Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting – Session I, held at 10:00 A.M. local time in Gyeongju, South Korea, under the theme “Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond” on October 31, 2025.
Mr. Anutin delivered remarks expressing gratitude to the meeting’s chair and the South Korean government for their warm hospitality and excellent organization. He extended a welcome to the United Arab Emirates as the chair’s guest and thanked the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for presenting the 2025 global economic outlook.
Citing the IMF Managing Director’s comment that “uncertainty is the new normal,” the Prime Minister emphasized that amidst global challenges, “cooperation is not a choice but a necessity.” He stressed that APEC must remain open, inclusive, and future-oriented to build a more robust and resilient region.
He added that free trade and interconnected markets are the foundations of sustainable prosperity. Thailand supports a modern, comprehensive, rules-based cooperation framework to ensure that all groups — especially MSMEs — benefit from regional economic integration.
On investment, the Prime Minister noted that it should drive both innovation and sustainability. Thailand has launched the Thailand FastPass initiative to facilitate quality investors in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and high-tech industries, aiming for today’s growth to sustain future generations.
He also underlined the private sector’s central role in advancing toward the future, highlighting the importance of investing in human capital, developing digital and AI skills, and harmonizing digital standards. These efforts will enhance the efficiency, speed, and inclusivity of trade among economic zones.
Inspired by APEC’s cooperation, Thailand has begun the process of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to demonstrate its commitment to international standards and interregional collaboration.
Moreover, Thailand seeks to deepen cooperation with economies outside the region. This year, Thailand and China will jointly host the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC), and in 2026 Thailand will host the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting as well as the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
“These meetings will serve as key platforms to strengthen cooperation both within and beyond APEC in jointly addressing challenges and opening new economic opportunities. APEC can together build a more connected, resilient, and sustainable region for both present and future generations,” the Prime Minister stated.
