The foreign ministry readout describes On 12 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Maria Theresa P. Lazaro on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India. This meeting, as outlined in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release, occurred following a previous meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Myanmar Foreign Minister hosted by Thailand in July of this year. The stated purpose of the meeting was to promote high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation within the ASEAN Framework, with the Philippines currently serving as the ASEAN Chair. The statement does not mention the specific topics discussed beyond these general objectives. The fact of this meeting, however, is significant given the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
Background
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ press release provides limited detail regarding the history of Thailand’s engagement with the Philippines. It references the 20-Year “5S” Foreign Affairs Masterplan, a strategic framework aimed at bolstering Thailand’s international relations. The release also cites previous meetings, including a visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September 2026, and a meeting with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, a prior statement from September 10, 2026, detailed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs’ attendance at the same BRICS Summit. The statement does not address the extent to which these prior engagements informed the current meeting.
Analysis
The meeting’s timing, coinciding with the BRICS summit, suggests a strategic effort to leverage Thailand’s participation in this influential grouping. The Philippines’ current role as ASEAN Chair provides a framework for cooperation, aligning with Thailand’s broader ASEAN engagement. The inclusion of the situation in Myanmar in the discussion, following the informal meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Myanmar Foreign Minister hosted in July, signals a continued focus on regional stability. The statement does not explain the specific nature of the discussion regarding Myanmar, but the reference to the July meeting indicates an ongoing effort to address the complex challenges within the ASEAN bloc. The meeting’s location – on the sidelines of a major international summit – suggests a desire to expand Thailand’s diplomatic network and foster bilateral relations with key partners. The statement does not elaborate on the potential benefits of this engagement for Thailand.
Implications
This meeting carries implications for regional stability, particularly concerning Myanmar. Thailand’s continued engagement with the Philippines, a key ASEAN member, demonstrates a commitment to upholding ASEAN’s centrality in addressing the crisis. Should the visit yield continued cooperation with the Philippines, it could bolster Thailand’s position as a facilitator within the ASEAN framework. The meeting also highlights Thailand’s continued investment in strengthening its relationships within the BRICS economic bloc, a group increasingly focused on alternative global trade routes and geopolitical alignments. The statement does not address the potential impact of this engagement on Thailand’s trade relationships or its strategic alignment within the broader BRICS context.
Outlook
If the visit yields a renewed commitment to coordinating efforts regarding Myanmar, Thailand could play a more active role in facilitating dialogue between ASEAN and the Myanmar government. Should the Philippines continue to support Thailand’s diplomatic initiatives within ASEAN, it could strengthen Thailand’s leverage in the region. The statement does not address the possibility of further meetings or collaborative projects between Thailand and the Philippines. The situation regarding Myanmar remains unresolved, and any future developments will depend on the evolving dynamics within the ASEAN bloc and the actions of the Myanmar government.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders' Summit (13 Sep 202)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit (13 Sep 202)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Republic of India (10 Sep 202)