On 22 June 2026, Ms. Prangthip Chansomsak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, in her capacity as Thailand’s Alternate Senior Official, attended the Mekong - Japan Senior Officials’ Meeting, co-chaired by Viet Nam and Japan, via teleconference.

Thailand underscored the importance of advancing cooperation projects that align with the needs and priorities of the Mekong countries, covering areas such as the green economy, the digital economy and innovation, as well as highlighted the subregion’s pressing challenges, including water resource and water quality management, air pollution and combating transnational crime. Thailand also emphasized the importance of cooperation in science, technology and innovation, as well as strengthening synergies between the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), the Mekong - Japan Cooperation (MJ), and other Mekong cooperation mechanisms.

The meeting reviewed progress in implementing the Mekong - Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024 and agreed to promote concrete cooperation in areas that would bring tangible benefits to the subregion, particularly in light of the increasingly uncertain geopolitical and geoeconomic environment. Priority areas included emhancing physical, regulatory and digital connectivity, strengthening supply chains and addressing transnational challenges. The meeting also discussed preparations for the Mekong - Japan Ministerial Meeting to be held in July 2026 on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC).

Prior to the meeting, the Mekong countries convened an ACMECS Caucus to exchange views and coordinate positions on advancing cooperation with development partners. Thailand briefed participants on preparations for the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Mekong - Republic of Korea Cooperation (Mekong - ROK), which Thailand will co-chair on 26 June 2026.