The ASEAN Day 2023 Celebration held on August 7, 2023, marked the 56th anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event was organized by the Department of ASEAN Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and took place at Vithes Samosorn. Approximately 250 attendees were present at the celebration.
H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, presided over the ASEAN Quiz 2023. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the role of youth as agents of change in driving ASEAN’s future. The ASEAN Quiz 2023 involved 18 participating schools. Rajinibon School emerged as the winner and was awarded a grant of 10,000 Baht. Saint Gabriel’s College secured the second position and received a grant of 7,000 Baht, while Chitralada School came in third place with a grant of 5,000 Baht. The Ministry also organized recreational activities related to ASEAN and an English language learning game for the 80 students who attended the event.
Prior to the ASEAN Quiz, an ASEAN Flag Hoisting ceremony was organized. Mrs. Pornpimol Kanchanalak, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the ceremony. Around 30 ASEAN and Timor-Leste Ambassadors or their representatives, along with high-level officials from the Ministry, attended the ceremony. Students from Phratumnuk Suankularb School were part of the procession for hoisting the ASEAN flag.
The celebration concluded with an ASEAN Seminar titled “Thai Foreign Policy at the Crossroads: ASEAN’s Perspective,” which was held in a hybrid format. The panelists included Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Editor and Senior Journalist; Associate Professor Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Associate Dean for International Affairs at Thammasat University; Dr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Associate Professor Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation. Ms. Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, moderated the seminar.
The Department of ASEAN Affairs, acting as the National ASEAN Secretariat, places significant importance on the ASEAN Day celebration. This event aims to raise awareness about ASEAN among the general public, particularly the youth. The hope is that this activity will inspire the younger generation to become active supporters of the ASEAN Community and contribute to the development of the ASEAN region.