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Thailand urges ASEAN food and energy cooperation after Sept 19–20 talks
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Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has called for stronger food and energy cooperation across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), warning that volatile energy markets and climate change could increase inflationary pressure and threaten food security.
Key facts
- ASEAN’s economy expanded by 4.9% in 2025 and is projected to grow by 4.5% in 2026
- Suphajee said energy-market volatility and climate change were affecting agricultural output and raw material supplies
- Suphajee said ASEAN had made progress on more than 30 major economic initiatives in 2026 to support longer-term growth and competitiveness
- Suphajee also highlighted the conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) on May 29, 2026
- The results of ASEAN’s economic work are being prepared for presentation to regional leaders in November 2026.
- Suphajee said Thailand had served as the lead coordinator of the negotiations, which concluded on March 20, 2026.
Summary
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has called for stronger food and energy cooperation across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), warning that volatile energy markets and climate change could increase inflationary pressure and threaten food security.
Suphajee said energy-market volatility and climate change were affecting agricultural output and raw material supplies. Closer cooperation on food and energy, alongside measures to strengthen economic resilience, would help the region prepare for future risks, Suphajee said.