On 12 September 2025, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks at the seminar on, “Smart, Seamless, Sustainable: The New Vision of ASEAN Connectivity,” organized by the Department of ASEAN Affairs. The objective of the seminar was to promote public awareness of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) and provide a platform for relevant stakeholders across various sectors to exchange views on the Strategic Plan. The ACSP forms a part of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and was adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit held on 26 - 27 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of connectivity in ASEAN Community building across political-security, economic, socio-cultural dimensions, while highlighting the key role of Thailand and other Member States in advancing the ASEAN connectivity agenda. This was followed by a video message from Ambassador Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, highlighting Thailand’s role in negotiating the Strategic Plan and promoting the use of the ACSP to link people, organizations, and ASEAN Member States to build a strong, connected, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community.

The seminar featured a presentation by the Department of ASEAN Affairs on the key elements of the ACSP, followed by a panel discussion among experts including Assoc. Prof. Dr. M.L. Pinitbhand Paribatra from Thammasat University, Dr. Sithon Kulradathon from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, Mr. Kobsak Duangdee, President of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Thailand, and Mr. Krid Pattanasan, Head of Government Relations of Thai AirAsia. The discussions addressed ASEAN connectivity in various dimensions, including advancing the connectivity agenda in the current geopolitical context, digital innovation, infrastructure and tourism, as well as opportunities and challenges for Thailand.

The seminar was attended by more than 120 participants in person and was viewed more than 1,900 times online. The seminar can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/ASEANThailand.MFA/videos/3629806557327288