On 8 August 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs acting as Foreign Minister attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and related Meetings in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The gist is as follows:

1.  ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting: The meeting discussed on the ASEAN Community Building efforts and emphasize the need to intensify the implementation of the APSC Blueprint as well as setting the vision of post - 2015 ASEAN. Thailand suggested to have a thematic approach rather than pillar based  approach in formulating overarching vision to address cross-cutting issues in community building process. The ASEAN Secretariat should also be strengthened to better cope with emerging challenges.

The Permanent Secretary expressed his views that the regional landscape is still being influenced by shifting geo-politics especially relations among the major powers: the US-China relation, relations between China, Japan and Republic of Korea and tensions in the South China Sea. With regard to the issue of South China Sea, ASEAN Member States expressed their appreciation to Thailand for being the country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations. There seems to be a positive development with China calling for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. At the same time, ASEAN Member States is also considering measures to reduce tensions between parties at the same time for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

On developments outside the region which include the downing of MH17, the situation in Ukraine and Gaza Strip where innocents have died including one Thai worker, the Permanent Secretary stressed that ASEAN cannot be idle and expressed the need to come up with common position on global issues in order for ASEAN’s voice to be heard and respected in the international community. On regional architecture and external relations, the Permanent Secretary said ASEAN has to maintain its unity, cohesiveness and centrality, strengthen ASEAN-led process including making EAS relevant in addressing challenges in the region, work toward an open and inclusive regional order and promote a regional order that is rules and norms based especially building rules and norms in the wider East Region.   

2. Meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission: Member States discussed  issues to secure Southeast Asia’s States as region free of nuclear weapons. On SEANWFZ Plan of Action, Thailand welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) and further cooperation between the secretariats of ASEAN and IAEA in enhancing capacity building to contribute to the implementation of the SEANWFZ Plan of Action. In addition, Thailand will be hosting the next working group meeting as a venue for further discussion on the Nuclear Weapon States having reservations in acceding the SEANWFZ Treaty protocol as part of our efforts to make the region free of nuclear weapons.

3. ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting with AICHR Representatives: The Foreign Ministers were updated on AICHR’s work plan and activities and made recommendations to AICHR regarding the reviewing of the TOR and AICHR’s contribution to the ASEAN Community’s Post 2015 Vision. With regard to the reviewing TOR of AICHR, Thailand would like AICHR to continue constructive engagement with its stakeholders including civil society to ensure a people-centred community and for using the Guidelines on the AICHR’s Relations Civil Society Organization (CSO) which will provide a framework for future cooperation between ASEAN and CSOs. In addition, Thailand is of the view that human development and human rights agenda must be cultivated in all three pillars in order to guarantee a people-centred ASEAN community. Thailand would also like to see AICHR play a protection role of human rights.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and related Meetings on 8^th August 2014 concluded successfully. Thailand’s active participation in today’s meetings is a reflection on Thailand’ proactive role in foreign policy particularly in ASEAN.