Anutin joins Nov 15 ASEAN summit with digital trade focus
Thailand’s prime minister has talks with his Lao counterpart and regional parliamentary and business groups scheduled in Manila.
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attended the opening of the ASEAN summit in Manila on November 15.
- A central focus of the summit was digital trade, highlighted by the ceremonial handover of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
- The DEFA is intended to strengthen regional trade and digital economic connectivity among member nations.
- Anutin's agenda included attending plenary sessions and holding bilateral talks to promote trade, investment, and regional peace.
Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined the opening of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila on November 15, 2026, ahead of scheduled talks aimed at promoting trade, investment and regional peace.
Anutin arrived at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) at 8.32am local time with his wife and was welcomed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his wife. The hosts provided electric tricycles, or e-trikes, for leaders before a group photograph.
ASEAN ceremony features digital economy agreement handover
The ASEAN opening ceremony in Manila began at 9am local time and featured a ceremonial handover of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The agreement is intended to strengthen regional trade and digital economic connectivity.
ASEAN’s opening programme also included the unveiling of its updated emblem, the ceremonial raising of its updated flag, a performance entitled “Movement as One” and the presentation of the ASEAN Prize 2026.
The wider ASEAN summit programme includes leaders and representatives from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and the United Nations. Special guests are from Brazil, Canada and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Anutin’s agenda includes Lao talks and regional meetings
Anutin was scheduled to attend the ASEAN summit’s plenary and informal retreat sessions on November 15, as well as hold bilateral talks with the Lao prime minister.
Anutin was also due to join meetings with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). Thailand’s participation aims to promote trade and investment, create income opportunities, improve people’s quality of life and maintain peace in the region.
