Thailand is hosting the sixth BIMSTEC Summit and Related Meetings from April 2nd–4th, 2025, at the Shangri-La Bangkok. The summit, uniting the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states, will proceed as planned, with Thai authorities assuring that all key infrastructure — including airports, hotels, and meeting venues — remain fully operational and unaffected by the March 28 earthquake in neighboring Myanmar.

Introducing the PRO BIMSTEC Vision

As the BIMSTEC Chair, Thailand has introduced the PRO BIMSTEC Vision, which focuses on three main pillars:

1. Prosperous: Economic recovery through comprehensively enhancing connectivity, poverty eradication through trade and investment promotion, and environmental conservation.
2. Resilient: Enhancing security, especially regional food and health security, including the expansion of maritime cooperation.
3. Open: Building the participation of all sectors through sustainable tourism promotion and people-to-people networks.

Key outcomes of the summit will include the adoption of the sixth summit declaration, BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and agreements on maritime transport cooperation. The summit is expected to strengthen BIMSTEC’s role in fostering regional economic growth and collaboration.

South Asian leaders gather in Thailand

Underscoring the significance of the summit, Thailand will welcome two high-profile official visits: 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Thailand from April 3rd-4th in his first official visit to the kingdom and the first by an Indian leader in 12 years. Thailand and India are set to elevate their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, with agreements expected to be signed in areas such as defense, trade, technology, and space exploration.

Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is visiting Thailand from April 1st-5th, marking the first official visit by a Nepali Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1959. His visit aims to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, and tourism.

Thailand rises to humanitarian challenge

The BIMSTEC Summit and Related Meetings underscore the solidarity between its members, particularly in the aftermath of this deadly humanitarian disaster. As chair, Thailand has tabled the “BIMSTEC Joint Leaders’ Statement on the Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March 2025” for consideration by member states.

Additionally, the kingdom has actively participated in ASEAN’s emergency response efforts and will continue providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar. On April 5th, Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa will accompany the ASEAN Chair on a humanitarian visit to Myanmar to assess the impact of the quake and discuss further assistance.

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