MANILA — 15 November 2026, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for ASEAN to expand its international partnerships, strengthen regional energy security and improve its decision-making mechanisms, while supporting a gradual approach to resolving Myanmar’s crisis and reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to rebuilding relations with Cambodia.
Speaking at the retreat session of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila on 15 November 2026, Anutin said Southeast Asia faces multiple challenges that are testing the regional bloc’s unity and resilience.
Government spokesman Ekkapop Pianpiset said the meeting began at 14:00 local time at Coconut Palace, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. chairing discussions among ASEAN leaders on regional challenges and the bloc’s role in international affairs.
ASEAN urged to diversify partnerships and energy sources
Anutin said ASEAN had successfully navigated numerous crises but needed to improve its ability to respond collectively to increasingly complex challenges.
He proposed expanding cooperation beyond the region, particularly with the Global South and the African Union, to create new opportunities and reduce reliance on traditional major powers.
Such partnerships, he said, would help ASEAN maintain its strategic autonomy and broaden its options in areas important to the region’s long-term interests.
On energy security, Anutin called for greater diversification of energy sources, suppliers and transport routes to reduce exposure to external disruptions and market volatility.
He said these measures would help strengthen ASEAN’s long-term energy resilience.
Anutin calls for stronger ASEAN Troika mechanism
The prime minister also proposed reviewing ASEAN’s working methods to improve institutional efficiency.
He highlighted the challenges posed by the bloc’s annually rotating chairmanship, which can affect continuity in implementing regional initiatives.
Anutin called for more effective use of the ASEAN Troika mechanism to maintain momentum across successive chairmanships and support timely coordination on shared challenges.
The mechanism brings together the previous, current and incoming ASEAN chairs to promote continuity in the bloc’s work.
Thailand backs gradual re-engagement with Myanmar
Addressing the crisis in Myanmar, Anutin said ASEAN must maintain momentum in its efforts to promote peace, drawing on lessons from previous initiatives.
He stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue involving all parties and an end to violence by all sides.
Anutin also pointed to what he described as tangible progress in humanitarian assistance, including a recent humanitarian visit by a special envoy and the expanded role of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
He said these developments could provide a foundation for further progress.
The Thai prime minister urged ASEAN to recognise and support positive developments, arguing that meaningful change would take time and require a gradual, realistic approach.
Thailand therefore supports “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar, he said, taking into account conditions on the ground and the limitations of the current situation.
The objective, he added, should be to enable Myanmar’s people to find their own path towards sustainable peace.
Thailand seeks to rebuild trust with Cambodia
On Thai-Cambodian relations, Anutin thanked President Marcos for hosting trilateral talks in Cebu.
He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to what he called the “Cebu Spirit”, aimed at restoring trust and confidence through dialogue conducted in good faith.
Anutin said Thailand was determined to open a new chapter in relations with Cambodia and hoped Phnom Penh would respond with the same commitment, based on the principles of good neighbourliness.
He added that Thailand would continue pursuing confidence-building measures to help restore peace and stability between the two countries.
ASEAN unity essential amid global uncertainty
Anutin concluded by stressing that growing international uncertainty made ASEAN unity increasingly important.
He urged member states to overcome differences through the ASEAN approach to cooperation and protect the region’s shared interests.
Thailand, he said, stood ready to work with all ASEAN members towards those goals.
