On 20 November 2025, Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, met with Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Director for Thailand and Representative for Malaysia, to discuss UNFPA’s mission and future cooperation with the Department of ASEAN Affairs.   

During the introductory call,  Director-General Bolbongse expressed the Department’s readiness to promote areas of focus under the mission of UNFPA in ASEAN, particularly preparations for the ageing society, efforts in promotion of gender equality, addressing gender-based violence, and promotion of  sexual and reproductive health and rights, all of which issues Thailand has attached importance to.                      Dr. Onabanjo also stated that Thailand has made a lot of progress on these areas, the experience of which can be shared with countries in the region. In addition, Dr. Onabanjo said the UNFPA hopes to work closely with Thailand during Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.