On 24-26 August 2026, H.E. Ms. Prinat Apirat, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, participated in a series of ASEAN connectivity meetings and activities at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, including the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) 2/2026, the 2026 ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) Monitoring, Review and Evaluation Meeting, the ACCC Consultation with Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity, and the High-Level Conference on ASEAN Connectivity (HLCAC).

Ambassador Prinat underscored the importance of translating the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026–2035 from plans into concrete implementation, while strengthening ownership among relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies. She also encouraged external partners to align their cooperation with the ACSP and work with ASEAN to develop concrete projects that deliver tangible benefits to the region.

The meetings also reviewed progress in implementing the ACSP Work Plan and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with external partners, including through the matching of external partners’ priorities and expertise with ASEAN’s connectivity needs.

At the HLCAC, representatives from ASEAN Member States, external partners, financial institutions, academia and the private sector exchanged views on practical measures to advance ASEAN connectivity, with particular focus on energy connectivity, supply chain resilience and infrastructure development, as well as the development of concrete and bankable projects.

Photo courtesy of ASEAN-Philippines 2026 and OPAPRU