Thailand's Chairmanship of ASEAN: Unshackling Thai Diplomacy and Charting the Association's Way Forward (original) (raw)

When Thailand took over the chairmanship of ASEAN from Singapore at the end of 2018, the country was faced with the twin challenge of managing its political transition and steering ASEAN during a period of fundamental shifts in the region’s strategic landscape. • Under the theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”, Thailand’s chairmanship was notable for the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the unveiling of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and progress towards the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. • Disappointments included the absence of US President Donald Trump at the year-end ASEAN-related summits, the lack of progress in solving the festering Rohingya crisis, and the limited space for engagement with civil society in the ASEAN process. • Looking ahead, the achievements and progress made during Thailand’s chairmanship will need to be built upon. The concept of a “people-centered ASEAN” must also be central to the ASEAN Way. ASEAN will also have to act upon its much-touted centrality in the regional order by constructively engaging all the major powers and seeking constructive engagement among its member states. • As demonstrated during its chairmanship, an unshackled Thai diplomacy will go a long way in contributing to a strong and vigorous ASEAN