Miss Saranjit Srisarkun, Director of Political and Security Division, Department of ASEAN Affairs attended the 17^th ARF ISM on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, co-chaired by the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand on 13-14 April 2026 in Manila, the Philippines.

The meeting discussed key issues, including nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the role of nuclear-weapon-free zones in the international disarmament architecture, particularly the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, or the Treaty of Bangkok, as well as lethal autonomous weapon systems and conventional weapons.

Thailand underscored the urgency of strengthening disarmament and non-proliferation regime amid current geopolitics, and reaffirmed its commitments to its obligations under the NPT. Thailand also advocated the role of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone through engagement with Nuclear Weapon States. Thailand emphasised its readiness to enhance nuclear security at the national level and the important role of youth in advancing a peaceful, secure and safe region.

Mrs. Chatvadee Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs and one of the 15 members of the Qualified Group of Experts (QGE) on the Comprehensive Study of the Question of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in All Its Aspects, established pursuant to UNGA resolution 79/241, was invited to brief the meeting on the progress and developments of the study, which complements the ongoing global disarmament efforts.