In the economic field, Thailand sees regional economic integration as a means to ensuring
sustainable and equitable growth in the region, enhancing competitiveness of ASEAN Member
States, and contributing to our integration into the global economy. Thailand has been a strong
advocate for ASEAN’s regional economic integration, which has taken shape since the inception
of AFTA in 1992. Thailand will continue to play an active role in deepening regional economic
cooperation through the development of the RECEP, which will represent the size of half of the
global market and help further boost the collective vibrant economic potential in East Asia.