Post by : Shakul

Thailand Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul outlined an ambitious vision for ASEAN’s future during the opening session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, emphasizing the need for stronger unity, resilience, and regional cooperation to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.

Addressing regional leaders under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered,” Anutin praised Vietnam for hosting the forum at a time when the global landscape is undergoing significant transformation. He noted that geopolitical tensions, shifts in international trade, rapid technological advancement, and climate change are reshaping regional and global systems, creating both challenges and opportunities for ASEAN.

The Thai leader stressed that ASEAN remains one of the world’s most stable and dynamic regions, capable of attracting investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. He said the future of the bloc would depend on decisions taken collectively by member states today and urged countries to maintain ASEAN’s central role in promoting peace, security, trust, and open cooperation.

A key focus of his speech was the importance of resilience as the foundation for long-term prosperity. Anutin called for faster economic integration and stronger connectivity across both physical and digital infrastructure. He welcomed progress toward the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), describing it as a major step toward unlocking the region’s vast digital economic potential.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Thailand’s Southern Land Bridge project, which aims to strengthen global supply chains by providing an alternative transportation route and reducing dependence on congested maritime corridors. He added that Thailand is prepared to support regional energy security by supplying aviation fuel from its surplus production capacity to fellow ASEAN nations.

Beyond economic growth, Anutin emphasized that ASEAN’s success should be measured by improvements in people’s lives. He said the region must prioritize public safety, education, healthcare, skills development, and social protection while addressing common challenges such as cybercrime, online fraud, public health threats, and natural disasters. Special attention, he noted, should be given to empowering young people as they navigate opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

During his remarks, Anutin also touched on Thailand’s relationship with Cambodia, describing the current period as a critical moment for both nations. He stressed that lasting peace and stronger bilateral ties require trust, political commitment, and sincere dialogue. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence that both countries can build a more constructive and cooperative future through mutual understanding and engagement.

Concluding his address, Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN members and international partners to transform shared aspirations into concrete results. He said ASEAN’s enduring strengths—stability, connectivity, and trust—remain essential for attracting investment, driving growth, and ensuring a prosperous future for the region’s people.

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