On November 2025, Dr. Suwit Mangkhala, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Thailand to ASEAN, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

Dr. Suwit reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to working closely with the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), together with the ASEAN Secretariat, to advance ASEAN common priorities, including in realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and strengthening the Secretariat’s institutional capacity and engagement with Member States and all stakeholders.

The Secretary-General commended Thailand’s active role in ASEAN Community-building, particularly in sustainability, active ageing, transnational crime, border management cooperation, and Thailand’s roles as Country Coordinator for ASEAN–ROK Dialogue Relations under the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the Chair of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement Negotiating Committee.

Both sides also discussed strengthening economic integration, utilising free trade agreements, especially RCEP, enhancing the visibility of ASEAN Centres of Excellence, and encouraging more Thai nationals to serve at the ASEAN Secretariat. The Secretary-General thanked Thailand for its ongoing support for Timor-Leste’s gradual integration into ASEAN.