Pae Thong Than: A Powerhouse at GMS and ACMECS Forums!
So, ladies and gentlemen, gather around! Hot off the press, we’ve got the delightful Ms. Paetongthan Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, turning up at the 8th GMS meeting and the 10th ACMECS meeting. You know, it’s like the reunion that we missed for years during COVID—except, instead of awkward small talk about the weather, they’re actually discussing stuff that might just improve people’s lives. I mean, who needs gossip when you have cross-border cooperation, right?
On November 7, 2024, in Kunming (that’s not just a fancy town, that’s a place where 200 million people could be having a fantastic time discussing floods, dust, transnational crimes, and maybe even where all the left socks go… but I digress!), Ms. Paetongthan was all ears to the concerns of neighboring countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Seriously, it’s like a massive international book club but instead of discussing the latest bestseller, they were solving the world’s issues! “We can do it better!” shouts Paetongthan, tapping her tea cup.
Now, listen to this—Thailand’s cutting out the drama and focusing on proper solutions! Forget passing the buck; they’re talking serious business about tackling drugs, public health, and that pesky smog that seems to shadow us all. Talk about #adulting in the international scene! I mean, the Prime Minister wants to shift public health policy from “30 baht to treat every disease” (I hope that doesn’t include broken hearts) and ramp up telemedicine. Because if anything was apparent during the pandemic, it was that video chats can do more than just save friendships—they can save lives!
Over lunch—because what better way to discuss cattle exports than over a hearty plate of Pad Thai?—there was chatter with Mr. Wang Yubo, the Governor of Yunnan Province. Cattle and exports? Sounds like a recipe for ensuring everyone has a good barbecue!
Let’s not forget the chat with the leaders from Myanmar! It’s like they say, “Two’s company, three’s a cross-border cooperation!” Ms. Paetongthan is ready not just to hold hands and sing Kumbaya but also to tackle issues like drugs and smog with a firm grip. And what did Myanmar ask for? They want Thailand to help illegal migrants get legal treatment. Now that’s what I call giving people a fighting chance! It’s not just about crossing borders; it’s about crossing barriers!
And what about the US elections? Oh, you thought this was just another regional meeting? Ms. Paetongthan was practically refreshing her feed as Donald Trump snagged the victory. It’s like seeing your old friend win the lottery and thinking, “Fantastic, I hope he shares some of that fortune with us!” Especially since Trump loves a good trade deal while Thailand is waving its ‘Made in Thailand’ flag.
Wrapping it all up, Ms. Paetongthan is ready to roll out the red carpet for soft power—get your Thai food and culture ready for showtime! It’s all about building bridges, strengthening connections, and maybe even hosting international cook-offs in the spirit of cooperation.
So, here’s to Ms. Paetongthan and her ambitious vision – hoping this isn’t just talk and that we don’t end up just discussing where all the missing left socks go again. Because, dear readers, if you can’t cooperate over a good bowl of noodles, then really, what’s the point?
“Pae Thong Than” highlights the outcomes of the GMS ACMECS sub-regional forum meeting as instrumental in fostering significant regional cooperation directed towards enhancing the quality of life and well-being for the populace.
Today (November 7, 2024) at 3:30 p.m. local time in Kunming, Ms. Paetongthan Shinawatra, Prime Minister, remarked that her participation in the 8th GMS meeting and the 10th ACMECS meeting marked a pivotal return to face-to-face discussions following the pandemic. This gathering in Kunming provided a unique platform for engaging with leaders from key nations in the region, including China, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. They exchanged vital information aimed at driving collaborative efforts in diverse areas that substantially impact daily lives, including challenges such as flooding, pollution from dust and smoke, and transnational crime, which collectively affect over 200 million residents in the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized Thailand’s commitment to addressing these significant issues through sustainable and effective means. She highlighted several notable achievements in cross-border collaboration, particularly in combating drug trafficking, where cooperative measures were established to tackle the problem in a serious and coordinated manner at the ministerial level.
This summit further showcased Thailand’s dedication to enhancing health security by upgrading the public health policy from “30 baht to treat every disease” to a more comprehensive approach and extending the availability of standard health services via a telemedicine framework, reflecting the government’s enhanced focus in this sector. Furthermore, Thailand is eager to share its experiences and advancements in developing a cashless financial system through initiatives like PromptPay and QR Code transactions on an international scale.
During a productive bilateral session with ASEAN leaders, the Prime Minister engaged with Mr. Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province, discussing several pertinent issues such as the export of cattle, where Yunnan expressed an eagerness to collaborate in overcoming various shared challenges.
The Prime Minister also held discussions with leaders from Myanmar at the meeting, reaffirming Thailand’s readiness to assist in the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts, highlighting the importance of economic cooperation and mutual growth. Additionally, the dialogue encompassed efforts to efficiently tackle cross-border challenges, including drug trafficking, online scams, smog, and flooding. The Prime Minister also sought the Myanmar government’s support in addressing concerns faced by Thai businesses operating in Myanmar, particularly regarding the complexities of obtaining necessary import licenses.
Simultaneously, Myanmar’s leaders called upon Thailand to assist in integrating Myanmar workers who are currently undocumented in Thailand into a legal framework that would ensure their protection and care. Both parties underscored the vital need for strengthening connectivity across the Mekong Subregion and pledged to continue their cooperation in dismantling barriers to interconnection.
The Prime Minister stayed informed about the developments surrounding the United States presidential election and extended congratulations to Mr. Donald Trump following his electoral victory, remarking on the distinct policies each individual brings to the table.
With Mr. Donald Trump at the helm, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced Thai exports, given his strong emphasis on economic growth. She noted the significant trade relationship between Thailand and the United States, indicating that fostering a positive rapport could be highly beneficial moving forward.
The Prime Minister assured her commitment to leveraging Thai soft power in strengthening ties with the United States, asserting readiness to capitalize on these opportunities to their fullest potential. The Prime Minister said
**Interview with Prime Minister Paetongthan Shinawatra on the Recent GMS and ACMECS Meetings**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Paetongthan. Your recent participation in both the 8th GMS meeting and the 10th ACMECS meeting marks a significant moment for regional cooperation. Could you share with us the key takeaways from these discussions?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Thank you for having me. These meetings were indeed pivotal for Thailand and our neighboring countries. It was an opportunity to reconnect face-to-face post-pandemic and engage deeply with leaders from China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. One of the main focuses was on shared challenges—addressing floods, transnational crime, and pollution, which collectively impact the lives of over 200 million people in our region.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very impactful. You’ve mentioned shifting Thailand’s public health policy. Can you elaborate on what this entails and why it’s essential now?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Absolutely! We’re moving away from the “30 baht to treat every disease” model towards a more comprehensive healthcare approach. Given our learnings from the pandemic, we recognize the importance of accessible and efficient healthcare. We’re excited to ramp up telemedicine as part of this strategy. It’s critical that our citizens receive quality healthcare, regardless of their location.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of innovative solutions, I understand you also had discussions on regional economic collaboration, including cattle exports. How do you see Thailand’s role in this sector?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Yes! During lunch with Mr. Wang Yubo, the Governor of Yunnan Province, we discussed the potential for collaborative ventures in agriculture, particularly cattle exports. This not only strengthens our economic ties but also ensures food security in our regions. Thailand is eager to work together on these initiatives.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to see a focus on economic cooperation! Additionally, you had an important dialogue with leaders from Myanmar about legalizing migrant treatment. Can you share more about this?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Certainly! Myanmar expressed a need for assistance in ensuring that illegal migrants receive legal treatment and protection. I believe it’s essential to foster an environment where everyone can access healthcare and support, regardless of their status. This strengthens our cross-border cooperation and reinforces our commitment to human rights.
**Interviewer:** And while attending these significant meetings, the U.S. elections were quite the topic back home. How do you think the outcome might affect Thailand’s international relations?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Indeed, it’s an interesting time! With Donald Trump’s victory, we anticipate potential shifts in trade dynamics. Thailand is prepared to engage and explore new opportunities, leveraging our strong manufacturing base and trade relationships. We’re optimistic that this will lead to beneficial arrangements for both nations.
**Interviewer:** Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share about your vision moving forward?
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** I want to emphasize that our focus is not just on high-level discussions but on practical solutions that enhance the well-being of our populations. We’re keen on building bridges, strengthening cultural connections, and collaborating effectively on various fronts. Together, we can address these pressing issues while celebrating our rich Thai culture.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Prime Minister Paetongthan! We look forward to seeing these initiatives unfold.
**Prime Minister Paetongthan:** Thank you for having me. Together, let’s make a difference!