Your Excellencies the Ambassadors and Representatives of ASEAN Member States,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me briefly summarize the Opening Remarks in English.  

I would like to warmly welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.  We are delighted that you can join us today in commemorating the 47^th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations or ASEAN Day 2014 in Thailand.

This year’s celebration is organized under the theme “Centennial Celebration of Birthday Anniversary of Dr. Thanat Khoman”. Dr. Thanat Khoman has been an exemplary figure in foreign affairs arena who left a number of legacies for both Thailand and Southeast Asian region. We are celebrating today’s ASEAN Day by reflecting on the collective achievements of ASEAN in the past and promoting the realization of ASEAN Community in the present and beyond. You may notice the portraits of Dr. Thanat Khoman adorn in our special exhibition honouring his contributions and achievements for Thailand, ASEAN and the region. We also deliberate his aspirations for ASEAN development in the afternoon seminar to which I cordially invite Your Excellencies to send representatives to attend.

Looking at the solid foundation of the past, we are moving towards the future of ASEAN Community. We are firm in our success in building a community for ASEAN people. And we can truly achieve it by working together. Thailand is fully committed to this process with ASEAN Member States.

In Thailand, National Council for Peace and Order attaches great importance for the country and people not to “miss the train” of community building in the region. In order to achieve that end, we need to be fully prepared. Upgrading and developing domestic laws and regulations, revamping mindset of all sectors towards partnership and including all sectors to be a part of the ASEAN Community are some of the measures and implementation for promoting awareness and preparation for ASEAN Community of Thailand.

Of course, youth as our future generation needs the tender care of our generation to carry forward the present aspirations of the ASEAN Community into the future. This morning, we are joined with teachers and students from over 100 schools nationwide.

Distinguished Guests,

On this note, I would like to declare the ASE