On November 5, 2026, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered a keynote address at the 41st ASEAN Roundtable in Singapore, calling for structural reforms within the regional bloc to address overlapping global crises.
Organised by the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute at the Hilton Singapore Orchard, the forum gathered 202 participants, including diplomats, academic scholars, and regional policymakers, under the theme “Navigating Polycrisis: Can ASEAN Deliver When It Matters?”
According to Vietnam News, Sihasak stressed that the association must reform its working methods and strengthen coordination to proactively tackle challenges rather than merely reacting after events unfold.
No single member state can tackle major-power competition, climate change, and economic fragmentation on its own, Sihasak said, pointing to regional cooperation as a strategic imperative for sustaining development momentum.
To accelerate decision-making during emergencies, the Thai foreign minister proposed applying the principle of consensus more flexibly. He also advocated for a stronger role for the ASEAN Chair alongside the continued use of the “Troika” mechanism, which groups the previous, current, and incoming chairs to maintain continuity in handling regional issues.
Discussions during the event were moderated by Ng Chee Khern, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, and featured three panel discussions involving experts, including Piper Campbell and Zha Daojiong. Intra-ASEAN trade currently accounts for less than 25% of the bloc’s total commerce, indicating substantial room to expand markets, remove non-tariff barriers, and advance the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), as reported by Vietnam News.
Sihasak outlined three core priorities for the bloc: promoting regional integration, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that cooperation delivers tangible benefits to the people.
To mitigate external economic and supply chain shocks, the bloc must diversify supply chains and expand cross-border clean electricity trade, noting the existing power integration project linking Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. He emphasized that ASEAN's practical effectiveness should also be reflected in its ability to create jobs, combat online scams, and manage risks stemming from artificial intelligence.
Addressing specific regional disputes, the Thai official said that differences between Thailand and Cambodia should be managed through peaceful dialogue under international law without harming regional unity.
On Myanmar, he reaffirmed that the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus remains an important framework, though it requires feasible steps alongside direct border engagement. Regarding maritime security, he underscored the necessity of freedom of navigation and compliance with international law to protect vital energy and goods transport routes.
Looking ahead to regional leadership, Thailand confirmed its commitment to maintaining continuity in the bloc’s key priorities when it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028 following Singapore’s tenure.
“Thailand’s forthcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028 will follow Singapore’s tenure, with continuity in the association’s priorities remaining an important consideration,” said the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.