Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed full support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, praising its theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as timely and aligned with the region’s priorities.
Malaysia officially took over the ASEAN Chairmanship on Jan 1, marking the fifth time it has led the regional bloc since its establishment in 1967. Over 300 key meetings and programmes are set to take place across the country throughout the year.
On ASEAN unity, Paetongtarn voiced confidence in Malaysia’s leadership, highlighting its role in maintaining regional peace and stability. “Malaysia’s initiatives, such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) + China Summit, reflect ASEAN’s commitment to strategic engagement with external partners amidst global tensions. This approach will help ASEAN navigate geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of closer cooperation in fostering strategic partnerships, reinforcing ASEAN centrality, and promoting regional peace and prosperity.
Paetongtarn further underscored the need for stronger collaboration to tackle shared security and economic challenges, ensuring the region remains resilient amid rising geopolitical tensions. “We are counting on Malaysia to pursue closer collaboration and make full use of existing ASEAN mechanisms in tackling pressing transboundary issues that are impacting the security and well-being of our peoples, such as drug trafficking, online scams, and transboundary haze and air pollution,” she told Bernama in a written interview.
As Thailand and Malaysia are among ASEAN’s five founding members, she said both countries should prioritise the implementation of the soon-to-be-adopted ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN.
“As the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, Thailand will work closely with Malaysia to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region. We will also champion ‘Green ASEAN’ initiatives, ensuring they align with ASEAN’s long-term vision and Malaysia’s Chairmanship theme,” she noted.
She also welcomed Malaysia’s commitment as ASEAN Chair to strengthening key regional mechanisms, particularly the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Plus Three, to deepen dialogue and cooperation for greater regional stability. “This will be instrumental in advancing Malaysia’s efforts to enhance regional stability and prosperity under its Chairmanship. Thailand stands ready to fully support this endeavour,” she affirmed.
As major power rivalries reshape Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape, Paetongtarn emphasised that Thailand and Malaysia must continue playing a proactive role in maintaining ASEAN’s stability and economic resilience. “Together, Thailand and Malaysia can lead ASEAN in diversifying economic foundations, enhancing competitiveness, and safeguarding the region’s collective interests on the global stage,” she said.
On the appointment of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as an informal adviser for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, she clarified that “he serves in a personal capacity, and any views or opinions expressed in this role would be his own.”
However, she acknowledged that Thaksin’s extensive political and business experience—particularly his knowledge of ASEAN’s political landscape—could help enhance cooperation among member states. “As a seasoned politician and entrepreneur with vast experience in ASEAN affairs, particularly in Thailand’s neighbouring countries, I believe he could contribute to fostering closer cooperation on issues of common benefit among ASEAN member states,” she added.
On Dec 16, Anwar announced Thaksin’s appointment as an informal adviser to assist Malaysia in its ASEAN leadership. Thaksin previously served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006.
