Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called for Asean countries to step up regional cooperation on economic and social issues ahead of the establishment of the Asean Community at the end of next year.
Speaking at the 25th Asean summit that kicked off Wednesday in Nay Pyi Taw, the Myanmar capital, Gen Prayut said the member countries should improve their cross-border networks and boost cooperation in four urgent areas starting next year.
He said the countries must establish special economic zones in border areas, which are seen as part of a strategy to bridge development gaps.
There should be a concerted effort to stem transnational problems, especially human trafficking and transnational crimes, he said.
Thailand has been focusing on drafting a regional plan and an Asean anti-human trafficking convention, which should be completed by next year.
Asean nations should also adopt an agreement toward freeing the region of drugs, said Gen Prayut.
The Asean Narcotics Cooperation Centre, headquartered in Bangkok, will be the hub for fighting the drug trade.
He said Asean must strengthen its economic partnership to ensure it is a key player in economic and trade development in the Asia-Pacific region.
To achieve these goals, he said, the region should accelerate its negotiations on trade partnership agreements and get them done by next year, as initially scheduled.
Finally, Gen Prayut said natural disaster mitigation should be seen as a priority.
He said it was crucial that the region works together to find ways to cushion the impact of disasters that could disrupt the region's economy and its people's well-being.
Gen Prayut thanked the Asean member nations for their understanding regarding Thailand's political situation since the May 22 military coup.
He pledged to fulfill Thailand's obligations as a member of Asean.
He said he was grateful the region has identified its vision for the Asean Community. A working group comprising high-level officials from Asean will work further on the Asean Community's goals.
Gen Prayut also underlined the importance of strengthening the Asean Community by paying more attention to the people's agendas, particularly in education and public health.
As for the territorial disputes over the South China Sea, Gen Prayut said Asean should demonstrate to the international community that Asean and China are capable of resolving problems on their own through dialogue.
He said it should use the code of conduct already worked out for maintaining peace and order in the South China Sea.
Also on Wednesday, Asean leaders also met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Japan has poured money into Asean projects, including a deep-sea port, dual-track rail routes and special economic zones.
Gen Prayut said Japan has played an important role as a trade counterpart and investor in the Asean grouping.
He said the Thai government supports Japan's investments in infrastructure development in Asean.