“I propose that we provide mutual assistance to develop the economies and infrastructures of small countries, in particular through energy cooperation,” Thaksin said at the ASEAN gathering in the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

He argued that this would develop the economies of Myanmar and Laos and reduce the other nations’ reliance on fossil fuels.

The Thai PM is especially keen for Thailand to serve as a “point of liaison” for Laos and Myanmar’s untapped hydroelectric resources, which would then be funnelled to the other nations of ASEAN.

Thaksin also said Thailand, Laos and Myanmar could produce the raw materials needed for biodiesel production.