On 2 July 2026, Ms. Rujikorn Saengchantr, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, chaired a meeting on Thailand’s strategic direction, priorities and key areas of cooperation under the various Mekong subregional cooperation frameworks at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant agencies to jointly formulate Thailand’s future direction for advancing cooperation under the Mekong subregional frameworks.

The meeting reviewed progress in advancing cooperation under the various Mekong subregional frameworks, including the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), for which Thailand will assume the Chairmanship during the 2027 - 2028 term, as well as the Mekong - Lancang Cooperation (MLC) and the Mekong-Republic of Korea (Mekong - ROK) Cooperation, both of which Thailand currently chairs. Participants also exchanged views on the strategic priorities and initiatives that Thailand will promote as key deliverables during its chairmanship of these cooperation frameworks.

The meeting acknowledged the progress made in advancing cooperation on the subregion’s key priorities, namely (1) water resource and water quality management; (2) addressing transboundary air pollution; and (3) preventing and combating transnational crime. The meeting also discussed the future direction of subregional cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening economic security and enhancing the subregion’s long-term competitiveness. Priority areas identified included promoting the green economy and sustainable development, including climate finance, as well as advancing the digital transition through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of digital financial systems, with a view to addressing emerging development needs and new challenges facing the subregion.

The meeting also discussed ways to better leverage cooperation funds under the various subregional frameworks to support the implementation of Thailand’s projects and initiatives in a concrete manner. These include the Mekong - Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (MLCSF), the Mekong - Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Special Fund, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and strengthening long-term cooperation across the subregion.