Bangkok: The Prime Minister has outlined strategic policies for ambassadors and consuls-general worldwide, urging them to adopt a proactive approach to leverage Thailand's strengths and seize emerging opportunities. The aim is to enhance Thailand's role on the global stage, while securing economic and trade benefits for the nation and its citizens.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra communicated these policies via a video address during the 2025 World Ambassadors and Consuls-General Meeting, held under the theme 'Proactive Diplomacy That Meets the People's Needs: From Policy to Practice'. She highlighted the essential role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and consulates-general as Thailand's global representatives. The meeting serves as a platform to exchange ideas and formulate action plans to propel Thailand forward, aligning with the meeting's theme of driving government policies for the benefit of all Thai citizens.
The Prime Minister discussed the shifts in the global landscape, characterized by a multipolar world order, declining multilateral systems, and intensifying superpower rivalries, notably in trade and technology. These dynamics pose significant questions on how Thailand can develop strategies to derive maximum benefit under the emerging world order.
During her address, the Prime Minister stressed two key issues in the current context: enhancing the country's strengths and promptly identifying new opportunities amidst challenges. Thailand's diplomatic approach is characterized by friendliness and openness, with a commitment to fostering peace and mutual prosperity, thereby preserving national interests and creating opportunities in the global arena.
Having participated in the 46th ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister noted alignment between Thailand's and ASEAN's foreign policy directions, which include strengthening domestic and regional capacities, expanding partnerships, supporting multilateralism, addressing present and future challenges, and implementing people-centric policies. She advocated for a more proactive and unified diplomatic effort.
Additionally, the government is focused on economic diplomacy, prioritizing the establishment of free trade agreements with key countries or regions to sustain economic growth in exports and tourism. The government also seeks to attract investment in target and future industries like semiconductors, future vehicles, and the creative economy, while strengthening the grassroots economy for improved quality of life and stable incomes.
Infrastructure development is another priority, with plans to enhance Thailand's strategic location through improved connectivity by land, sea, and air, particularly the Landbridge project. Regulatory improvements, human resource development, and skill enhancement are also on the agenda to prepare for future challenges.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged the meeting attendees to collaboratively formulate strategies for Thailand's foreign affairs in a continuously evolving global context, ensuring the country's relevance and effectiveness on the world stage. The meeting also serves as a venue for discussing policy proposals aimed at driving the Thai economy, boosting soft power, stimulating trade, investment, and tourism, and enhancing Thailand's regional and global role.
The 2025 World Ambassadors and Consuls-General Meeting is scheduled to take place from June 8 to 14, 2025, in Bangkok. It will provide a forum for ambassadors and consuls-general to engage with policymakers and relevant sectors on the direction of foreign policy in a rapidly changing world.