Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously granted permission to exhibit her photographic works at the Thai Festival 2017, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, during 13 – 14 May 2017, and at the ASEAN – Japan Centre in Tokyo during 15 – 25 May 2017.  The photos presented in the exhibition were taken by Her Royal Highness during Her visits to ASEAN Member States. Each photo tells a story of ASEAN’s way of life, culture and important landmarks which reflect the essence of ASEAN’s diversity.        

               ASEAN through the Lens of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Photo Exhibition is one of the activities held to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN in Japan, co – organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited. The activities aim to highlight ASEAN’s experience in regional integration, including how ASEAN forged a shared sense of identity despite its diversity, and its prospects as a people-centered community where no one is left behind.

               Apart from the Photo Exhibition, activities to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN in Japan include:      

              1) ASEAN@50: For Now and Posterity Exhibition, which portrays ASEAN’s journey, development and milestones in five decades. The exhibition is also presented at the Thai Festival 2017, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, during 13 – 14 May 2017; and at the ASEAN – Japan Centre in Tokyo during 15 – 25 May 2017.        

              2) The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN Lecture Series titled “Challenges for ASEAN in the Changing Regional and Global Landscape” by H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and former Secretary – General of ASEAN. The lecture is scheduled on 19 May 2017 during 14:00 – 17:00 hrs. at Bellesalle Onarimon Hall, Shimbashi, Minato – ku, adjacent to
the ASEAN – Japan Centre.

              These commemorative activities marking a momentous milestone will reflect the significant achievements that ASEAN has made and its great potential for prosperity that will further enhance not only ASEAN – Japan strategic partnership but also expand trade and investment as well as the bonds between peoples of ASEAN and Japan. This year also marks the 130^th anniversary of the Thai – Japanese diplomatic relations.