On 12 June 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, met with Friends of Thailand from Japan’s public and private sectors who have played an important role in advancing Thailand–Japan relations, during his visit to Tokyo to attend the 31st Nikkei Forum Future of Asia.

Deputy Prime Minister held discussions with members of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), namely Mr. Kono Taro, former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Minister of Defense of Japan and Secretary-General of Japan–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group; Mr. Shiozaki Yasuhisa, former Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and former Chairman of Japan–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group; and Mr. Shiozaki Akihisa, former State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and Secretary of Japan–Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Both sides exchanged views on current political and economic developments in their respective countries, the regional situation, and their responses to recent global uncertainties. DPM Sihasak underlined the opportunities to deepen Thailand–Japan cooperation in emerging areas driven by technology and innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), where Japan could play a greater role in advancing global governance. Japan could also work closely with Thailand on Myanmar to promote peace and stability in the country and the region.

In his meeting with Japan’s business sector, DPM Sihasak discussed business strategies in Thailand and the region, as well as opportunities to promote trade and investment in advanced technology sectors, including AI, robotics, data centres, and digitalisation. He reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to support Japanese investment and business expansion, while underscoring efforts to address regional economic challenges to support recovery and further strengthen bilateral trade and investment.