On 7 - 8 May 2025, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and ASEAN SOM Leader for Thailand, led the Thai Delegation to the 22nd ASEAN-Canada Dialogue in Vientiane, co-chaired by the Lao PDR, as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, and Canada.

The Meeting reviewed progress and discussed ways to advance the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, focusing on key areas including political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation, as well as development of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action 2026-2030. The Meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Thailand highlighted cooperation to promote people-to-people relations, especially in (1) education in order to develop human capital in ASEAN for the digital transformation, (2) sustainable and eco-friendly tourism through collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) in Bangkok, and enhancement of air connectivity between the two regions to drive economic growth and (3) sports, through the development and exchange of sport personnel and inclusive participation at all levels, particularly youth, persons with disabilities, and women.

In addition, the Deputy Permanent Secretary also visited the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat in Vientiane and had a discussion with Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat, on the MRC’s role in water resource management as well as collaboration and coordination among members of the MRC.