Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister stated that the 46th ASEAN Summit will benefit Thailand, cooperating to solve ASEAN problems, and talking to Arab countries and China, confident in creating stability and prosperity between each other. He revealed that ASEAN countries have sent proposals to the United States, waiting for a meeting to discuss the tariff wall, confirming that Thailand is not too late.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, gave an interview about the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stating that she was satisfied with the results of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, with two important achievements: 1) ASEAN signed and agreed on the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future to set a new vision that sets the direction for driving the ASEAN Community in the next 20 years to endorse this vision. 2) This is the first time that there has been a tripartite meeting between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China to create new economic cooperation dynamics.
The Prime Minister said that this time, ASEAN has given importance to maintaining ASEAN as a peaceful and stable region so that ASEAN can cope with the geopolitical and geoeconomic volatility of the world, especially the competition of superpowers, including measures to cope with the American tax measures.
Thailand supports Timor-Leste's admission into ASEAN, and uses this opportunity to reiterate Thailand's stance on various issues, including Myanmar, the South China Sea, and the Middle East.
In terms of economy, Thailand is pushing for closer and more unified regional integration, along with supply chain integration, to cope with global economic volatility. It proposes that ASEAN countries take advantage of existing FTAs ??and expand FTAs ??with new partners, as well as promote food and energy security through the establishment of the ASEAN Power Grid.
The Prime Minister also said that the meeting also discussed the impact of US tariffs, which ASEAN leaders have agreed to hold on to, namely, an international trade regime based on mutually acceptable principles and are ready to negotiate constructively with the US.
Social aspect: Promoting a truly people-centered ASEAN community; promoting human security, especially cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, especially drugs and online scams.
In terms of sustainable development, Thailand is committed to driving the green agenda to achieve the 'green ASEAN' goal, focusing on green finance, disaster and climate change response, solving the smog problem, clean energy, and digital transformation. Thailand already has a clear plan to create energy security, especially clean energy, for which Thailand has high potential and there is also investment from leading Thai technology companies in data centers.
The Prime Minister also mentioned about the bilateral discussion that he met with leaders of many countries, including the Philippines, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain, to strengthen relations and promote cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain are interested in investing in the Landbridge project and are ready to cooperate in promoting food security where Thailand has potential. He also had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Asian Development Bank to discuss investment for development in the region.
The Prime Minister said about his participation in the meeting that it is considered to be an extension of Thailand's potential in various aspects, as well as strengthening the ASEAN region through cooperation within the region with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, which are good allies. The Thai government is confident that such cooperation will bring enormous benefits to the people, generate income, create new careers, develop human capital, and enhance the country's economic security.
On the US tariff issue, the Prime Minister said the ASEAN Chair has emphasized regional cooperation, using ASEAN's integration to talk to the US to create more power.
"Many countries have already sent proposals to the United States. We are currently waiting for an appointment to discuss the details with the United States. Thailand is not too late. We expect progress to be made soon," the Prime Minister said.