Thailand’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is set to make her first official overseas visit as head of government from October 8-11, 2024, when she attends the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits in Vientiane, Laos. This event marks a critical milestone in her leadership, highlighting Thailand’s continued commitment to its regional partnerships within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will include a series of high-level meetings with Lao leaders and ASEAN counterparts, as well as dialogue with international partners across the Asia-Pacific.
This trip comes just months after Ms. Paetongtarn was sworn into office, signaling the Thai government’s resolve to reinvigorate its diplomatic and economic ties within ASEAN while addressing pressing regional issues such as transnational crime, environmental challenges, and economic cooperation.
As part of her official visit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn will meet with key figures in the Lao government, including Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Secretary-General and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith. These meetings reflect the high level of diplomatic engagement between the neighboring nations and aim to strengthen the Thailand-Laos Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development.
- Economic Cooperation: Laos and Thailand share a deep economic interdependence, with both countries exploring joint opportunities to enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development. Given the post-pandemic global economic recovery, a renewed focus on rebuilding resilient and sustainable economies will likely be a priority.
- Transport Connectivity and Tourism: As neighboring countries with extensive cross-border ties, improving transport infrastructure is essential to their bilateral relations. Both governments are keen on developing more efficient transport links, including rail and road networks, to boost tourism, ease the movement of goods, and enhance people-to-people connectivity.
- Water Resource Management: With the Mekong River running through both nations, effective water resource management is a shared priority. The river plays a critical role in the livelihoods of millions of people, and cooperative efforts to manage water resources, particularly in the face of climate change and upstream developments, are paramount. It remains to be seen whether recent devastating floods, which have impacted both countries, will be on the agenda.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is also expected to discuss regional security and environmental challenges. Thailand and Laos are both significantly affected by several transboundary issues.
- Drug Smuggling: Both nations have grappled with drug trafficking across their porous borders for years. The illicit drug trade, primarily involving methamphetamines from the Golden Triangle, remains a persistent problem for both governments. Strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation will likely be an essential topic of discussion.
- Online Scams and Human Trafficking: With the rise of cybercrime, both countries have seen an increase in online scams and trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable populations. The leaders are expected to explore new strategies for combating these crimes, including better information sharing and enforcement.
- Haze Pollution: Southeast Asia has long struggled with transboundary haze pollution, largely caused by illegal agricultural burning and deforestation. Laos and Thailand are directly affected by this annual problem, which impacts air quality, health, and tourism. Both governments are committed to finding solutions that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, held under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” provide a critical platform for member states to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration, peace, and economic growth. Prime Minister Paetongtarn will participate in several ASEAN Leaders’ Meetings, where leaders will discuss pressing geopolitical issues, including regional security, trade, and the environment.
Economic Recovery Post-COVID-19: ASEAN economies are emerging from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussions will focus on strategies to accelerate recovery. Initiatives to boost intra-ASEAN trade, expand digital economies, and foster innovation are expected to dominate talks. Leaders are likely to emphasize economic resilience, particularly in critical sectors such as food security and energy.
- Strengthening Transport and Digital Connectivity: ASEAN leaders will examine ways to improve infrastructure and transportation links, not only between member states but also with key global partners. In addition, the rise of digital economies in Southeast Asia has opened up new avenues for collaboration in technology, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.
- Security and Stability in the Indo-Pacific: With rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, including disputes in the South China Sea, ASEAN leaders will seek to affirm their commitment to maintaining peace and stability. ASEAN’s role as a neutral arbiter in these disputes will be highlighted, with dialogue partners like China, the United States, and Japan likely to contribute to the discussion.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: As part of the regional commitment to sustainability, the ASEAN summits will address climate change mitigation efforts and shared environmental concerns. These include initiatives to combat deforestation, protect marine biodiversity, and enhance the region’s resilience to climate disasters.
One of the unique aspects of the ASEAN Summits is the participation of dialogue partners from across the globe. This year, Prime Minister Paetongtarn will meet with leaders from China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, the United States, Canada, and representatives from the United Nations. These engagements are an opportunity for ASEAN to strengthen ties with its global partners and coordinate responses to global challenges.
China’s Influence in the Region: China remains one of ASEAN’s most influential dialogue partners, with economic and political interests deeply intertwined with the region. Cooperation on issues such as trade, infrastructure development (e.g., the Belt and Road Initiative), and regional security will be at the forefront of discussions between ASEAN leaders and Chinese officials.
- U.S. and ASEAN Relations: The United States has been a long-standing partner of ASEAN, and bilateral relations have grown in significance in recent years, particularly amid geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s participation in ASEAN meetings with U.S. representatives signals Thailand’s continued commitment to balancing its relationships between China and the United States.
- India and ASEAN: Deepening Strategic Ties: India, a key player in the region, will discuss expanding its economic and security footprint in ASEAN through initiatives such as the Act East Policy. ASEAN and India will explore new ways to enhance trade and investment ties while addressing mutual concerns, including regional security and maritime stability. In addition to her participation in the high-level summits, Prime Minister Paetongtarn will also engage in ASEAN Leaders’ Interfaces with various organizations, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and ASEAN Youth.
- The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC): Paetongtarn’s interactions with ABAC will focus on improving the business climate across the region, enhancing private sector involvement in regional economic development, and promoting ASEAN’s attractiveness as a global investment destination.
- ASEAN Youth Engagement: With a rapidly growing young population, ASEAN leaders, including Paetongtarn, are keen on tapping into the energy, ideas, and innovations of ASEAN’s youth. The ASEAN Youth Summit will be an opportunity to discuss how to better integrate young voices into policy-making and promote youth-led initiatives for sustainable development.
One of the critical summits Prime Minister Paetongtarn will participate in is the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders’ Meeting. This summit focuses on driving the region toward achieving carbon neutrality and addressing the urgent climate crisis. With Southeast Asia being one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change, this summit underscores the region’s commitment to transitioning to green energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos symbolizes a new era of leadership and diplomacy for Thailand. As she takes part in crucial discussions on regional cooperation, economic resilience, and transnational challenges, her government’s priorities for Thailand’s future role in ASEAN and beyond will come into sharper focus. Strengthening bilateral ties with Laos, addressing regional security threats, and enhancing sustainable development partnerships are key areas where her leadership will leave a lasting impact. As ASEAN faces an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Paetongtarn’s proactive engagement in the summits offers hope for a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking Southeast Asia.
