On 3 November 2022, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and APEC 2022 SOM Chair, addressed the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) to ‘raise the curtain’ on the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW). The event saw large attendance by members of the diplomatic corps, foreign and Thai media, and youth representatives.

            In his remarks, Mr. Thani gave an overview of Thailand’s APEC 2022 host year thus far, and previewed the AELW that will take place in Bangkok during 14 – 19 November 2022. He then outlined the substantive progress being made under Thailand’s deliverables under the key theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.”, particularly major developments such as the refreshed conversations on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), various initiatives to reconnect the region post-COVID-19, and efforts on sustainability through the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model, to be embodied in the ‘Bangkok Goals’. The Permanent Secretary concluded his address by discussing the expectations and possible outcomes of the AELW, in a year of rapid changes and challenging global circumstances, as well as Thailand’s ‘legacy’ from APEC 2022.

            Following the remarks, Permanent Secretary Thani took questions from the audience, leading to a dynamic and active exchange, covering a wide array of issues, including the attendance of APEC Economic Leaders, the challenges for APEC from geopolitical tensions and divergent positions, and effects on issues such as free trade, and possibilities for admission of new member economies. Questions on APEC’s priority issues such as food security, and reaching out to marginalised peoples, as well as more immediate issues of interest such as the resumption of travel, and Thailand’s preparations for the AELW, were also addressed.

The Facebook Live recording of the event is available at the APEC 2022 Thailand page at https://fb.watch/gzonzLd5xh/?mibextid=hwfN5w.