By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday outlined Thailand's three-pronged vision for the future of ASEAN, calling for a stronger, more resilient and people-centred regional bloc.
Delivering the vision during his address at the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) in Jakarta, Anutin said ASEAN must strengthen regionalism, build resilience against global uncertainties and deliver more tangible benefits to its people, while stressing the need for collective regional action to address shared challenges.
"Regional challenges require regional solutions as today's geopolitical, economic, technological and security challenges cannot be resolved by any single country," he said.
Anutin's speech was shared by Thai Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.
The prime minister, who is on an official visit to Indonesia, said ASEAN's unity and centrality remained vital in an increasingly fragmented world, adding that the principles of consensus and non-interference should be applied with greater flexibility to enable more effective responses to emerging challenges.
He also urged ASEAN to strengthen supply chains, food and energy security, accelerate digital connectivity, expand cooperation with middle powers and the Global South, and better equip young people for the digital economy.
“ASEAN must not wait for crises before taking action but instead prepare in advance,” he said.
Anutin said ASEAN's success should be measured by the tangible benefits it brings to its people, including stronger economic opportunities, improved security and more effective action against transnational crime.
He also highlighted Thailand's intention to play a more active role in shaping ASEAN's future ahead of the bloc's 60th anniversary next year.
"This is the future of ASEAN that Thailand believes in, and it is the future that we must all build together," he added.
On Myanmar, Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's support for ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus while advocating a policy of "calibrated re-engagement" to maintain dialogue and encourage practical progress.
He said the International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) recent visit to detained former Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who was reported to be in good health, was a positive development that reflected that approach.
“This is something Thailand has consistently advocated, and we hope to see further positive developments in the near future,” he said.
On relations with Cambodia, Anutin said both countries had agreed to rebuild mutual trust and continue bilateral dialogue, while reaffirming Thailand's commitment to resolving differences peacefully under international law.
He reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to open a new chapter in relations with its neighbour, resolve differences peacefully in accordance with international law, and uphold ASEAN unity and its common agenda.
Anutin arrived in Jakarta on Monday for his first official visit to Indonesia since taking office as Thailand's 32nd prime minister in September 2025.
The visit marked the first by a Thai prime minister to Indonesia in 15 years.
-- BERNAMA