The meeting of the Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ms. Rujikorn Saengchan, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Informal Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on September 25, 2025, represents a critical juncture in Thailand’s foreign policy strategy. CICA, initially established in 1996, aims to foster stability and cooperation within the Asia-Central Asia region. Its significance has grown substantially in the 21st century, particularly amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing need for regional economic integration. This engagement highlights a key strategic goal: to leverage Thailand’s position as a bridge between diverse regional groups, a strategy fundamentally intertwined with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions for sustainable development and economic influence.
The primary driver behind Thailand’s participation within CICA is the organization’s potential to act as a counterweight to China’s growing regional dominance, while simultaneously providing a framework for facilitating economic cooperation and addressing security concerns. The outcomes of Ms. Saengchan’s attendance – the adoption of the four key documents, including the CICA Ministerial Council Statement on the 80th Anniversary of the End of and Victory in the Second World War and the establishment of the CICA Finance Summit Mechanism – underscore Thailand’s efforts to solidify its role as a key facilitator within the organization. This activity showcases a deliberate move to secure a larger footprint in regional dialogues and to shape outcomes aligned with the Kingdom’s strategic objectives.
Historically, CICA has faced challenges regarding institutional weakness, lack of financial resources, and differing priorities among its member states. Russia’s involvement, initially framed as a crucial element of the organization’s security architecture, has become increasingly complex due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. China’s influence is demonstrably rising, pushing for a more centralized and commercially oriented approach. As noted by Dr. Anupama Nayyar, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, “CICA’s effectiveness hinges on its ability to move beyond symbolic gestures and generate tangible outcomes. The focus on financial mechanisms, as evidenced by the establishment of the summit, suggests a pragmatic shift, yet the underlying political dynamics remain a significant hurdle.” The meeting’s output reflects a strategic effort to address these issues, signaling a desire to not just observe developments but actively shape the future of the organization.
Key stakeholders in this process include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, each with distinct geopolitical and economic interests. Thailand, as the current Coordinator for Sustainable Development and Co-Coordinator for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), seeks to integrate its own development model—specifically the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)—into CICA’s broader framework. This aligns with broader ASEAN goals but also distinguishes Thailand’s approach, which emphasizes equitable development and environmental sustainability. According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, “Thailand’s focus on SMEs within CICA is a calculated move; the Kingdom’s robust SME sector provides a valuable conduit for fostering economic engagement across the region.” The organization’s efforts to promote SMEs also serve as a practical tool to encourage trade and investment, addressing a key weakness within the organization’s initial mandate.
Recent developments over the past six months further illuminate the context. CICA’s engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains controversial, with some member states expressing concerns regarding debt sustainability and transparency. Thailand, through its engagement, is attempting to temper these concerns by promoting a more “green” and sustainable approach to infrastructure development. Furthermore, the Kingdom’s current chairmanship of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) – a regional forum focused on political, economic, and cultural cooperation – strengthens Thailand’s diplomatic network and offers further opportunities for influence. Data from the World Bank indicates that countries with stronger trade links through regional organizations, like CICA, generally experience higher rates of GDP growth – a compelling argument for deepening Thailand’s involvement.
Looking ahead, the short-term (next six months) likely will see continued efforts to secure funding for CICA’s projects and to navigate the ongoing tensions surrounding the BRI. Thailand’s role in mediating disputes and promoting greater transparency will be crucial. Longer-term (5–10 years), the success of CICA will largely depend on its ability to deliver concrete benefits to its members and to establish itself as a credible platform for regional security and economic cooperation. The establishment of the CICA Finance Summit Mechanism is a significant step, but sustained financial commitments will be essential. There is potential for CICA to evolve into a more robust regional institution, particularly if it can effectively address concerns regarding governance and ensure equitable benefit-sharing. However, given the existing geopolitical landscape, with China’s growing assertiveness and the lingering effects of the Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s influence will likely remain contingent on its ability to maintain neutrality and foster collaborative relationships with all key stakeholders. Ultimately, Thailand’s strategic investment in CICA represents a deliberate, if somewhat ambitious, attempt to reshape regional dynamics and assert its position as a major player in Asia’s future.