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The Indo-Pacific is entering a phase of intensified great-power competition, creating a more complex and multipolar environment in which ASEAN plays a central role. In this context, the EU is becoming a more active geopolitical actor, seeking strategic autonomy and deeper engagement with Southeast Asia.
For Thailand, this shifting landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Thailand increasingly views the EU as a partner that can help balance major-power rivalry and support long-term resilience beyond the US–China competition. Deepening EU–ASEAN cooperation now spans trade, digital governance, green transition, Global Gateway, and regulatory alignment.
These developments also carry implications for Thailand’s domestic policymaking and ASEAN’s institutional model. The EU’s regulatory influence can support investment and competitiveness, but it must be balanced with the need to preserve policy flexibility and ASEAN centrality.
Overall, Thailand must navigate this evolving environment by leveraging EU engagement for economic modernisation and capacity-building, while maintaining strategic autonomy and regional cohesion.
To address these dynamics, the Institute of Democratization Studies (iDS), with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Thailand, is organising a seminar titled, “Multipolarity and the Rise of a Geopolitical Europe: ASEAN’s Strategic Choices and Thailand’s Path Forward”, to be held at Gaysorn Urban Resort, Bangkok. The seminar provides a platform to analyse the EU’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific and its implications for ASEAN and Thailand, facilitating informed dialogue on geopolitics, economics, and regulatory cooperation.
Expected outcomes include a policy brief, improved strategic awareness among participants, stronger cross-sector networks, and a clear roadmap to guide Thailand’s future engagement with the EU. Participation will be limited to approximately 35 individuals to preserve the quality and intimacy of dialogue. The group will include policymakers from parliament and government ministries, senior officials from relevant agencies, leading academics, and selected representatives from civil society and the private sector.
Agenda
12:30 – 13:00 Registration
13:00 – 13:20 Welcome and Opening Remarks
By
- Dr Prasert Patanaponpaiboon, Executive Director of iDS
- Dr Angelika Klein, Representative KAS Thailand
13:20 – 14:00 Remarks on “The Geopolitical Competition in the Indo-Pacific and the Roles of Europe: Strategic Insights from Thailand”
Prof Dr Jittipat Poonkham, Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs and Director of International Studies Program, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
14:00 – 14:15 Afternoon Break
14:15 – 14:45 Remarks on “Thailand’s Policy Direction amid EU–Asia Geopolitical Dynamics”
14:45 –15:20 Remarks on “Forging a Strategic Thailand–EU Partnership: Beyond FTA Toward Comprehensive Cooperation”
15:20 – 16:00 Remarks on “Business and Human Rights for a Competitive Thailand: Aligning with EU Market Standards through Responsible Supply Chains”
16:00 – 16:40 Remarks on “Driving Innovation: Thailand–EU Digital Industry Collaboration”
Mr Amarit Franssen, Chairman of Digital Industry Club, the Federal of Thai Industries
16:40 – 16:50 Q & A
16:50 – 17:00 Closing ceremony
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