PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have agreed to further boost trade and economic partnership, people-to-people ties, and cooperation in combating transnational crimes in the Southeast Asian region.
The commitment was made during the meeting between Marcos and Anutin in Cebu a day after the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings.
During the meeting on Saturday, Marcos and Anutin discussed a broad range of issues aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and Thailand, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
"The two leaders exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations through high-level exchanges, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people ties, and cooperation in combating transnational crimes," the PCO said in a statement.
"President Marcos and the Thai Prime Minister also discussed regional and global issues of shared concern, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to Asean solidarity, regional peace, and stability," it added.
Anutin is the first reelected prime minister in two decades. His new government will have to handle the fallout from the Middle East war and lingering border tensions with neighbor Cambodia.
On Thursday, Marcos stood between Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as the two leaders shook hands following a trilateral meeting aimed at easing tensions over their long-running border dispute.
“This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as chair of Asean for 2026,” Marcos said during a joint press conference after the talks.
The president said the discussions demonstrated Asean’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution amid regional tensions.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified in mid-2025 over disputed border areas surrounding ancient Khmer temple sites, escalating into clashes involving heavy weapons and airstrikes.
Nearly 150 people were reportedly killed, while hundreds of thousands were displaced during two major rounds of fighting.
Although a ceasefire was brokered during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, tensions resurfaced weeks later before another fragile truce was reached.
During Thursday’s meeting, Marcos said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.
“I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” Marcos said.
The two leaders agreed to direct their foreign ministers to sustain dialogue and explore measures aimed at preventing renewed conflict and preserving regional stability.
The meeting also affirmed the continuing role of the Asean Observer Team, whose mandate was extended for another three months until July.
Marcos said the Philippines remains committed to facilitating dialogue between both sides as Asean works to preserve peace and unity in the region.
Anutin and Hun Manet both expressed gratitude to the Philippines for leading the talks.
“Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict — it only brings losses and suffering,” Anutin said.
“Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together toward peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination,” he added.
Hun Manet said, “the Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity is commendable.”
