Kuala lumpur: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will attend the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, said government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat. Anutin will also participate in the signing ceremony of a joint declaration on ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which will be witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anutin will deliver remarks to congratulate Timor-Leste and reaffirm Thailand's commitment to upholding unity, security, and comprehensive cooperation within ASEAN. His delegation, including Defence Minister General Nattapon Nakpanich, is scheduled to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 9.30 pm (Malaysian time) on Saturday.
Siripong mentioned that Anutin will attend the ASEAN Prize Award Ceremony and the signing ceremony for Timor-Leste's official admission as the 11th ASEAN member. Anutin is also set to hold bilateral talks with Trump to enhance cooperation on economic, security, and sustainable development issues in the region. A press briefing will follow the signing ceremony before the Prime Minister's return to Thailand on the same day.
Earlier, Anutin requested for the signing to be moved to the morning to allow his attendance and timely return for a royal funeral. Anutin's visit to Malaysia, initially scheduled for Saturday morning, was delayed due to national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
The joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to be signed at 2.30 pm (Malaysian time) on Sunday. Anutin, who assumed office on September 7, was initially set to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday morning and hold a bilateral meeting with Anwar at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Sunday, marking his first visit to Asia since beginning his second presidential term in January 2025. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, 93, passed away on Friday evening, and His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has instructed the Bureau to organise her royal funeral with the highest honours. The royal procession of the Queen Mother's remains to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace is expected to take place at 4 pm (Thai time) on Sunday.