In a significant development in Southeast Asian diplomacy, Thailand's participation in the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – China Summit has sent waves of optimism throughout the region. The historic gathering, convened by Malaysia, brought together high-ranking officials from Thailand, the GCC countries, and China on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit.
On 27 May 2025, H.E. Mr. Dusit Manapan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, to the summit, underscoring Thailand's commitment to fostering strong economic ties with its strategic partners.
The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit aimed to promote inter-regional economic cooperation and partnership among the three parties, whose combined GDP amounts to nearly 25 trillion USD, representing over one-fifth of global trade. Prime Minister Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to support this initiative, grounded in strong multilateralism and respect for the rules-based international order.
Key aspects of the summit included enhancing mobility of goods, investment, services, and human capital, as well as strengthening cooperation among businesses—especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The Prime Minister also called for coordinated and targeted resource mobilization to drive sustainable economic growth, focusing on key sectors such as logistics infrastructure, the halal industry, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green finance, and clean energy.
Thailand's participation in this historic summit highlights its proactive approach to regional diplomacy and its commitment to fostering strong economic relationships with its strategic partners. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit has the potential to unlock new opportunities for economic cooperation, driving growth and development in Southeast Asia and beyond.
The significance of Thailand's role in regional affairs underscores the country's dedication to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region. As a key player in Southeast Asian diplomacy, Thailand is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional economic cooperation.
In conclusion, Thailand's participation in the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its economic ties with strategic partners. With its commitment to multilateralism and sustainable economic growth, Thailand is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.