On 20 November 2025, Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, had a discussion with Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Director for Thailand and Representative for Malaysia, during her visit to Thailand to introduce UNFPA’s mission and discuss avenues for future cooperation within the ASEAN framework.
The Director-General expressed the Department’s readiness to advance cooperation with UNFPA in its key areas of work within ASEAN, particularly preparations for an ageing society, the promotion of gender equality, the prevention of gender-based violence, and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights, priority areas for Thailand. The UNFPA Country Director for Thailand noted Thailand’s significant progress in these areas, which could be shared with other countries in the region. She also expressed UNFPA’s hope to work closely with Thailand during Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.