Thailand has convened over 100 of its top diplomatic representatives in Bangkok for the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General, as it seeks to shift gears in foreign policy amid economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty. 

Held from June 8th to 14th, 2025 under the theme, “Proactive and People-Centred Diplomacy: From Policy to Practice,” the annual gathering focused on equipping Thai diplomats to engage the world with agility, purpose, and economic foresight.

Rethinking diplomacy for a multipolar era

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaking at the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General via video recording. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During the Opening Ceremony, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the gathering via video recording with a clear message that Thailand’s foreign policy must remain collaborative, results-oriented, and opportunity-focused as global power structures continue to evolve. 

Emphasizing the importance of free trade agreements (FTAs) and strategic partnerships, she urged diplomats to seek new potential partners and bolster economic ties in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

Thailand’s enduring diplomatic strength, she noted, lies in its clear positioning as a “friendly-to-all” nation, enabling the Kingdom to build bridges even amid escalating global rivalries. This positioning, combined with the nation’s geographic advantage and expanding infrastructure, forms the cornerstone of Thailand’s new foreign policy playbook.

In a significant show of government-wide coordination, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira also attended the forum to brief envoys on Thailand’s economic priorities. Acknowledging the nation’s heavy reliance on exports and private consumption, he outlined the government’s plan to rebalance the economy through infrastructure development, legal reform, and investment in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, biotech, and digital services.

Diplomatic corps in attendance at the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General in Bangkok. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Aligning foreign policy with domestic impact

More than a policy dialogue, the week-long forum represents a strategic realignment. Attendees include ambassadors, consuls-general, and trade officials from 98 overseas Thai missions, along with virtual participants from the broader “Team Thailand” diplomatic network. 

Ambassadors and consuls-general were given clear mandates to help execute rebalancing goals abroad by expanding trade access, attracting high-quality foreign direct investment, and forging education and workforce development partnerships. Minister Pichai emphasized that diplomacy should now actively support sustainable, inclusive growth through job creation, rising wages, and stronger domestic demand.

The program also included a royal audience graciously granted by His Majesty King Rama X and direct consultations with Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her economic team, along with senior government officials and industry leaders, ensuring that foreign policy supports domestic development.

Cabinet ministers speaking at the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General in Bangkok. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa again emphasized the four key principles of advancing foreign policy:

1. maintaining strategic balance with major powers and pursuing a multiple alignment approach through deepening engagement with other key partners; 
2. taking part in shaping the emerging international order through various partnerships and frameworks; 
3. enhancing international cooperation to maintain regional stability and security; and 
4. driving proactive economic diplomacy.

A people-first mandate for diplomacy

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressing at the 2025 Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls-General. Source: Royal Thai Government

In her closing remarks, Prime Minister Paetongtarn laid out three overarching directions  for Thai foreign policy going forward:

1. Proactive economic diplomacy: Launching an action plan to position Thailand for global economic shifts, while accelerating FTA negotiations and upskilling the Thai workforce to meet the demands of future industries.
2. Promotion of peace and shared prosperity: Strengthening regional ties, especially with ASEAN neighbors, and advancing Thai national interests through nuanced, pragmatic policymaking.
3. The Team Thailand approach: Enhancing the coordination and resource readiness of all diplomatic and economic agencies to ensure swift and effective implementation of foreign policy.

Finally, the Prime Minister concluded by charging ambassadors and consuls-general to lead from the frontlines, ensuring Thailand’s foreign policy remains people-centred, action-driven, and globally relevant.

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