ASEAN Summit: Thai PM Paetongtarn Pushes for Regional Collective Leadership

National —

At 9:30 AM on October 9th, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits at the National Convention Centre (NCC) in Laos.

Paetongtarn was warmly welcomed by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife. Paetongtarn delivered a statement emphasizing ASEAN’s need for “Collective Leadership” to address regional issues and improve the well-being of its 700 million citizens.
In her speech, she thanked ASEAN for its warm reception and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to building a stronger ASEAN community. She highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges and climate change, referencing Typhoon Yagi’s widespread damage in several ASEAN countries.

Paetongtarn outlined three main priorities: Sustainability, human security, and deeper regional integration. She stressed the need for ASEAN to jointly address climate change, carbon neutrality, green energy, and digital innovation to ensure economic growth without harming the environment.
On human security, Thailand called for cooperation to combat crises, ensuring access to food, energy, and basic needs. She also promoted smart and sustainable agriculture to enhance food security and proposed energy grid connectivity across ASEAN.

Thailand further supported regional integration by advancing the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expediting the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations by 2025. Additionally, she advocated for digital skill development for small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) to drive economic growth.
Paetongtarn urged ASEAN to boost connectivity, such as increasing flights and visa-free travel between member countries. She also stressed the need for ASEAN to remain neutral in global power dynamics to maintain strategic balance in the region.

Meanwhile, on October 8th, Paetongtarn and Sonexay presided over the signing of a technical agreement on cross-border rail freight between Thailand and Laos. This agreement aims to strengthen transport links, making Thailand a key rail hub in ASEAN.


Thailand’s State Railway Governor Wiris Amrapal said the government prioritizes rail development as a vital transportation infrastructure. He highlighted that Thai-Laos-China rail connectivity is driving economic growth, aligning with Thailand’s logistics development strategy.
Wiris reported that rail freight between Thailand, Laos, and China includes goods like rice, fertilizer, and consumer products, with daily shipments averaging 4-6 trains. Rail freight revenues between Thailand and Laos have grown significantly, with further increases expected in 2025.

Wiris concluded by expressing confidence that this agreement will elevate rail transport, strengthen cross-border trade, and position Thailand as ASEAN’s leading rail hub.

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Kittisak Phalaharn
Kittisak has a passion for outgoings no matter how tough it will be, he will travel with an adventurous style. As for his interests in fantasy, detective genres in novels and sports science books are parts of his soul. He works for Pattaya News as the latest writer.