Bangkok:  Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has canceled his planned participation in the upcoming ASEAN and APEC summits after the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit on October 24, 2025. The country has entered a year-long mourning period, prompting government officials and institutions to suspend entertainment and adhere to national mourning protocols.

Instead of attending the regional summits, Prime Minister Anutin will travel to Malaysia to sign a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. This agreement comes after a deadly border conflict in July that claimed dozens of lives and displaced nearly 300,000 people. The signing ceremony is scheduled for October 26, and U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a role in brokering the initial ceasefire, is expected to witness the event. Officials have indicated that China is unlikely to participate in the ceremony.

Meanwhile, ASEAN foreign ministers are gathering in Kuala Lumpur to conduct diplomatic discussions, including trade talks between U.S. and Chinese delegations. The summit will also formally welcome East Timor as ASEAN’s 11th member.

The death of Queen Mother Sirikit has cast a shadow over Thailand and the region, influencing both domestic and international schedules. The Prime Minister’s decision underscores the nation’s respect for the late Queen Mother while maintaining engagement in crucial regional peace efforts.