RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s visit to the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, was described as a historic moment. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn made the remarks during a meeting attended by representatives of ASEAN partner countries in Jakarta.

According to Kao, Prime Minister Anutin’s visit took place as Southeast Asia faces increasingly complex strategic challenges. He said the visit marked an important opportunity to strengthen ASEAN’s unity and future direction.

“Prime Minister of Thailand’s visit today is truly historic and comes at a very important time, when ASEAN is facing a complex strategic environment,” Secretary-General Kao emphasized.

He said the challenges stem from both within and outside the region, reinforcing the importance of ASEAN unity and solidarity. Kao added that only through the collective efforts of member states can ASEAN effectively respond to the evolving needs of its people.

Kao also stressed that the current situation serves as a reminder of ASEAN’s commitment to peace, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and equality under international law.

“The situation also reminds us of the importance of our commitment to peace, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and equality under international law, as enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year,” he explained.

During the meeting, Kao praised PM Anutin’s proposal presented at the 48th ASEAN Summit, outlining ASEAN’s three strategic priorities known as the Three Rs: Regionalism, Resilience, and Relevance.

He added that as ASEAN implements the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, all ASEAN institutions must remain adaptive, relevant, and capable of addressing future challenges. Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to supporting Thailand and all member states in achieving the organization’s long-term priorities.

These priorities include maintaining peace, promoting prosperity, addressing climate change, and ensuring the well-being of ASEAN’s people. PM Anutin’s visit to the ASEAN Headquarters in 2026 came 17 years after the previous visit by a Thai prime minister in 2009. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)