Bangkok: The Cabinet has given its approval to five draft documents that are set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit, which will take place in Cebu, Philippines, on May 8, 2026. These documents aim at amending the ASEAN Charter and consolidating efforts to address global crises.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, the Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Cabinet meeting sanctioned the five draft outcome documents to be endorsed during the summit. Among these is the Cebu Protocol, which aims to amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The protocol includes provisions for adding the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as a new ASEAN member state and revising the ASEAN flag and emblem to include 11 rice stalks, symbolizing the number of member states.
Additionally, four draft documents have been slated for joint endorsement by ASEAN leaders. These include the Draft ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which focuses on promoting maritime security, economy, and the marine environment. Another significant document is the Draft ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Priority Actions for Regional Resilience, designed to enhance ASEAN's preparedness and response to crises stemming from situations in the Middle East.
The Draft ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the ASEAN Convergence on Disaster Response establishes the ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework. This framework aims to bolster cooperation in responding to natural disasters, climate change, and biological hazards. Moreover, the Draft ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience seeks to foster youth participation in climate and disaster risk management.
The Cabinet also authorized the Prime Minister or his representative to endorse and ratify these documents. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with preparing the instrument of ratification to be submitted to the ASEAN Secretary-General.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasized that these documents are crucial for promoting Thailand's interests within ASEAN. They aim to strengthen energy and food security, enhance trade and investment, improve maritime safety, and address natural disasters and climate change.