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THAILAND’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has expressed her full backing for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, praising its theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as both timely and aligned with the broader objectives of the regional bloc.
She emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration among ASEAN nations to address the region’s shared security and economic challenges in the face of increasing global tensions.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Paetongtarn highlighted the importance of Malaysia’s leadership as the region confronts a range of pressing issues.
“We are counting on Malaysia to lead efforts toward closer cooperation within ASEAN, utilising the existing mechanisms to address critical transnational challenges such as drug trafficking, cybercrimes like online scams, and environmental issues such as transboundary haze and air pollution,” she said.
Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship on January 1, 2025, marking the fifth time it has held the position since the establishment of ASEAN in 1967.
Malaysia previously chaired the regional organization in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. During its leadership term, the country has scheduled over 300 important meetings and programs to take place throughout the year.
Paetongtarn expressed confidence that under Malaysia’s leadership, ASEAN will continue to be a force for peace and stability in the region.
She specifically pointed to initiatives such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) + China Summit, which underscore ASEAN's strategic efforts to engage with external partners amid escalating global tensions.
“This reflects ASEAN’s commitment to forging meaningful partnerships to navigate geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties,” Bernama cited her saying.
In terms of ASEAN unity, Paetongtarn stressed the importance of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a more resilient, innovative, and people-cantered regional community.
Thailand, as the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, is committed to working with Malaysia to advance the region’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Paetongtarn also highlighted Thailand’s focus on promoting a “Green ASEAN,” ensuring that sustainability initiatives align with both the broader goals of ASEAN and Malaysia’s Chairmanship.
As Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape undergoes shifts due to rising great power rivalries and regional disputes, Paetongtarn emphasised the critical role that Thailand and Malaysia must play in maintaining ASEAN’s stability and economic resilience.
“It is essential for both countries to actively support multilateralism and strengthen regional cooperation to ensure ASEAN remains united and steadfast in these uncertain times,” she said.
Paetongtarn also underlined the need for ASEAN to diversify its economic foundation and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage.
"Together, Thailand and Malaysia can lead ASEAN in expanding its economic base and safeguarding the region’s collective interests," Bernama quoted her saying.
On the topic of Malaysia’s broader regional goals under its 2025 Chairmanship, Paetongtarn welcomed the country’s focus on strengthening ASEAN’s key regional frameworks, including the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Plus Three.
These efforts aim to foster deeper dialogue and collaboration to promote regional stability and prosperity, with Malaysia’s leadership playing a key role in advancing these objectives.
“Thailand fully supports Malaysia’s leadership in these endeavours,” she added.
Regarding the recent appointment of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as an informal adviser to Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, Paetongtarn clarified that his role was personal and that any views or opinions expressed would be his own.
However, she acknowledged Thaksin’s wealth of experience in politics and business, particularly his deep understanding of ASEAN’s political dynamics and regional development issues.
“Given his extensive experience as a politician and entrepreneur, especially in the ASEAN context, I believe he can contribute to fostering stronger cooperation among member states,” Paetongtarn explained.
Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, was appointed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on December 16, 2024, to assist with Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN in 2025.
As ASEAN enters a new chapter under Malaysia's chairmanship, Paetongtarn’s comments reinforce the importance of unity, collaboration, and proactive leadership to strengthen the region’s position on the global stage. – February 14, 2025