PM Anutin Opens 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul represented Thailand at the opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, where leaders emphasized regional unity and signed the Digital Economy Framework Agreement. The ceremony featured cultural performances and the presentation of the ASEAN Prize, with dialogue partners including the U.S., China, and Japan in attendance.
The 49th ASEAN Summit has officially begun. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife attended the opening ceremony, underscoring ASEAN unity amid global shifts. At 08:32 local Manila time (one hour ahead of Thailand) on November 15, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Philippines, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, arrived with his wife to join the welcome ceremony for ASEAN leaders before taking part in the opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit and associated summits. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos extended a warm welcome; the Prime Minister and his wife shook hands and posed for photos with the Philippine presidential couple before proceeding to the delegation holding room.
The Philippines provided electric tricycles (e-trikes) as one mode of transport for the leaders. Upon reaching the meeting area, ASEAN leaders and their spouses gathered for a group photo on the stairs leading to the Plenary Hall, reflecting the friendly atmosphere among member-state heads before the formal opening ceremony.
At 09:00, the Prime Minister and his wife attended the official opening of the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits. The ceremony began with the unveiling of the updated ASEAN emblem and the raising of the revised ASEAN flag, accompanied by the ASEAN Anthem. The Philippine President and the ASEAN Secretary-General then jointly presented the updated ASEAN flag and certificates before delivering welcome remarks to the leaders and participants. A cultural performance titled "Movement as One" followed, showcasing the cultural diversity and unity of the ASEAN community.
During the opening, the signed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) was formally handed over. The Chair of the ASEAN Economic Community Council presented the agreement to the Philippine President, who then passed it to the ASEAN Secretary-General. This marks a significant step toward enhancing digital economic connectivity and facilitating trade among ASEAN member states. The ceremony also included the presentation of the 2026 ASEAN Prize, honoring individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting cooperation and development within the ASEAN community.
The opening was attended by heads of state and government or their representatives from all ASEAN member countries, as well as leaders and representatives from dialogue partners and international organizations: the Chinese Premier, the South Korean President, the Japanese Prime Minister, the Indian Prime Minister, the Australian Prime Minister, the U.S. President, the Russian Foreign Minister, and the UN Secretary-General. Also present were special guests of the ASEAN Chair: the Brazilian President, the Canadian Prime Minister, and the IMF Managing Director.
The Prime Minister's schedule for the day includes a morning plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit, followed by a working lunch with ASEAN heads of state and government.
