Bangkok: The President of the Philippines called to congratulate Prime Minister Anutin, praising Thailand’s handling of the scammer problem. The Philippine President called to congratulate Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on attending the ASEAN Summit, commending Thailand’s handling of the scammer problem and thanking Thailand for helping Filipinos who were deceived to return home.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul held a telephone discussion with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Republic of the Philippines. Following the discussion, Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek summarized the key points as follows: The Philippine President congratulated the Prime Minister on his reappointment, reflecting the Thai people’s confidence in his administration. He also reiterated his invitation for the Prime Minister to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, which the Philippines will host in May.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to fully participate in and support the meeting under the leadership of the Philippines. He believes that cooperation between Thailand and the Philippines will be further strengthened, especially in the economic dimension, which is becoming more important amidst the volatile global situation. Furthermore, it is expected that the situation in the Middle East will be discussed at this ASEAN meeting to enhance ASEAN’s capacity to cope with the impacts on energy and food security.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister also proposed that combating transnational crime be a regional mission. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational crime, especially online fraud, both at the bilateral level and within the ASEAN framework, and to expedite the conclusion of related agreements. The President of the Philippines also thanked the Thai government for facilitating the repatriation of nearly 1,000 Filipinos affected by fraudulent activities in Myanmar back to the Philippines via Thailand.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that the relationship between Thailand and the Philippines, as ASEAN member states, is strong and has the potential to develop into a deeper strategic partnership in the future. They will jointly drive cooperation in all dimensions-economic, security, and sustainable development-for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries and to strengthen the ASEAN region as a whole.