The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand by the Department of ASEAN Affairs and Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, is organizing activities commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN. The activities include the “50^th Anniversary of ASEAN Special Lecture Series” with the Honourable Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, as the Keynote Speaker, on 3 August 2016, from 10.30 to 13.00 hrs., at Vithes Samosorn, during her official visit to Thailand. The commemorative activities aim to promote Thailand’s leading role as a co – founder of ASEAN, emphasize ASEAN’s growing role in the Asia – Pacific region, and raise public awareness about ASEAN.

          Activities also include ASEAN Day Reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an exhibition on the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN with special display of replica of the ASEAN Declaration in front of Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

          These activities are part of series of commemorative events marking ASEAN’s 50^th Anniversary on 8 August 2017. The regional ceremony will take place in Manila as the Philippines is ASEAN’s chair in 2017. As for the commemorative events in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated “the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN Special Lecture Series” to raise awareness about ASEAN throughout this year. Approximately 200 participants are expected to attend the activities, including ambassadors from ASEAN countries, diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, government and public sector, media and academia.