On 9-10 February 2024, H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, led the Thai delegation to the 7th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Perth, Australia, under the theme "Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean.” The Conference was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, with the support of the Perth USAsia Centre and India Foundation. Keynote remarks were delivered by Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, and H.E. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India as co-Chairs. The Conference was attended by more than 400 people.

The Conference was divided into different segments, involving ministers, policy makers, academia and those involved in representing their views on the Indian Ocean region. The Deputy Permanent Secretary shared Thailand's views on the promotion of enhanced maritime connectivity, sustainability, and collective prosperity. She also placed emphasis on strengthening maritime security, promoting peace, stability and sustainability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and promoting blue economy while fostering partnerships to effectively tackle climate change and sustainably conserve the maritime environment. Additionally, it was important to synergise existing mechanisms and platforms in the Indo-frameworks including through ASEAN, AOIP as well as Thailand's role in IORA and BIMSTEC. For Thailand, the IOC provides a meaningful opportunity to showcase policies and best practices in the maritime domain. These objectives are integral to a stable and sustainable Indian Ocean Region. Deputy Permanent Secretary also suggested establishing an IOC Youth Forum to engage the successive younger generations and further enhance their awareness of maritime issues and the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean Conference, serving as the track 1.5 level, has been held annually since its inception in 2016. Organised by the India Foundation, a think tank closely affiliated with the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in collaboration with various South Asian and ASEAN-based academic institutions, the Conference serves as a valuable forum for discussing and exchanging views on relevant issues in the Indian Ocean Region as well as for fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Oman will be hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference to be held in 2025.