Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

Thai PM presents “Bangkok Vision 2030” at BIMSTEC Summit 2025 in Bangkok

The vision aims to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030.

On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and related meetings at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, where she presented the “Bangkok Vision 2030,” aiming to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional bloc connecting South and Southeast Asia. Established in 1997, its member nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—focus on trade, investment, connectivity, security, and cultural exchange.

After opening the session on Friday, which marked the first in-person meeting between the nations in seven years, Paetongtarn presented "Bangkok Vision 2030," a framework for cooperation designed to guide BIMSTEC members toward a prosperous, resilient, and open future. The vision aims to strengthen connections and enhance the region's capacity to address global challenges in the following areas:

Enhancing prosperity for BIMSTEC

Building resilience in the region

Global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, and pandemics highlight the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of public health systems and supply chains in the region.

Establishing BIMSTEC Business Advisory Council

Strengthening people-to-people relations

Thai PM presents “Bangkok Vision 2030” at BIMSTEC Summit 2025 in Bangkok

Thailand to increase energy, aircraft, and farm imports from US - Thai PM

Thailand will import more energy, aircraft, and farm produce from the United States, promote increased Thai investment in the US, and ease restrictions on US imports, in response to the Trump administration’s imposition of 36% tariffs on Thai exports to the US market, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In her statement issued today to clarify Thailand’s stance on the US tariff increases, she acknowledged that the new tariffs will significantly impact Thailand’s exports of electronic products, processed food, and agricultural goods.

She also noted that many other countries have been affected by the increased tariffs and have adopted various coping measures. Some have chosen to retaliate by raising tariffs on US goods, while others are seeking dialogue, although negotiations remain inconclusive.

The prime minister emphasized that her government wants to send a message to the Trump administration: Thailand is not merely an exporting country but has long been a reliable ally and economic partner of the United States.

She revealed that her government established a working group on January 6 to prepare for the impacts of the trade war and has since held regular formal and informal discussions.

Summarizing the government’s response, she said Thailand will increase imports of US energy, aircraft, and farm products, and plans to strengthen cooperation with the US agricultural and industrial sectors, among others.

She assured that all plans will prioritize Thailand’s interests and added that the government wants the Thai private sector to expand investment in the US.

Simultaneously, the government will ease import restrictions and curb the re-export of goods manufactured elsewhere through Thailand to the US.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will lead an official delegation to the US for talks with both government and private sector representatives regarding bilateral trade and the US tariffs on Thai goods.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the trade negotiations will yield mutually beneficial results.

She also promised short- and long-term support measures for SMEs and large businesses expected to be most affected by the tariff hikes.

Toward the end of her statement, the prime minister briefly addressed the recent earthquake, saying the government has done its best to mitigate the damage and compensate those affected.

Thailand to increase energy, aircraft, and farm imports from

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Thailand to increase energy, aircraft, and farm imports from US - Thai PM

Good luck hon but the the US tariffs are going to cost our economy 360 billion baht no matter what you do.

Trump.wont give a fuck whatever they do.

Originally Posted by Norton

Good luck hon but the the US tariffs are going to cost our economy 360 billion baht no matter what you do.

Don't do business with them.
Problems resolved.

Originally Posted by Norton

Good luck hon.........

The thought yesterday.......


Casino revenue will offset losses from US tariff rises – Phumtham

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai claimed today that the governmentÂ’s entertainment complex project will generate additional revenue for Thailand, which could offset lost revenue from import tariff increases being imposed by the US.

He said that Thailand must take precautionary measures to ease the impacts of US tariffs and the entertainment complex project is one such measure, adding that even the Singaporean prime minister has warned his nation to prepare for the US trade war, even though the tariff imposed on goods from Singapore is just 10%, compared to ThailandÂ’s 36%.

The deputy prime minister urged protest groups, who oppose the casino project, to use parliamentary channels to resolve their differences with the government, while accepting that it is their right to protest.

He claimed that the protest groups do not represent the Thai people as a whole.

Defending the casino, which the government claims will represent just 10% of the “activities” in the proposed entertainment complex, Phumtham said that there will be restrictions on people entering the casino, such as age limits and financial criteria to be met.

Meanwhile, a group of senior medical doctors from Chulalongkorn University issued a statement today, voicing their strong opposition to the casino project, claiming that it will promote gambling and corruption, plunge the country into deeper economic problems and lead to societal breakdown.

The group urged the government to withdraw the bill, which is due to be debated in parliament on April 9^th.

Casino revenue will offset losses from US tariff rises - Phu

THAILAND JOINS 50 COUNTRIES TO NEGOTIATE WITH U.S. TARIFFS

Thailand has joined more than 50 countries initiating negotiations with the United States over President Donald TrumpÂ’s sweeping new tariffs, which have rattled global markets and raised recession fears.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on April 6 that Thailand will enter into talks with the U.S. following the imposition of tariffs on Thai goods. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will travel to the U.S. for discussions with key stakeholders.

“Thailand has been a long-term, reliable economic partner and ally of the U.S., not merely an exporter,” Shinawatra emphasized in her statement.

The tariffs, which begin April 9, represent a significant challenge to ThailandÂ’s export sector, particularly electronics, processed foods, and agricultural products

ThailandÂ’s Negotiation Strategy

The Thai government has outlined several approaches to address the tariffs: Just a moment...

_________

Maybe the only way. Kiss the Ring

Will Trump Negotiate Tariffs? White House Claims Over 50 Countries Want To Talk: Trump Tariffs: Here’s The List Of Countries Wanting To Negotiate

Thailand Tightens Scrutiny on Exports to US Amid Tariff Fears

Trade department flags 49 product categories to prevent origin misrepresentation after Trump's 36% levy

Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Commerce Ministry, is stepping up its oversight of exports to the United States, placing 49 product categories under heightened scrutiny to prevent false claims of Thai origin.

This move comes in response to the US imposing reciprocal tariffs, with Thailand facing a significant 36% levy announced by the previous US administration.

DFT Director-General Arada Fuangthong announced on Monday that the department is actively monitoring potential attempts by other countries to circumvent US trade measures.

The aim is to assure US customs officials of the genuine Thai origin of exported goods. The 49 monitored items include solar panels, steel lorry wheels, artificial stone slabs, and steel pipes.

Exporters of these goods will now be required to undergo origin verification by the DFT before they can obtain a standard Certificate of Origin (Form C/O) for US shipments.

This enhanced vetting process is designed to prevent tariff evasion by third countries using Thailand as a conduit. Exporters seeking a general Form C/O for exports to the United States must first pass the DFT's origin inspection before they can receive the necessary certification.

Collaboration with US customs authorities has reportedly led to a reduction in US inspections of Thai production facilities, from ten to six product types.

Only two instances of origin misrepresentation have been identified, resulting in the DFT revoking the relevant Form C/Os and implementing measures against the exporters involved. The department has also intensified its monitoring of all Form C/O applications to ensure stricter adherence to regulations.

Arada stated that the DFT intends to expand the list of monitored goods. The department is closely analysing trade statistics for other product categories considered at high risk of false origin claims due to existing Anti-Dumping (AD) and Section 301 measures.

Monitoring has recently been extended to products subject to Section 232 measures to mitigate the risk of these goods being falsely labelled as Thai. The DFT will continue to review and update its list of monitored items.

Furthermore, the DFT is maintaining close coordination and cooperation with US customs authorities to jointly combat the issue of false claims of Thai origin more effectively.

‘Casino bill’ postponed, not withdrawn: Thai PM

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says the first reading of the draft entertainment complex bill, which was scheduled to be debated in parliament tomorrow, has been postponed, citing more urgent issues that need to be addressed.

She emphasised that the bill has been delayed, not withdrawn, and will be resubmitted in parliamentÂ’s next term.

“After discussing the issue with leaders of government coalition parties, we agreed that there were more urgent matters pending,” she said, adding that the draft bill will certainly be tabled during parliament’s next session.

She was speaking after chairing the weekly cabinet meeting at Government House.

Her ruling Pheu Thai Party has been pushing for the bill to reach parliament, despite growing opposition from civil networks.

Senior Pheu Thai members have argued that the bill would help boost tourism, attract an influx of income to Thailand and curb illegal online gambling.

The draft bill, which includes provisions for casinos, is often referred to as the “casino bill” and opponents believe that legalising casinos will lead to more crime and immoral behaviour.

Hundreds of protesters have been gathered near Government House for some time, campaigning by wearing white to express their opposition to the bill.

A group of senators announced today that they will enter the chamber with their hands crossed in front of them to symbolise their disapproval.

__________

Pheu Thai denies Thaksin pressured coalition over draft ''casino bill''

Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong has dismissed reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra told coalition parties to ensure that their MPs support the draft entertainment complex bill in parliament this Wednesday or risk being expelled from the government.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Thaksin Shinawatra

The real Thai King.

Originally Posted by Norton

The real Thai King.

.....and mob boss.
Never mind what's behind the curtains.

Thailand plans to restore trade balance with US: Finance Minister

Thailand has devised a plan to restore its trade balance with the US, with the restoration expected to take more than 10 years, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Tuesday.

This remark followed a meeting on measures to mitigate the impact of US trade policies, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Pichai stated that the government should consider ways to ensure mutual benefits between the two countries. Acknowledging that US trade policies posed a challenge for Thailand, he mentioned that there is an opportunity to boost Thai trade while reducing the trade deficit for the US.

With a US$46 billion (1.6 trillion baht) trade surplus with the US, he outlined the plan as follows:

1. Increase imports from the US, focusing on products that Thailand requires domestically, such as agricultural goods, pork offals and energy products like natural gas.
2. Reduce or exempt taxes on over 100 US products for which Thailand generates relatively low annual revenue.
3. Eliminate non-tariff barriers to facilitate trade between the US and Thailand.
4. Emphasise the importance of product origin certification to ensure that Thailand is not misused as a source of origin for goods exported to the US.
5. Support capable Thai private sectors in increasing their investments in the US, particularly in agriculture and energy.

Pichai noted that there are still many details Thailand needs to work on. The Commerce Ministry will handle the specifics to be proposed to the working team to mitigate the impact of US trade policies and the Cabinet, while he will oversee the process in line with the PM’s order to ensure maximum benefits.

He emphasised that the guidelines to mitigate the impact of US trade policies must be thoroughly addressed. He declined to comment on when he will travel to the US for negotiations, stating that the US has already recognised Thailand’s efforts to ensure mutual benefits for both countries.

“Now we understand what the US needs, so we must adjust and find solutions,” he said. “In the next 10 years, we have to find a way to create a trade balance between the two sides, just like private companies investing in the US must be companies with potential that can create a stable trade balance.”

Pichai confirmed that the government has prepared measures to stimulate the domestic economy, such as steps to mitigate the impact on Thai exporters affected by US trade policies, as well as accelerating investment in infrastructure.

He said that Thailand would expand the public debt ceiling from the current 70% if necessary, adding that Thailand cannot negotiate with the US alongside ASEAN countries, as each nation has different strengths and weaknesses.

Pichai affirmed that the government will focus heavily on this issue, urging people to have confidence in the government’s potential.

... ...

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Reduce or exempt taxes on over 100 US products for which Thailand generates relatively low annual revenue.

Start with big fat fresh Butterball turkeys please.

That does sound good.

Probly have to take tons of that godawful chlorinated chicken too though.

Originally Posted by cyrille

chlorinated chicken too though.

Remember Trumpo is a keen on Thighland too

Delay in Trump tariffs gives Thailand time to secure a better deal: PM

The US’ 90-day pause on tariffs offers Thailand a valuable opportunity to better prepare its negotiation strategy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday.

Her comments came following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day suspension on tariff increases for countries facing rates above 10%.

“Many nations will now queue up to negotiate, and Thailand must also prepare thoroughly and consider the situation from every angle,” said Paetongtarn.

When asked when Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira would visit the US, the Prime Minister stated that a date had not yet been set, although Washington had acknowledged the plan.

On the prospect of ASEAN nations joining forces in the negotiations, she said Thailand should pursue all possible avenues — both independently and as part of the regional bloc. “If working with ASEAN partners gives us greater leverage, that is a positive development. However, we must also advance our own national efforts,” she said.

Commenting on the case of Paul Chambers, the American academic for whom a Thai court has issued an arrest warrant, and whether this might become a point of leverage for the US, Paetongtarn stated: “Everything must proceed fairly. As they have initiated talks in good faith, we must also negotiate with them on fair terms.”

________

Pichai Chunhavajira: Thai finance minister on a high-stakes

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has been handed arguably his toughest mission to date: travel to Washington and secure a better deal on new US tariffs.

Pichai was appointed to lead the mission on Tuesday (April 8), just days after the Trump administration imposed a minimum 10% tariff on imports from countries that enjoy a trade surplus with the US, effective from Wednesday (April 9).

Thailand was slapped with a 36% “reciprocal” tariff – higher than Thai officials had anticipated. The kingdom last year reported a trade surplus of US$45.6 billion (1.59 trillion baht) with the US, the 11th highest in the world.

While China responded immediately with retaliatory tariffs and the European Union is considering whether to follow suit, Thailand is among many countries opting to negotiate with Washington instead.

The US Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) reports that over 50 nations targeted by Trump’s new tariffs have reached out to the White House requesting talks.

Seeking ‘constructive talks’

Pichai’s team was armed with proposals for its Washington mission at an urgent meeting led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday.

The PM said the team would leave for the US later this week, while Pichai said he expected to hold talks with the USTR “as soon as possible”.

The team also includes Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, Commerce Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, and the PM's chief policy adviser Pansak Winyarat.

Team leader Pichai, 76, declared that Thailand would not opt for retaliatory measures against the US but instead focus on “constructive negotiations based on cooperation and understanding” to protect the country’s long-term interests.

“Given Thailand's small size, maintaining good long-term trade relations [with the US] is more important than short-term retaliation,” he said.

After meeting with the prime minister on Tuesday, Pichai unveiled his strategy for the Washington negotiations.

Thailand would offer to increase imports from the US, reduce or waive duties on over 100 American products, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and encourage more Thai investment in the US, he said. Taking more raw materials and natural gas from the US could help meet Thai industrial demand, he added.

“We are not doing this in response to US threats or demands … We are addressing the issue in a way that benefits us while giving the US what it wants. This is a win-win solution for both of us,” Pichai said.

Thailand Aims for Tourism Boom: PM Outlines Strategic Plan

Focus shifts to high-spending tourists and year-round appeal, as recovery efforts continue post-earthquake.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revitalise Thailand's tourism industry, with a renewed emphasis on attracting high-spending visitors and showcasing the country's appeal throughout the year.

At a meeting held at Government House this morning (April 11th), attended by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Permanent Secretary Natthriya Thaweewong, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and representatives from 34 global tourism offices via video conference, Paetongtarn outlined her vision for the sector.

"This year, we've declared 'Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025'," she stated, stressing the government's commitment to elevating Thailand's global tourism profile. "We're striving to present Thailand in a new light, highlighting the diverse experiences we offer beyond just beautiful temples. Importantly, we're promoting Thailand as a year-round destination, catering to varying preferences across different seasons."

The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant downturn in tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent earthquake.

"While we were actively working to boost recovery, the earthquake unfortunately occurred," she said. "It's crucial that we reassure tourists that the damage was confined to a single area, and that Bangkok and other regions are entirely safe. The affected construction site is being cleared, and there are no further concerns."

Paetongtarn emphasised that while increasing tourist numbers is important, the focus must shift towards attracting visitors who contribute significantly to the economy.

"It's not just about the volume of tourists, but the value they bring," she asserted. "We need to encourage longer stays and attract visitors with specific purposes, such as medical tourism. Tailored promotional strategies are essential to cater to the diverse preferences of different nationalities, including those seeking luxury experiences."

She stressed that infrastructure and product offerings must align with the desired high-spending tourist profile.

"Simply setting ambitious revenue targets is insufficient if we don't provide the necessary facilities and experiences," she said.

She tasked the TAT with developing strategies to address the decline in key tourist segments, such as the drop in Chinese visitors, and to identify alternative markets to fill the gap.

She also requested updates on progress in streamlining travel processes, including immigration procedures.

The Prime Minister set a target of achieving or surpassing the pre-pandemic tourism revenue of 2 trillion baht, with an ambitious goal of reaching 2.7 trillion baht. Noting that the TAT reported 1.6 trillion baht in revenue from 35 million tourists this year to date, she challenged the agency to outline how the target of 2.2 trillion baht could be realised.

Cabinet slashes property transfer fee to 0.01%

The Cabinet has resolved to cut the property ownership transfer fee from 2% to 0.01% for detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced houses or townhouses, and condominium units priced at no more than seven million baht each.

Finance Ministry spokesman Pornchai Thiraveja stated recently that the Cabinet has also agreed to reduce the mortgage registration fee from 1% to 0.01% for consumers applying for mortgage loans from commercial banks to purchase any of the aforementioned types of property, with each loan not exceeding seven million baht.

Pornchai, who is also Director-General of the Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), said that both incentives will take effect from the date of publication in the Royal Gazette and will remain valid until June 30, 2026.

According to the spokesman, the twin measures aim to help consumers acquire their own homes and to stimulate the domestic economy through the property sector and related employment.

In addition, the measures align with the Bank of Thailand’s policy of easing housing loan regulations to spur consumer demand while reducing the current oversupply of completed housing units.

Thai PM Joins Bangkok Governor on Canal Inspection Highlighting City Revitalisation

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday joined Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt for a boat inspection of the Khlong Bang Lamphu and Khlong Ong Ang canals, underscoring the city's ongoing efforts to revitalise its waterways and boost tourism.

The Prime Minister's visit provided an opportunity for Governor Chadchart to showcase his administration's plan for the sustainable development of these key urban canals.

Accompanied by senior Bangkok officials, including the Permanent Secretary and advisors, Ms. Shinawatra embarked on a boat tour from the Phra Phra Sumen Fort pier, navigating the waterways to the Pom Mahakan Public Park in the Phra Nakhon district.

During the inspection, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) presented a progress report on the enhancements to both Khlong Ong Ang and Khlong Bang Lamphu.

This forms part of a broader BMA strategy to improve significant canals across the capital. Key achievements and ongoing projects include the completed dredging of the Khlong Khu Mueang Doem (Old City Canal) and Khlong Lot Wat Ratchanatda and Khlong Lot Wat Ratchabophit, which also saw the installation of wastewater collection systems.

Significant work is underway on Khlong Ong Ang, with the Public Works Department currently improving footpaths and street lighting. Completed works include the pedestrian walkway from Pom Mahakan Public Park to Bamrung Mueang Road and the reinforcement of the canal's concrete embankments. Upgrades to the Rapi Phatthanaphak and Bophit Phimuk bridges are also in progress.

For Khlong Bang Lamphu, a contract was signed on 11th March for the construction of a reinforced concrete walkway from the Noraratthanasathan to the Hong Uthit bridges, with a 200-day construction period. Plans for an underpass at the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge are awaiting budget approval for the next fiscal year.

Substantial progress has also been made on Khlong Mahanak and Khlong Saen Saep, with completed embankment and walkway construction from Asoke Road to Soi Phetchaburi 38/1.

Similar works along Khlong Saen Saep from Wat Makkasan to the Khlong Tan water gate are 35% complete, while improvements to the walkway from Rama VI Road to Hua Chang Bridge are at 47%.

Procurement is underway for further embankment and walkway construction along Khlong Saen Saep from the Phan Fa pier to Wat Makkasan.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the BMA is actively promoting tourism in the Bang Lamphu and Khlong Ong Ang areas. Initiatives include canal boat tours led by local young guides every weekend in Khlong Bang Lamphu, organised by the Phra Nakhon District Office in collaboration with the Treasury Department and community tourism groups.

The Bang Lamphu Charm Learning Centre offers insights into the area's heritage and curated tourist trails. Khlong Ong Ang boasts an art street, an Art Toy street, and hosts events such as the Diwali festival in its Little India quarter.

These multifaceted efforts aim to rejuvenate Bangkok's historic waterways, enhance the quality of life for residents, and attract more visitors to the city.

Deputy PM Pichai chairs key economic meeting ahead of US trade talks

Pichai Chunhavajira, Head of Thailand's Economic Negotiation Team, leads advisors in high-level talks ahead of US visit, focusing on cooperation in agriculture, energy, and technology to safeguard Thailand’s interests.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira chaired a high-level economic advisory meeting at the Phitsanulok Mansion on Monday (April 14). The session brought together notable advisors including Pansak Vinyaratn and Supavud Saicheua to assess current economic conditions and develop a comprehensive negotiation strategy.

The discussion centered on responding to the United States' reciprocal tariff measures, which impose rates as high as 36% on Thai imports—significantly above analysts' forecasts of 10–25%. The tariffs particularly affect strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology.

Key discussion points included identifying priority US counterparts in both the public and private sectors, to ensure goal-oriented and effective dialogue.

A follow-up session with representatives from Thailand’s industrial sector is scheduled for April 15 to finalize data and proposals ahead of the official trip.

These negotiations come at a crucial moment: from January to November 2024, Thailand posted a trade surplus with the US of $41.5 billion, already surpassing the $40.7 billion surplus recorded in all of 2023. Thailand now ranks as the 10th largest trade surplus country with the US.

The “Team Thailand” delegation, led by Pichai, is set to depart for the US on April 17, beginning in Seattle. They will later join Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan for formal negotiations in Washington, D.C. on April 21.

Paetongtarn to receive Anwar for official visit on Thursday

PM Paetongtarn will host Malaysia’s Anwar on Thursday to discuss trade, tourism, border security, and ASEAN cooperation under Anwar’s chairmanship.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host her Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, for an official visit on Thursday, during which the two leaders will discuss a range of cooperative efforts, including trade, tourism, and southern border security.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said Anwar is scheduled to meet Paetongtarn at Government House as part of his working visit to follow up on previous discussions.

The initial discussions took place during Paetongtarn’s official visit to Malaysia on 16 December. The two leaders continued their conversation via a phone call on 5 April, Jirayu added.

During Thursday’s meeting, Anwar is expected to discuss the progress of transport infrastructure development, as well as cooperation in trade, tourism, and security.

Jirayu noted that the two leaders would also address joint development of border areas and Thailand’s ongoing efforts to restore peace in the deep South.

Additionally, the meeting will see Anwar, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, seek Thailand’s cooperation in advancing several initiatives aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and economic collaboration among the 10 ASEAN member states.

The spokesman added that the ASEAN economy is projected to grow this year, with increased bilateral trade expected to benefit the region’s 670 million people. He emphasised that the discussions between the Thai Prime Minister and the ASEAN Chair would help to further strengthen regional ties.