On 3 September 2026, Mr. Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, and General Sura Saiubol, Director-General of the Defence Policy and Planning Department of the Ministry of Defence, co-chaired the Thai side of the 16th Japan - Thailand Politico - Military / Military - Military Consultations (PM/MM) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The co-chairs on the Japanese side were Ms. Okano Yukiko, Director-General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Arima Takanori, Director-General for International Affairs, Bureau of Defense Policy, Ministry of Defense of Japan.

The meeting discussed ways to advance the Thailand - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in the security domain in order to address geopolitical uncertainties and emerging non-traditional security challenges, such as transnational crime and natural disasters. Both sides also explored ways to promote cooperation in maritime security and defense industry. In addition, they exchanged views on both sides’ national security policies and regional security situations.

The PM/MM serves as an important mechanism between Thailand and Japan for consultations on security and defense cooperation. It has been held regularly since 1998.