Summary of Press Briefing during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat 28 January 2026

Summary of Press Briefing
during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat

By Mr. Panidone Pachimsawat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and the Deputy Spokesperson of the MFA,

on 28 January 2026, Cebu, the Philippines

• H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), and the bilateral meetings with ASEAN foreign ministerial counterparts, on 28 January 2026, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu, the Philippines.

1. The Extended Informal Consultation (EIC)

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in the Extended Informal Consultation (EIC) on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. The consultation was held under the leadership of the Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in the capacity of ASEAN Chair in 2026, following the Informal Consultation among the current (Philippines), previous (Malaysia), and incoming (Singapore) Chairs of ASEAN.
• Thailand exchanged views on key issues, including (1) the elections in Myanmar, (2) the formulation of strategies to advance the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, for instance humanitarian assistance, and (3) ways to enhance the effectiveness and continuity of the Special Envoy mechanism.

1. Bilateral meetings

2.1 Bilateral Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, to discuss activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, and exchanges of high-level visits.
• Thailand expressed appreciation to the Vietnamese Government for the continued support and facilitation of Thai private sectors in Viet Nam. Both sides agreed to further strengthen economic connectivity between the two countries under the "Three Connects" strategy, aimed at linking supply chains, local economies, and sustainable development, including the green economy.
• Both sides also agreed to expedite the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Action Plan to translate the shared vision into concrete outcomes.

2.2 Bilateral Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Philippines

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines to discuss developments in Myanmar following the election.
• Thailand expressed its readiness to support the Philippine Foreign Minister in her capacity as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar.
• Both sides also agreed to support ASEAN-level cooperation to combat online scam-related crimes.

2.3 Bilateral Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam

• Both sides agreed to promote exchanges of high-level visits and advance bilateral consultation mechanisms, including a ministerial-level meeting, to review and advance areas of potential cooperation, particularly in food security and the development of the new economy.

2.4 Bilateral Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore

• Both sides recognized the potential to expand economic cooperation, particularly the promotion of investment in advanced technologies.
• Thailand and Singapore agreed to work together to strengthen regional resilience and agreed to jointly advance efforts to tackle online scam-related crimes.

• Thailand also took the opportunity during the above bilateral meetings to brief our counterparts on the latest developments along the Thailand - Cambodia border and discuss developments in Myanmar following the election. Thailand underscored that the elections represent part of Myanmar's political transition and peace process, and that ASEAN should continue to play an important role in supporting these efforts.

Watch the full session at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDD43NEDEbg