In a keynote speech delivered at the 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia on May 29, 2025, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among Asian nations to build a resilient future amidst increasing geopolitical and geoeconomic competition and uncertainties.
The forum, attended by Heads of Governments from several ASEAN countries, Japan, and other regional leaders, provided a platform for Minister Maris to share his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. He outlined five strategic priorities geared towards supporting Asia’s growth and prosperity, including deepening economic integration, building resilient supply chains, encouraging the green transition, promoting digital transformation, and people development.
Minister Maris stressed that today’s crises present an opportunity for Asian leadership, where Thailand will play a bridge-building role across frameworks to promote understanding among nations. He committed Thailand to addressing regional challenges and emphasized its reliability as a partner in the region for mutual prosperity.
The minister’s speech was seen as a call to action for ASEAN countries to work together to address common challenges, such as climate change, trade tensions, and security concerns. By promoting unity and cooperation, Minister Maris aims to enhance Thailand’s role in regional and global affairs, further solidifying its position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thailand’s commitment to addressing regional challenges and promoting understanding between nations is expected to have significant implications for regional diplomacy and trade. As the world grapples with increasing uncertainty, Minister Maris’ speech serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and cooperation in achieving a prosperous future for all nations involved.
The 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia is an annual event that brings together regional leaders to discuss key issues affecting Asia-Pacific economies. Thailand’s participation in this forum underscores its commitment to engaging with regional partners and promoting its foreign policy objectives.
Supporting Asia’s Growth and Prosperity
Minister Maris outlined five strategic priorities for Thailand, including:
- Deepening economic integration through trade and investment
- BUILDING RESILIENT AND SMART SUPPLY CHAINS TO DRIVE THE GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN
- ENCOURAGING THE GREEN TRANSITION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
- The digital transformation and future of work, through developing digital technologies and AI in Thailand and ASEAN
- People development in various aspects, including health, culture, and creativity, such as through Thailand’s soft power strategy
These priorities reflect Thailand’s commitment to supporting regional growth and prosperity while promoting its own economic interests.
A Bridge-Building Role for Thailand
Minister Maris emphasized that today’s crises present an opportunity for Asian leadership, where Thailand will play a bridge-building role across frameworks to promote understanding among nations. He highlighted Thailand’s reliability as a partner in the region for mutual prosperity.
This statement reflects Thailand’s commitment to engaging with regional partners and promoting its foreign policy objectives.
The significance of Minister Maris’ speech lies in its emphasis on unity and cooperation in Asia, which is likely to have significant implications for regional diplomacy and trade. As the world grapples with increasing uncertainty, Minister Maris’ vision for a resilient future amidst growing competition and uncertainties serves as a call to action for ASEAN countries to work together to address common challenges.
Conclusion:
Minister Maris’ keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia underscores Thailand’s commitment to engaging with regional partners and promoting its foreign policy objectives. By emphasizing unity and cooperation in Asia, Minister Maris aims to enhance Thailand’s role in regional and global affairs, further solidifying its position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.