On 8 - 14 June 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General in Bangkok under the theme “Proactive and People-Centred Diplomacy: From Policy to Practice.” In attendance were 100 Thai Ambassadors, Consuls-General, Charge d' Affaires, and Acting Consuls-General from 98 overseas missions. Representatives of the “Team Thailand” agencies abroad also participated in the Meeting virtually.

The Thai Ambassadors, Consuls-General and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ executives, were graciously granted a royal audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, led by His Excellency Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and received royal guidance on fostering friendly relations with other countries.

This year’s Meeting took place at a critical juncture as the international order is undergoing significant structural shifts. These changes, driven by geopolitical competition among major powers, have impacted Thailand’s national security and economic stability. It is, therefore, necessary for Thailand to recalibrate its foreign policy and strengthen “Team Thailand” in response to the global trends, as well as to align with government policies, and enable the country to stand firm and secure benefits amidst this evolving landscape.

During the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, tasked the Ambassadors and Consuls-General (through video message) to adjust Thailand’s foreign policy strategies, taking into account the country’s challenges, opportunities and strengths, in order to best position Thailand to maximise benefits in the emerging global power dynamics and international order.

The Ambassadors and Consuls-General exchanged views on key government economic policies with policymakers, relevant agencies and stakeholders. Notable participants included His Excellency Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; His Excellency Mr. Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance; Mr. Supavud Saicheua, Chairperson of the National Economic and Social Development Council; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand; Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, the Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand; and Mr. Nava Chantanasurakon, the Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. The Meeting also engaged in brainstorming sessions to adjust foreign policy strategies and approaches.

On recalibrating Thailand’s foreign policy, the Meeting shared the view that the country should pursue a geostrategic de-risking and multiple alignment strategy to maintain strategic balance while expanding close partnership across various regions. The Meeting also emphasised enhancing Thailand’s strategic value by leveraging modern soft power in engaging with all countries, aiming to become not only a friendly but also an indispensable partner. In addition, the Meeting discussed ways to advance proactive diplomacy to safeguard regional stability and security through deepening Thailand’s relations with neighbouring countries and reinforcing the ASEAN mechanisms.

Proactive Economic Diplomacy

To respond effectively to global trade tension and changes in the international order, the Meeting agreed on the adoption of proactive economic diplomacy that focuses on promoting exports, attracting foreign tourists as well as direct investment in target industries, and attracting talent and wealth from around the world. At the same time, Thailand would “join the right conversations” by focusing on enhancing competitiveness through accelerating FTA negotiations, increasing engagement with the OECD and BRICS, advancing Thailand’s role as a logistics and transportation hub, attracting investments in clean energy and carbon emission reduction innovations, and contributing in shaping the rules and regulations of emerging economic sectors, such as digital economy, AI governance and ethics, and cybersecurity.

On strengthening “Team Thailand”, the Meeting emphasised the importance of fostering unity in foreign policy implementation. Efficiency and synergy of Team Thailand mechanisms should be enhanced through closer collaboration among all sectors, including the public sector, private sector, civil society and the people.

Presentation of Action Plans

At the closing ceremony of the Meeting on 13 June 2025, representatives of the Ambassadors and Consuls-General reported on the key outcomes of the Action Plans’ formulation to the Prime Minister, as follows:

1. Enhancing Thailand’s economic competitiveness under the context of the geo-economic tensions – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States;

2. Attracting investments and advancing cooperation on technology and innovation from traditional markets – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the French Republic;

3. Building partnerships and expanding into new markets to diversify geopolitical risks – by the Ambassador of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

4. Strengthening cooperation for comprehensive security for the Thai people – by the Ambassador of Thailand to Japan.

Prime Minister’s Policy Guidance

After the presentation of the Action Plans, the Prime Minister delivered her policy guidance, tasking the Ambassadors and Consuls-General to advance proactive foreign policy. The Prime Minister emphasised Team Thailand integration in order to respond to the shifting global structure and order, reciprocal tariff measures and regional challenges. Also, among the priorities are to foster close relations and mutual understanding with neighbouring and fellow ASEAN countries, drive forward proactive economic diplomacy by expanding tourism and medical services, expanding into new markets for agricultural products and Thai food, accelerating FTA negotiations, promoting two-way investments, and upskilling/reskilling Thai workforce, as well as positioning Thailand as an Active Promoter of Peace and Common Prosperity in a changing world. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of working in synergy across agencies and sectors, and would follow up on the implementation of the Proactive Diplomacy Action Plans every quarter.

Enhancing Consular Services and Public Engagement

The Meeting brainstormed ways to further enhance the efficiency of consular services and the protection of Thai nationals abroad. The Ministry also took advantage of this Meeting to communicate with the public by inviting the media to interview the Ambassadors and Consuls-General on issues of public interest, such as Supporting overseas Thai communities, workers and students; Emergency evacuation plan for Thai nationals; Thailand’s policy toward the situation in Myanmar; Telecommunications fraud and online scams; and the situation in the Middle East.