Hanoi: Anutin Charnvirakul showcased his vision at the ASEAN Future Forum, emphasizing the need to unite member states and lay the foundation for tangible peace and security. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended the opening ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum, themed 'Shaping our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered,' at the Melia Hanoi Hotel in Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Vietnam hosted the forum jointly with ASEAN leaders from Laos, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister praised Vietnam for hosting the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, which became an important platform for exchanging views on the future of the region at a time when the world is facing significant changes, including geopolitical divisions, shifts in global trade patterns, rapid technological advancements, and the impacts of climate change. This reflects a transition to a new order for both regional and global systems, with ASEAN facing both significant risks and opportunities simultaneously.
In a world facing volatility across many regions, ASEAN has the potential to remain one of the most stable regions globally and a key destination for future investment, growth, and innovation. This future will be determined by the collective decisions of its member states today. ASEAN must leverage its long-standing strategic strengths, adhering to the principle of balancing national and regional interests, to maintain its centrality in promoting peace, security, trust, and openness for cooperation with all parties in an increasingly divided world.
The Prime Minister emphasized that "resilience" will be a crucial foundation for ASEAN's future prosperity, stressing the need to accelerate economic integration and connectivity in all dimensions, both physical and digital. He also congratulated ASEAN on its goal of signing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year to unlock the region's digital economic potential. Furthermore, Thailand is promoting the Southern Land Bridge project as an alternative route to enhance global supply chain security, mitigate vulnerabilities from maritime transport bottlenecks, and support regional food and energy security. Thailand offered its readiness to supply aviation fuel to ASEAN member states from its existing surplus production capacity.
The Prime Minister stated that ASEAN must prioritize creating tangible benefits for its people because ASEAN's success is not measured by the number of meetings or documents adopted, but by the quality of life, safety, and confidence in the future of its citizens, especially the younger generation who face both opportunities and challenges from technological changes, including artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in addressing problems affecting daily life, such as online fraud, cyber threats, public health risks, and natural disasters, coupled with investment in education, skills development, public health systems, and social protection systems.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that ASEAN has sufficient potential to address challenges and seize opportunities arising from global changes, as ASEAN remains strong in key areas lacking in many regions: stability, connectivity, and trust. These are crucial factors in attracting investment, supporting economic growth, and creating opportunities for people. The Prime Minister affirmed Thailand's readiness to work with ASEAN member states and all partners to translate this vision into tangible results.
The Prime Minister also addressed the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, stating that both countries are at a critical juncture where decisions today will impact the future direction of their relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to jointly confront challenges and open a new chapter in their bilateral relations. Achieving a peaceful and lasting solution requires political will, commitment, trust, and sincere dialogue. While there will be no easy path, he expressed confidence that both sides can move forward together through building trust and constructive dialogue.