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Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim performed classic songs during an official luncheon, adding a musical touch to diplomacy.
PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim.
Diplomacy took a musical turn in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday as Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared the stage for an impromptu performance during an official luncheon, delighting attendees with renditions of the timeless classics ‘My Way’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’
A video from the luncheon, held during Anutin’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, showed the Thai Prime Minister playing the saxophone while Anwar joined him in singing. The light-hearted performance offered a rare and relaxed moment between the two leaders after a day of official engagements focused on strengthening bilateral ties.
Anutin’s visit to Malaysia marks his first official trip to the country since assuming office in March 2026. During the visit, the two leaders held bilateral talks covering trade and investment, border connectivity, security, agriculture, tourism, education and people to people exchanges. They also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation, reflecting efforts to deepen ties between the neighbouring ASEAN nations. (Kementerian Luar Negeri)
🎷Saxophone Diplomacy: Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul plays the saxophone and croons with Malaysian PM @anwaribrahim. Listen to them sing “My Way” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” at an official luncheon during the Thai leader’s visit in Kuala Lumpur earlier today. pic.twitter.com/tOkf5EMVOL— Saksith Saiyasombut | Saksit Saisombat (@SaksithCNA) July 9, 2026
The musical exchange quickly drew attention online, with many describing it as an example of “saxophone diplomacy” a reminder that personal rapport and cultural moments often complement formal statecraft. While official visits are usually defined by policy discussions and joint statements, shared performances like these can help project warmth and reinforce goodwill between leaders.
Such moments have become an increasingly visible part of modern diplomacy. Earlier this year, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made headlines after surprising attendees with an impromptu drum jam at the end of their bilateral summit in Nara, Japan. The two leaders performed K-pop hits, including BTS’s Dynamite, and later exchanged autographed drumsticks, turning a diplomatic meeting into a memorable display of friendship and cultural connection.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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