It is my utmost honour to have been graciously appointed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, a duty which I assumed in April 2024.

                   Since the establishment of ASEAN on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, ASEAN has always been a cornerstone of Thailand's foreign policy. As one of the five founding members of ASEAN (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore), Thailand has played a significant role in advancing ASEAN towards prosperity and unity, as well as earning ASEAN its worldwide recognition. ASEAN has turned the battlefield into an arena of constructive cooperation. The unity among its member states has largely contributed to stability, peace and security in Southeast Asia and, thus, enhancing the region's bargaining power with the major powers.

                    For almost six decades, ASEAN has overcome multiple challenges, expanded its membership by adding five more countries (Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia), bringing the number of Member States to ten, and undertaken many initiatives. Among ASEAN’s achievements are the adoption of the ASEAN Charter, the establishment of the ASEAN Community with the ASEAN Community Vision, the adoption of the ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), as well as the establishment of ASEAN-led regional mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum on political and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (ARF), and the ASEAN Plus Three (APT). All of these not only have enhanced ASEAN’s internal and external relations, but also helped foster collaboration and reduce tensions among major powers. On the economic front, ASEAN has continuously pursued closer economic cooperation to accelerate economic growth and integration through various frameworks and agreements, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), to connect its regional economy to the global economy and position ASEAN as a major trade and investment hub.

                     During my tenure as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, I am committed to advocating for Thailand's visions and initiatives in ASEAN, especially during this important juncture as ASEAN is developing its Community Vision 2045 which will guide ASEAN for the next 20 years towards a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered community. Thailand is also the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations (2024-2027), and the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation. I am determined to work closely with all parties to promote cooperation for the mutual benefit of  ASEAN Member States and its external partners, for the well-being of the peoples of ASEAN, and for the maintenance of ASEAN centrality.

                     On behalf of the Permanent Mission of Thailand to ASEAN, my colleagues at the Permenent Mission and I are proud to take part in moving ASEAN forward during this important time. We will exert our full efforts in the discharge of our duties. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            April 2024