ERIA | Leadership Lecture by H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand

Описание: Jakarta, 22 October 2025: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), through its School of Government (SOG), hosted H. E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the 27th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, as keynote speaker for the third ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture Series.

The lecture reflected on Thailand’s political journey and underscored the critical importance of leadership in navigating complex political and economic challenges while maintaining national stability and advancing democratic principles.

In his opening remarks, Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government, expressed his great honour in welcoming H. E. Abhisit. He noted that the lecture embodies ERIA’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue amongst regional leaders and drawing lessons from their experiences in governance and diplomacy.

Prof. Aizawa emphasised the importance of preserving leadership experiences to nurture the next generation of policymakers and regional thinkers. He remarked that leadership is not only about decision-making but also about reflection, empathy, and the ability to inspire others toward collective progress. He further highlighted the need to understand leadership in times of deepening political divides and to revisit the role of political parties and political will in strengthening regional co-operation and pursuing long-term regional interests.

H. E. Abhisit delivered an engaging lecture in which he shared insights into his pivotal political decisions and reflected on the evolving political dynamics in Southeast Asia. He emphasised that political, economic, and social challenges are not confined to any single country but are global in nature – requiring strong regional cooperation and shared commitment to democratic values.

Drawing on his experience navigating political and social divides, H. E. Abhisit stressed that effective leadership must be rooted in principle – upholding integrity, accountability, and the courage to make difficult decisions, even at political cost. He noted that staying true to one’s values provides the moral clarity needed to foster peace and reconciliation.

The event brought together senior diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and students, fostering rich discussions on democratic governance, leadership values, and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Through its Leadership Lecture Series, the ERIA School of Government continues its mission to cultivate informed and visionary leadership across the region. The series provides a platform for distinguished statespersons to share their insights on governance, diplomacy, and development – offering enduring lessons that strengthen ASEAN’s collective capacity to address future challenges.