On November 9, 2017, Mr. Vorapun Srivoranart, Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, shared Thailand’s perspectives at a panel discussion on “ASEAN Turns 50: Taking Stock and Discussing Southeast Asia’s Next 50” at Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C.

Minister Counsellor Vorapun discussed with the SAIS faculties and students about ASEAN’s progress since its establishment in Thailand 50 years ago and challenges ahead as the ten ASEAN countries move forward with further integration. He also discussed about          the important contributions of ASEAN to the peace and stability of Southeast Asia, and the organization’s vibrant relationships with partners outside Southeast Asia, including with the United States.

From the start, Thailand has always played an active and constructive role in moving ASEAN forward, and will continue to do so in order to ensure continued success and effectiveness of the grouping, said Minister Counsellor Vorapun. He added that Thailand has also been supportive of close and mutually beneficial partnership between ASEAN and the United States, and he was confident that this relationship, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2017, will be further strengthened in the years ahead.

The panel discussion was organized by SAIS Thai Club, Indonesian Corner, and Southeast Asia League of Students. Representatives from the Embassy of Indonesia and the Embassy of the Philippines also joined the discussion.