On 7 August 2026, the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in its capacity as the National ASEAN Secretariat of Thailand, organised ASEAN Day 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the 59th Anniversary of the Establishment of ASEAN and to promote greater awareness and understanding of ASEAN, as well as Thailand’s role in advancing cooperation within the ASEAN framework. The day-long programme featured the ASEAN Flag Hoisting Ceremony, the Final Round of the ASEAN Quiz 2026, a symposium on the occasion of ASEAN Day, as well as exhibitions and interactive learning activities on ASEAN.

In the morning, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the ASEAN Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Fountain Courtyard and delivered an opening remarks on the occasion of ASEAN Day 2026. The ceremony was attended by more than 60 participants, including senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and Development Partners accredited to Thailand.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reflected on ASEAN’s achievements over nearly six decades, during which Southeast Asia has moved beyond division and uncertainty to become a region of peace, cooperation, and growing prosperity. He emphasised that ASEAN does not belong to any one country, government, or generation, and that the present generation, as its custodians, has a responsibility to care for it, strengthen it, and pass it on in even a better shape to the next generation. At the same time, ASEAN’s achievements must never be taken for granted. To carry ASEAN forward, Member States must continue to strengthen unity within, while deepening ASEAN’s engagement with the wider world and building mutually beneficial partnerships with external partners to enhance collective resilience and advance shared prosperity across the region and beyond. As a founding member and the birthplace of ASEAN, Thailand remains fully committed to being an active, constructive, and reliable member of the ASEAN family, and to working closely with ASEAN colleagues and partners to preserve ASEAN’s legacy, renew its purpose, and pass on a stronger ASEAN to the next generation.

Following the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered an opening remarks at the Final Round of the ASEAN Quiz 2026. This year, nearly 70 schools participated in the competition, comprising schools from the ASEAN Library Network across Thailand as well as schools in Bangkok. The ASEAN Quiz aims to promote knowledge, understanding, and awareness of ASEAN among young people, while providing opportunities for them to exchange knowledge and build networks. This year, Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Suvarnabhumi School won the first prize, followed by Saint Gabriel’s College as the first runner-up and Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School as the second runner-up.

The event also featured exhibitions and interactive learning activities on ASEAN, organised in cooperation with partner agencies and organisations. These activities provided young people and other participants with opportunities to learn about ASEAN through diverse and engaging formats, thereby contributing to broader knowledge, understanding, and awareness of ASEAN.

In the afternoon, the Department of ASEAN Affairs organised a symposium entitled “ASEAN at a Crossroads: Towards Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.” H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered an opening remarks. Distinguished speakers from academia, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations exchanged views on current regional developments and key issues, the opportunities and challenges facing ASEAN amid a rapidly changing global landscape, as well as Thailand’s role in strengthening ASEAN’s unity and resilience and its preparations for assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.