Cebu city: The Prime Minister is preparing for the ASEAN summit, moving forward with "Beyond Thailand" to create trade opportunities. The government spokesperson revealed that the Prime Minister is preparing to attend the ASEAN meeting in the Philippines from May 7-9. The Prime Minister will continue the "Beyond Thailand" policy to strengthen Thailand's role in the region, promote national interests, create trade and investment opportunities, and address global challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit from May 7-9, 2026, in Cebu City, Philippines. This marks his first overseas trip since assuming his second term as Prime Minister.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that participation in this meeting is extremely important as it provides an opportunity to meet and discuss with ASEAN leaders to exchange views on the global situation, strengthen regional cooperation, and reaffirm Thailand's role as a constructive member of ASEAN. Furthermore, the platform will be used to promote concrete cooperation and safeguard national interests in various aspects amidst a volatile global context encompassing geopolitics, economics, and security.
The 48th ASEAN Summit is an annual leaders' meeting held in the first half of the year, attended only by ASEAN member states and guests of the chairman. This year's summit took place amidst a tense global situation, stemming from power struggles and regional conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, which impacted economies, energy, and supply chains.
The meeting will be attended by ASEAN leaders and high-level representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General, representatives from Myanmar, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a guest of the Chair.