On 21 May 2026, Mr. Vathayudh Vichankaiyakij, Acting Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, attended the 32nd ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation (ACSOC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), particularly in light of the commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China CSP in 2026. The discussions covered practical areas of cooperation across the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, as well as exchanges of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

On this occasion, Thailand co-led the discussion on socio-cultural cooperation with a view to further strengthening human security in three priority areas, namely: (1) Public Health, such as public health emergencies and emerging diseases response, universal health coverage and active ageing; (2) Education, with a particular focus on talent development for future generations in the field of digital technology and innovation, and to ensure their learning is responsive to the evolving market needs; and (3) Environment, in which Thailand placed an emphasis on combatting transboundary haze and strengthening cooperation on water resources management and the circular economy.