Thailand Reaffirms Commitment To DEFA, Calls For Stronger ASEAN Unity

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to key regional initiatives, highlighting the importance of The Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the need for continued unity among ASEAN member states, said its Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Speaking to reporters after the 26th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting here today, Suphajee described the discussions as constructive and productive, noting that all the excellencies, ministries and delegates are genuinely committed to advancing several important initiatives.

“Particularly, DEFA is actually very important. We have achieved quite a significant milestone and we already set timeline to be able to complete it by next year,” she said, adding that Bangkok is committed to DEFA as well as other priorities and initiatives discussed in the meeting.

The AECC, one of the three ASEAN Community Councils, is the key coordinating body overseeing the work of the ASEAN Economic Community pillar.

The AECC Meeting is held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits taking place in KLCC from Oct 26-28.

Looking ahead to the upcoming ASEAN Summit, Suphajee highlighted the strategic importance of ASEAN unity, especially given the current global economic and geopolitical landscape.

“Well, ASEAN is actually very important right now because (of) the trade diversions (and the) global geopolitical situation; so therefore, we want to ensure ASEAN’s unity in order for us to have a very strong position in the current global trade situation,” she added.

The upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit is expected to place strong emphasis on enhancing trade within the regional bloc, strengthening digital partnerships and advancing efforts towards greener and more sustainable economies. 

Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr Chaiwat Meesanthan, said the summit presents an opportunity for member states such as Thailand to bolster regional trade relations, opening up to more possible investments.

From January to August 2025, Malaysia-Thailand trade was valued at US$18.64 billion (RM78.79 billion). Both countries have set a target to raise total bilateral trade to US$30 billion (RM126.81 billion) by 2027.

In 2024, Thailand ranked as Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner globally and third-largest within ASEAN, with total trade amounting to US$25.03 billion (RM114.56 billion).

-- BERNAMA