Bangkok, January 7 (AseanAll)  — On 5 January 2026, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Bangkok to reinforce the long-standing bilateral relations between the two nations,according to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership between the Philippines and Thailand. They discussed advancing bilateral ties in a number of areas, including in trade and investment.

Lazaro outlined the Philippines’ priorities for ASEAN in 2026, such as a Leaders statement on artificial intelligence to harness AI’s use in various sectors, advancing the silver economy, and expanding maritime cooperation, among others. Lazaro underlined the importance of a united ASEAN in promoting regional peace, security and prosperity.

They also engaged in candid discussions on several critical regional and international issues such as the situation in Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, and other geopolitical developments.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment between both countries to further advance Philippines-Thailand bilateral relations.