Bangkok: “Teng” has assigned a critical assignment to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ahead of the ASEAN Summit, highlighting three public agendas where Thailand must assert its leadership on the regional stage. Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, emphasized these issues on social media, urging the Thai government to take a bold stance.
According to Thai News Agency, before the Prime Minister’s participation in the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, scheduled from May 7-9, 2026, Mr. Nattapong shared his insights on Thailand’s current foreign policy challenges. He noted the decline in Thailand’s and ASEAN’s roles as regional bargaining powers amidst intense global competition. He stressed that significant economic and security challenges facing ASEAN countries require a shift in Thailand’s international role, driven by the government’s political will and courage.
Mr. Nattapong proposed addressing three key issues at the ASEAN forum: overlapping maritime claims with Cambodia, the energy crisis, and the environmental crisis. He expressed concerns over the Thai Cabinet’s decision to revoke MOU 44, urging for bilateral negotiations with Cambodia to resolve maritime disputes, instead of mandatory mediation under UNCLOS.
The energy crisis, exacerbated by Middle Eastern conflicts causing global energy price volatility, was highlighted as a shared ASEAN challenge. Mr. Nattapong called for Thailand to lead efforts in promoting an ASEAN Power Grid to reduce reliance on external energy imports and foster regional investment opportunities.
On environmental issues, Mr. Nattapong pointed out the longstanding transboundary haze problem, criticizing the ineffective use of international mechanisms by Thai governments. He proposed that Prime Minister Anutin establish the Air Pollution Command Center (CACC) as an ASEAN-level coordinating center, to manage transboundary pollution and enforce agricultural product standards.
Mr. Nattapong also addressed toxic contamination in regional rivers, urging the government to enhance monitoring and cooperation through ASEAN and initiate negotiations with international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme. He advocated for expanding dialogue with China through the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center to tackle water pollution from mining.
In conclusion, Mr. Nattapong underscored that the main barrier to addressing these issues is not a lack of mechanisms or knowledge, but rather political will. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Anutin will seize the ASEAN Summit to restore Thailand’s leadership role and demonstrate ASEAN’s capability to resolve cross-border challenges, ultimately benefiting the people of Thailand and the broader ASEAN region.