On 29 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Cebu, the Philippines. The Meeting marked the first gathering of ASEAN Foreign Ministers of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship this year under the theme “Navigating our Future, Together.”

The Meeting expressed readiness to support the ASEAN Chair’s priorities this year, which have been set, among others, to promote ASEAN cooperation in response to regional challenges amid global political and economic volatility, to conclude the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations and sign the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year, to advance green transition and regional energy connectivity, and to enhance disaster preparedness and climate security through the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

In this regard, Thailand underscored the importance of adhering to regionalism and strengthening resilience and relevance of ASEAN, proposed ideas on supporting system for the ASEAN Chair in ensuring continuity in the implementation of key policies and in responding to urgent regional issues in a timely and effective manner, and reaffirmed Thailand’s continued commitment to addressing online scams and proposed that relevant outcomes from the international conference co-hosted by Thailand in December 2025 be taken forward through ASEAN mechanisms and processes.

On Myanmar, Thailand emphasised the need for ASEAN to adjust its approach and engagement with Myanmar in line with the current situation following Myanmar’s election and reaffirmed our readiness to support the continued and effective work of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar and to facilitate dialogue among relevant stakeholders in Myanmar. Furthermore, the Meeting welcomed developments between Thailand and Cambodia, following the ceasefire agreement and the special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on 27 December 2025, and looked forward to sustained peace in the region.