On 2 December 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a discussion with a group of Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from countries of South and Central Asia, namely the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Maldives, Nepal, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, during their courtesy call.

The Foreign Minister stated that Thailand has attached great importance to the countries of South Asia and Central Asia, recognizing them as valued partners with high potential for closer cooperation in all aspects, particularly in economic dimensions, as well as in addressing and tackling emerging challenges collectively. The meeting discussed ways to deepen collaboration at both bilateral and regional levels through existing regional frameworks, such as BIMSTEC, ACD, IORA, and CICA. The discussion covered increasing economic opportunities, improving infrastructure connectivity, and promoting people-to-people exchanges through cultural cooperation and tourism. They discussed regional challenges, including cybercrime, while the Foreign Minister invited all countries to participate in the International Conference on Global Partnership against Online Scams, which Thailand will host during 17 - 18 December 2025, to strengthen collective efforts in addressing this issue. He also took this opportunity to clarify the facts regarding the situation along the Thailand - Cambodia border.

The South Asia and Central Asia regions, with a total population of over two billion and 6 percent of economic growth, are markets that Thailand has given importance to because of increasing opportunities for cooperation in areas such as rare earths, logistics and tourism.