On 10 June 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delivered a keynote address at the 31st Nikkei Forum Future of Asia in Tokyo, Japan, organised under the theme “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia.”

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that “the future is Asia” and its success is not the result of the rise of any single country, but rather of the ability of countries across the region to strengthen cooperation and harness their collective strengths. He identified two crucial factors for the future of Asia. First, “integration”, whereby countries must become connected not only through trade and investment, but also through energy systems, digital and innovation networks, and talent pools. Second, “co-creation”, through which countries leverage their diverse strengths to build a shared ecosystem of knowledge and innovation.

The Deputy Prime Minister also outlined Thailand’s three key priorities in shaping Asia’s future. First, enhancing “resilience” through stronger food and energy security, skills development, and enhanced supply chains. Second, strengthening “connectivity” across infrastructure, digital systems, energy networks, financial platforms, and the exchange of knowledge throughout the region. Third, fostering “regionalism”, with ASEAN as the region’s essential platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and managing differences. The prosperity of Asia must go hand in hand with the preservation of peace, stability, and commitment to the international rules-based order.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in an on-stage fireside chat and gave an interview to Nikkei-affiliated media on Thailand’s economic landscape and economic diplomacy amid changing global geo-economic environment and Thailand’s position on regional issues of Japan’s interest, such as the economic impact of the Middle East situation, the Thailand-Cambodia situation and the situation in Myanmar. He also met with Mr. Iida Nobihisa, President and CEO of Nikkei Inc. to discuss cooperation with Nikkei, including the organisation of Nikkei Asia Forum APAC in Bangkok on 16 July 2026 and other future activities.

Nikkei Forum is a premier regional forum attended annually by leaders of governments, international organisations, major businesses and leading journalists and academics, to share their perspectives and visions on regional and global economic trends.