### Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul Cancels ASEAN Summit Attendance Following Queen Mother's Death - Thailand is currently in a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit at the age of 93 on October 24, 2025. This significant event has led Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to cancel his attendance at the ASEAN Summit, which was scheduled to take place in Malaysia. Instead, he will focus on leading a cabinet meeting and attending a ceasefire agreement signing with Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur [https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-pm-cancels-asean-summit-attendance-to-lead-cabinet-meeting-as-thailand-mourns-former-queen]. ### Overview of the Situation and Actions Taken 1. **Cancellation of ASEAN Summit Attendance**: - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has opted out of the ASEAN Summit to honor the mourning period for Queen Mother Sirikit [https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/25/thai-pm-will-be-in-malaysia-for-cambodia-ceasefire-deal-to-skip-asean-summit-after-queen-mothers-death/195849]. 2. **Focus on Ceasefire Agreement**: - The Prime Minister will still travel to Malaysia to sign an expanded ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, a move aimed at fostering regional peace [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3673808-thai-pm-to-sign-ceasefire-deal-in-malaysia-amidst-royal-mourning]. 3. **National Mourning Period**: - Following the Queen Mother's passing, Thailand has entered a national mourning period, which has influenced the Prime Minister's schedule and commitments [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2025/10/25/thai-pm-cancels-asean-trip-after-royal-death-may-miss-ceasefire-signing]. 4. **Impact on International Relations**: - The Prime Minister's absence from the ASEAN Summit, which is expected to discuss trade multilateralism and welcome East Timor as its 11th member, highlights the delicate balance between domestic obligations and international diplomacy [https://www.examiner.com.au/story/9097013/thai-pm-to-sign-ceasefire-deal-cuts-short-asean-trip]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Queen Mother Sirikit's Legacy**: - The passing of Queen Mother Sirikit marks a significant moment in Thai history, as she was a beloved figure and her death has prompted a nationwide period of mourning [https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/thai-pm-travel-malaysia-ceasefire-deal-wont-attend-apec-summit-south-korea]. - **Ceasefire Agreement Details**: - The ceasefire agreement with Cambodia is part of ongoing efforts to enhance peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia, demonstrating Thailand's commitment to regional stability even amidst domestic challenges [https://news.az/news/thai-pm-to-sign-cambodia-ceasefire-deal-skips-asean-summit-after-queen-mothers-death]. ### Conclusion and Implications - **Key Takeaways**: 1. **National Mourning**: The death of Queen Mother Sirikit has led to significant changes in the Prime Minister's schedule, emphasizing the importance of royal figures in Thai society. 2. **Diplomatic Engagement**: Despite the mourning, the Prime Minister's commitment to signing the ceasefire agreement indicates a prioritization of diplomatic relations and regional peace efforts. 3. **International Relations Impact**: The Prime Minister's absence from the ASEAN Summit may have implications for Thailand's role in regional discussions, particularly regarding trade and cooperation. In summary, the situation reflects a complex interplay between national sentiment and international diplomacy, with the Thai government navigating its responsibilities during a time of mourning while still engaging in critical regional agreements [https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/10/25/anutin-to-attend-thai-cambodia-peace-signing-in-kuala-lumpur-after-mourning-delay].