thailand and other Asean nations to deepen cooperation with Ukraine, particularly through sectoral partnerships and humanitarian support for repatriating abducted Ukrainian children.

Ms Tasheva also met with Thai MPs, the Senate, and university students, emphasising the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and regional engagement.

Ms Tasheva, who previously served as the President’s Permanent Representative in Crimea (2022-2024), said that her delegation’s visit to Thailand followed stops in Malaysia and the Philippines.

“We’ve had meaningful exchanges with parliamentarians and civil society across the region,” she said. “These relationships are essential — not only for post-war recovery but for building a shared future,” she said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Ukrainian lawmakers recently participated in the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), holding 12 bilateral meetings to explore cooperation.

“We understand how vital it is to build relationships with Southeast Asian countries,” she said. “Platforms like AIPA are key to fostering long-term cooperation.”

In the Philippines, the delegation engaged with parliamentarians, women’s organisations, think tanks, and universities. Discussions focused on hybrid warfare, maritime security, academic collaboration, and trade development.

Ms Tasheva also praised Thailand’s delegation for its strong statement of support during recent Asean observer country dialogues.

“Ukraine is currently an observer in Asean, but we hope that next year, member states will vote to grant us sectoral partnership status,” she said.

“We see great potential for collaboration, especially in agriculture and development.”

The MP also highlighted Ukraine’s humanitarian initiative “Bring Kids Back”, which seeks to return children allegedly abducted by Russia during the war. “This is not just a Ukrainian issue — it’s a matter of international humanitarian law,” she said.