PM Anutin Leads Delegation to ASEAN-APEC Summits
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is leading a Thai delegation to the ASEAN Summit in Manila and the APEC meeting in Shenzhen from November 14-19. He aims to promote Thailand's investment readiness, discuss energy transition and crime suppression, and push for expanded regional trade cooperation. Anutin also expressed optimism about finalizing a reciprocal tariff agreement with the United States during the trip.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is personally leading a delegation to the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Manila, Philippines, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China, from November 14-19.
He stated that discussions will cover energy transition, cybercrime suppression, gray business crackdowns, money laundering, and drug enforcement, as well as affirming Thailand's readiness. The Prime Minister noted that global investors have consistently confirmed Thailand's strong preparedness, citing government stability, transport infrastructure, the country's strategic location as a distribution hub, and stable utilities — particularly electricity, which is critical for large-scale businesses.
Anutin also emphasized the need to expand ASEAN cooperation on trade and investment, noting that investing in Thailand provides access not just to a domestic market of 70 million but to the broader ASEAN market of 700 million. He stressed that such cooperation can yield mutual regional benefits and that action should be taken immediately when opportunities arise, rather than waiting.
Regarding APEC, the Prime Minister acknowledged the presence of major powers but said Thailand's approach is not to ask for favors. Instead, Thailand will showcase its strengths so other nations recognize the benefits of dealing with Thailand in this era, ensuring mutual benefit.
He expressed hope that the trip will create important negotiating space with major economies, including potential progress on a trade agreement with the United States. Anutin also highlighted his and Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthiphan's determination to finalize the Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs (ART) during their tenure, pledging to remove bottlenecks or exclude problematic factors from negotiations.
"Sometimes we must step back two steps to move forward," he added.
