“Anutin” presents vision at “ASEAN Summit”

Today (8 May 2026), 10:15 AM at Hall 1 Mactan Convention Center, Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, participated in and delivered a statement at the 48th ASEAN Summit plenary session, along with leaders and representatives of ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the President of the Asian Development Bank as a guest of the ASEAN Chair.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Philippines on assuming the ASEAN chairmanship and also congratulated the new Prime Minister of Vietnam. He affirmed Thailand's readiness to work closely with all member states to ensure ASEAN remains a pillar of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The Prime Minister stated that this meeting is taking place amidst increasing global volatility, but ASEAN has overcome many major crises in the past, and each time the region has been able to overcome them through cooperation and unity. He expressed confidence that ASEAN would be able to once again face new challenges. He also noted that the meeting's theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," clearly reflects the current global situation, as dealing with the new era cannot be accomplished by any single country but requires cooperation from all sectors in the region.

Mr. Anutin further stated that he was concerned about the tense situation in the Middle East, which is affecting energy prices, food security, and the quality of life of people in many countries. He proposed three key approaches that ASEAN should urgently pursue together. Firstly, regarding energy security, Thailand proposed that ASEAN accelerate practical cooperation, including promoting the ASEAN power grid, utilizing the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, and investing in commercially viable renewable energy sources such as solar power and biofuels, to create long-term energy stability.

Secondly, regarding food security, Thailand is ready to play its role as a major global food production base and is fully committed to supporting ASEAN food cooperation to enable the region to effectively cope with the volatility of global supply chains. Thirdly, regarding the protection of ASEAN citizens, he emphasized that "the people" must be at the center of all operations, and Thailand is ready to work with member countries to push for concrete measures to ensure the safety and quality of life of people in the region.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister added that the meeting also approved the Cebu Protocol, aimed at amending the ASEAN Charter to accommodate Timor-Leste's membership, along with the endorsement of four important statements: one on maritime cooperation, one on addressing the impacts of the Middle East situation, one on disaster management cooperation, and one on youth empowerment in climate change and disaster preparedness, reflects ASEAN's role in preparing for a new world filled with challenges in economics, energy, security, and rapidly changing climate.