BANGKOK, Thailand – Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek summarized the week’s key foreign affairs developments, emphasizing proactive diplomacy by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources and Environment to strengthen economic cooperation and address cross-border environmental challenges.
On May 2, 2026, the Government Spokesperson reported on recent international efforts, which prioritized economic, security, and environmental partnerships to boost investment, trade, and employment. The administration also strengthened cooperation with neighboring countries to address transboundary haze and PM2.5 pollution.
According to the Spokesperson, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow attended the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei Darussalam from April 27 to 28. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and non-traditional security. Key topics included advancing ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, supporting the renewable energy transition, and combating transnational crime. These efforts aim to position both regions as effective partners in addressing global challenges.
The Deputy Prime Minister also held bilateral talks with foreign ministers and senior representatives from the EU, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, and Cyprus. These discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the digital economy, energy transition, and security, as well as advancing Thai-EU and ASEAN-EU FTA negotiations.
From April 29 to 30, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin visited the Lao PDR to address transboundary haze pollution. In a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Clear Sky Strategy. This approach aims to systematically reduce hotspots, prevent forest fires, develop agricultural traceability, and share technical knowledge to build long-term regional capacity.
The spokesperson added that the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, remains committed to proactively addressing the PM2.5 crisis through regional partnerships. The recent mission to the Lao PDR represents a significant step toward ensuring clean air and reducing the health and economic impacts of seasonal haze.
The government reaffirms its proactive foreign policy, aiming to deliver tangible benefits for Thai citizens by creating economic opportunities and fostering international cooperation to improve long-term quality of life and national sustainability. (NNT)
