Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stressed that ASEAN needs greater strategic autonomy by deepening ties with partners like Japan, India, and the European Union rather than simply avoiding taking sides. To withstand external shocks such as Middle East tensions, the bloc must quicken its crisis response and secure vital resources through tools like petroleum security pacts and emergency rice reserves. Additionally, Sihasak is traveling to Myanmar to gauge its commitment to peace efforts ahead of the Manila summit.
Key points
Southeast Asian nations must actively pursue their own interests rather than defaulting t…: Southeast Asian nations must actively pursue their own interests rather than defaulting to neutrality amid major power friction.
Expanding regional connectivity projects like the ASEAN Power Grid will enhance long-term…: Expanding regional connectivity projects like the ASEAN Power Grid will enhance long-term clean and renewable energy resilience.
Myanmar's eventual return to top-tier bloc summits remains uncertain pending de-escalatio…: Myanmar's eventual return to top-tier bloc summits remains uncertain pending de-escalation efforts in its ongoing civil conflict.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is also Thailand's deputy prime minister, tells CNA that while ASEAN will continue to avoid taking sides among major powers, neutrality also has its limits.
BANGKOK: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must continue to make decisions based on its interests as the regional bloc navigates growing geopolitical competition, said Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Speaking to CNA on the sidelines of the ISEAS Roundtable on Nov 5, Sihasak said ASEAN would continue to avoid taking sides among major powers but acknowledged that neutrality has its limits.
"We're not going to take sides definitely, (but) at the same time, we cannot be neutral all the time because we also have to make decisions consistent with what we consider to be our interests," he said.
Sihasak stressed that ASEAN had to remain united in navigating competition among major powers, particularly China and the United States, while preserving the flexibility to engage with all partners.
"We want to engage the other major powers who have interest in the region: India, Japan, South Korea, Australia,…
The initiative targets enterprises willing to take on workers requiring moderate assistance by offsetting operational expenses like workplace adjustments, training, and job redesign. Government officials hope this financial boost will help close the national employment gap for working-age persons with disabilities before the end of the decade. Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung announced the move alongside broader plans to consolidate existing employer grant programs.
Congressional leadership is preparing for rare, high-stakes proceedings against a sitting cabinet official over unauthorized foreign military actions. Meanwhile, judicial decisions are reshaping executive power along the southern border, even as environmental advocates raise concerns. At the same time, federal investigators are expanding oversight into technological supply chains with potential national security vulnerabilities.
Casualties were reported following military bombardment aimed at a facility housing displaced individuals in the southeastern part of the city. Medical personnel confirmed multiple injuries alongside the fatalities as victims were transported for emergency care. The incident underscores the severe ongoing peril faced by civilians taking refuge in temporary urban shelters.