Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has concluded his participation in the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, underscoring Thailand’s role in promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation amid global uncertainty.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Saturday the summit yielded tangible outcomes for Thailand and reflected an active foreign policy at a time when conflicts in several regions are affecting the global economy, as well as energy and food security.
Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, departed Cebu with his delegation after attending the May 7-9 summit and related meetings hosted by the Philippines.
On Thursday, Mr Anutin joined a trilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, initiated by the Philippines as Asean chair, to discuss the Thai-Cambodian situation.
Thailand adopted a constructive, forward-looking approach, observers say, with the prime minister calling for a “new chapter” in bilateral ties based on sincerity, trust and cooperation. Both sides agreed to task their foreign ministers with developing practical confidence-building measures. Thai officials said the talks did not involve border demarcation or reopening crossings.
At the plenary session on Friday, Mr Anutin called for stronger cooperation on energy and food security.
He backed advancing the Asean Power Grid, strengthening petroleum security and boosting investment in renewables.
Thailand also offered to leverage its role as a major food producer to support regional food security and proposed expanding arrangements such as the Thailand-Singapore rice trade model to other essential goods.
He also highlighted the need to protect Asean citizens during crises, citing Thailand’s evacuation of nationals from conflict areas in the Middle East.
Leaders endorsed the “Cebu Protocol” to help along Timor-Leste’s accession and adopted statements on maritime cooperation, disaster management, the Middle East and youth engagement on climate change.