Thai Foreign Minister Discusses 'Diplomacy 2.0', Hopes Middle Powers Lead International Cooperation
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced "Diplomacy 2.0," a new foreign policy aiming for Thailand to lead international cooperation as a middle power, independent of major global powers. This strategy emphasizes neutrality in great power competition, focusing instead on national interests and international law. Key areas include public health, combating cross-border fraud, and regional energy security.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 13:26
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Li Tsung-hsien, Bangkok, 21st) Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with international media last night to elaborate on the new government's foreign policy. He stated that Thailand is promoting "Diplomacy 2.0," choosing not to compete with major powers or take sides, but rather adopting a comprehensive, multi-directional foreign policy, leading international cooperation as a middle power.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, said that in the current turbulent international order, and with the United Nations often being politically influenced, Thailand should play the role of a middle power. It should no longer passively follow major powers but actively lead cooperation on issues where it has an advantage.
He cited examples where Thailand could build alliances with like-minded countries on international issues such as public health and transnational fraud, promoting regional cooperation. He pointed out that the role of a middle power is not to compete with major powers, but to become an advocate on specific issues.
Regarding US-China competition and international conflicts, Sihasak emphasized that Thailand would not take sides between major powers but would adopt positions based on its national interests and the principles of international law.
He stated that one of Thailand's current challenges is its relationship with Cambodia, and said that relations with Cambodia must turn over a "new chapter" to restore lasting peace in border areas. He also pointed out that "Cambodia should not pressure Thailand, but should show sincere willingness and sincerity to cooperate with Thailand."
Regarding Thai-Cambodian relations, he added, "What Thailand hopes for is not just border demarcation issues, but broader border security, including combating fraud, drugs, and human trafficking."
The Middle East situation is another challenge. He stressed that Thailand's stance on the Middle East situation is clear: it does not support the expansion of war and conflict, and at the same time calls on all parties to respect and abide by the UN Charter and international law. Thailand prioritizes the safety of its citizens and the safe navigation of Thai merchant ships.
Responding to a question from the Central News Agency about Thailand's role in ASEAN's response to the energy crisis, Sihasak replied that although the foreign minister is not directly responsible for energy policy, Thailand has twice convened special meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers, hoping to build a willingness for regional cooperation. He pointed out that while ASEAN already has an oil and energy security cooperation framework, it has not been truly implemented to date.
Sihasak believes that "now is the time to act" and pointed out that member states should support each other and jointly address energy security challenges. He admitted that the biggest problem for ASEAN regarding the energy crisis is not a lack of discussion, but the ability to respond quickly in an emergency and translate discussions into concrete actions. (Editor: Tien Ruei-hua) 1150421
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(Central News Agency reporter Li Tsung-hsien, Bangkok, 21st) Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with international media last night to elaborate on the new government's foreign policy. He stated that Thailand is promoting "Diplomacy 2.0," choosing not to compete with major powers or take sides, but rather adopting a comprehensive, multi-directional foreign policy, leading international cooperation as a middle power.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, said that in the current turbulent international order, and with the United Nations often being politically influenced, Thailand should play the role of a middle power. It should no longer passively follow major powers but actively lead cooperation on issues where it has an advantage.
He cited examples where Thailand could build alliances with like-minded countries on international issues such as public health and transnational fraud, promoting regional cooperation. He pointed out that the role of a middle power is not to compete with major powers, but to become an advocate on specific issues.
Regarding US-China competition and international conflicts, Sihasak emphasized that Thailand would not take sides between major powers but would adopt positions based on its national interests and the principles of international law.
He stated that one of Thailand's current challenges is its relationship with Cambodia, and said that relations with Cambodia must turn over a "new chapter" to restore lasting peace in border areas. He also pointed out that "Cambodia should not pressure Thailand, but should show sincere willingness and sincerity to cooperate with Thailand."
Regarding Thai-Cambodian relations, he added, "What Thailand hopes for is not just border demarcation issues, but broader border security, including combating fraud, drugs, and human trafficking."
The Middle East situation is another challenge. He stressed that Thailand's stance on the Middle East situation is clear: it does not support the expansion of war and conflict, and at the same time calls on all parties to respect and abide by the UN Charter and international law. Thailand prioritizes the safety of its citizens and the safe navigation of Thai merchant ships.
Responding to a question from the Central News Agency about Thailand's role in ASEAN's response to the energy crisis, Sihasak replied that although the foreign minister is not directly responsible for energy policy, Thailand has twice convened special meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers, hoping to build a willingness for regional cooperation. He pointed out that while ASEAN already has an oil and energy security cooperation framework, it has not been truly implemented to date.
Sihasak believes that "now is the time to act" and pointed out that member states should support each other and jointly address energy security challenges. He admitted that the biggest problem for ASEAN regarding the energy crisis is not a lack of discussion, but the ability to respond quickly in an emergency and translate discussions into concrete actions. (Editor: Tien Ruei-hua) 1150421
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Reproduction, public broadcasting, public transmission, or use of the text, images, and audio/video on this website is prohibited without authorization.