Department of ASEAN Affairs Joins C asean Forum, “Navigating ASEAN’s Future: Gearing Towards the 60^th Anniversary of ASEAN”

On 5 June 2026, Mr. Vathayudh Vichankaiyakij, Acting Director-General of Department of ASEAN Affairs, together with Ms. Suchada Maktara, Deputy Director-General of Department of ASEAN Affairs, attended the C asean Forum under theme “Navigating ASEAN’s Future: Gearing Toward the 60^th Anniversary.” There were 80 participants attending the event, including members of ASEAN embassies in Bangkok, Thai agencies,  private sector, and students.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, gave a keynote speech on “ASEAN Milestones and Future Directions.”  He highlighted  the rapid disruptions and changes taking place now--  artificial intelligence, demographic change, environmental changes, geopolitics,  geoeconomics, education, health and energy security. To navigate these changes, Prof. Dr. Surakiart stressed that ASEAN must be united, agile, and resilient, strengthen ASEAN Centrality, utilise existing cooperation frameworks, and promote ASEAN camadaderie, particularly building mutual trust.

In the event, the Ambassadors of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Timor-Leste to Thailand participated in a panel discussion on, “Road to ASEAN’s 60th Anniversary: Ambassadors’ Dialogue for Future Resilience.” Members of the private sector also exchanged views at the session, “Insight Talks: Advancing Regional Competitiveness Towards ASEAN at 60.”  

In addition, the Department of ASEAN Affairs joined C asean’s partners, including the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, the ASEAN Association-Thailand, and the Thailand Supply Chain Network, in organising an exhibition on ASEAN’s efforts in sustainable development and connectivity.

C asean is a social enterprise, established by Thai Beverage Plc, with a mission to foster collaboration and promote connectivity in business, arts, and cultures across ASEAN.