Dr. Virginia B. Watson participated in the first Thailand Security Dialogue held in Bangkok, Thailand, from Aug. 26-28, 2024. She served as a panel member in the session “Energy and Environmental Security: Implications for Sustainable Peace in the Region,” presenting a briefing on “Climate Change, Energy, and Defense Nexus.” The event was organized by the National Defence Studies Institute and featured both civilian and military speakers from Thailand and various international institutions.

True to its mandate, the forum provided a space to discuss: a) the geopolitical currents defining Southeast Asia; b) the security issues and challenges shaping the region’s and Thailand’s strategic approaches and interests; c) ASEAN and the security environment; and d) Thailand’s regional role moving forward.

Thailand’s Minister of Defence, Suthin Klungsang, delivered the opening remarks on the theme “Sustainable Peace Under the Geopolitical Shifts.” Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, provided the closing remarks on the theme “Promoting Regional Peace and Stability: Where Do We Go From Here for Thailand?.”