Thailand calls for special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Middle East crisis

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has called for a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on regional energy security, according to an informed source.

Sihasak has written to the current ASEAN chair, Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, proposing that a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) be convened at “the earliest opportunity.”

The meeting could be held either in person or virtually.

According to the source, the proposed session would allow ASEAN members to exchange views on short-term safeguard measures to address immediate challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.

These include possible joint consular cooperation to assist ASEAN nationals in the region, as well as contingency measures related to energy security.

The meeting would also explore longer-term preparations for responding to potential regional emergencies, particularly those that could disrupt global energy supplies or affect the large number of Southeast Asian workers living in the Middle East.

Thailand, like many ASEAN countries, relies heavily on imported energy, especially crude oil and natural gas from the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned that a prolonged conflict could drive up global energy prices, disrupt supply chains, and negatively affect Thailand’s economic growth and inflation outlook.