Thailand’s position at the heart of Southeast Asia offers opportunities to serve as a trusted bridge between regional partners and global powers. This panel will examine how the country can balance major-power relations, strengthen ASEAN cooperation and diversify trade to safeguard its national interests and economic resilience. It will also explore how regional digital integration, including ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement, can support small businesses and reinforce Thailand’s role as a reliable regional connector.
The discussion is part of the Thailand’s Vision series, following last month’s panel on AI and ahead of another on the economy in November.
Thailand stands at a strategic crossroads as the global order becomes increasingly fragmented. Building sustainable momentum will require structural reform, technological adaptation and strategic balance to strengthen economic resilience, restore investor confidence and position Thailand as a trusted regional connector—one capable of shaping, rather than merely following, global trends.
Speakers:
Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Thai prime minister;
Fuadi Pitsuwan, lecturer at Thammasat University;
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of Bitkub Group.
Moderator: Panu Wongcha-um, president of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand.
