By MARICEL DIAZ SIAM LIVING After 4 years, the APEC Summit held its first traditional physical meeting with Thailand as this year’s host country. Established in 1989, the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is an annual regional economic forum with 21 member economies across the Asia-Pacific region that aims to facilitate trade and promote regional economic integration. Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha welcomed the leaders and representatives of member countries for the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) meetings at the newly renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman were invited as special guests to join the summit. “OPEN to all opportunities, CONNECT in all dimensions, and BALANCE in all aspects.” These are Thailand’s three main policy priorities as it hosted this year’s APEC Summit. These key policies are designed for the post-pandemic era for a more balanced, and sustainable economy. During the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), world leaders and their representatives discussed and exchanged views on economic recovery strategies that are resilient to the recent pandemic, current rising inflation, food and energy insecurity, and the looming global recession. Thailand also took this event as an opportunity to highlight and promote its “soft power” to the world. Thailand takes pride in its arts, food, fashion, sports, and culture as its major soft power that can help boost the economy in terms of tourism and hospitality businesses. THAILAND’S “SOFT POWER” SHOWCASED DURING THE APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS’ WEEK 1. MUAY THAI Popular Muay Thai multiple world champion Buakaw Banchamek helped promote Thai boxing and gave personal demonstrations during a special event organized by the Thai Foreign Ministry. Muay Thai is a very popular martial art, not only to Thais but to many people around the...... Read more on Full Issue!