PM Anutin Outlines Three-Point ASEAN Vision at Manila Summit

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented Thailand's vision at the 49th ASEAN Summit, proposing three approaches to drive the bloc forward amid global challenges with people at the center.

At 10:15 a.m. on November 15, 2026 (Manila time, one hour ahead of Thailand) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Philippines, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered remarks at the 49th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session. He reflected on the mid-year ASEAN Summit in Cebu where leaders discussed the impact of Middle East conflicts, noting that the crisis has brought even deeper challenges: eroding confidence in the rules-based international order, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing economic fragmentation — all underscoring the need for ASEAN to maintain unity, build resilience, and respond to people's needs.

The Prime Minister put forward three key approaches: 1. United ASEAN — ASEAN must strengthen unity through deeper regional integration and tighter economic ties. Thailand welcomes the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and proposes accelerating it alongside the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) to boost intra-ASEAN trade and create new economic opportunities. 2. Resilient ASEAN — ASEAN must deepen cooperation, especially on energy, by advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and promoting cross-border trade in renewable energy such as solar power. Ready and willing member states can start joint implementation to create an enabling environment and drive broader regional integration. Amid geopolitical competition in AI technology, ASEAN should develop its own AI strategy anchored in regional interests and priorities to harness AI's full potential without having to pick sides. 3. People-Centred ASEAN — ASEAN cooperation must protect the safety, health, and well-being of citizens, particularly by strengthening collaboration against online scams and cybercrime through the Global Partnership Initiative to Combat Internet Fraud, establishing a regional network of national lead agencies, promoting information exchange, enhancing law enforcement coordination, and supporting joint operations.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the agreement to establish the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). As one of the centre's host countries, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional capacity to prepare for future public health emergencies.

"ASEAN must step up collective efforts to prevent and address transboundary environmental problems, especially transboundary haze and water pollution from source, including promoting sustainable land and water management. Relevant countries must take action..."