Future of the Thai-US Alliance in a Changing Global & Regional Landscape

His Excellency Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, will share his vision for how the Indo-Pacific region can navigate evolving security challenges in the region and beyond, in addition to highlighting ASEAN’s pivotal role in a changing geopolitical landscape. The discussion will also explore how Thailand and the United States, the oldest treaty allies in the region, can redefine their alliance to enhance its relevance in safeguarding and advancing shared strategic interests.

The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect East-West Center policies or positions.

H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow is one of Thailand’s most distinguished career diplomats, with more than four decades of experience in foreign affairs. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand on 19 September 2025. Prior to assuming ministerial office, Minister Sihasak has served in a wide range of leadership positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Thailand’s overseas missions, covering bilateral, regional, and multilateral diplomacy.

Minister Sihasak previously served as Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs between 2023 and 2024 and as Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs between 2011 and 2015. From 2016 to 2018, he was Ambassador of Thailand to France, serving concurrently as Thailand’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and as Thailand’s Representative to the OECD. Before this, he was appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Japan from 2015 to 2016.

To learn more about H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, please view his full bio here.

This event is presented by East-West Center and the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC.

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