Thai PM Cancels ASEAN Trip After Queen Mother's Death, May Miss Cambodia Ceasefire Signing

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his trip to the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, leading to uncertainty about his participation in the signing of a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia that US President Donald Trump is expected to witness. The Thai cabinet met to discuss funeral arrangements and the possibility of another official signing the ceasefire if the Prime Minister is absent. Meanwhile, ASEAN meetings continue with a focus on promoting trade multilateralism and addressing trade tensions amid President Trump's global tariff policies. East Timor was welcomed as ASEAN's 11th member during the summit. Concurrently, US and Chinese officials held trade talks aimed at resolving disputes following Trump's threats of new tariffs on Chinese goods. The signing of the Thai-Cambodia ceasefire deal may be rescheduled, with foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow potentially signing on behalf of Thailand if necessary.