On 24 July 2024, H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting & Post Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) in Vientiane, attended 2 meetings, which are the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission conference and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives, as well as 2 bilateral discussions, which are with Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and H.E. Mrs. Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

(1) The SEANWFZ Commission conference or “Bangkok Treaty” followed up on the conference’s progress and exchanged views on safeguarding Southeast Asia from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The Ministers expressed support towards the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in all regions, aiming for a world free of nuclear weapons, and warmly welcomed Timor-Leste’s intention to accede to the Treaty. The meeting also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering closer engagement with other nuclear weapon-free zones, with Thailand ready to act as a bridge builder to facilitate fruitful discussions and engagements with all parties.

(2) The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with the AICHR Representatives, with Thailand’s AICHR Representative, Prof. Dr. Amara Pongsapich in attendance, followed up on the Commission’s progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN. The Minister emphasised the leading role of AICHR and Thailand’s representative in fostering an equitable and people-centred region. The meeting also exchanged views on key developments, including the promotion of the rights of children, women and persons with disabilities, as well as human rights in relation to the business and environment, and the cyber sphere.

(3) The bilateral discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, especially cooperation between private sectors of both countries in order to increase bilateral trade and investment in areas such as food security and energy security. Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest, especially on ASEAN’s role in helping to bring peace back to Myanmar. The Indonesian side recognised the important role of Thailand, as a neighboring country of Myanmar, and the two countries will coordinate more closely on this issue.

(4) The bilateral discussion with the ASEAN Secretary-General discussed ways to advance ASEAN Community, support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN full membership, as well as key regional issues.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the role of Secretary-General in strengthening ASEAN Community and ASEAN Secretariat and reiterated Thailand’s readiness to support Timor-Leste through capacity-building and training programmes, as well as scholarships. He also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable development, digital economy, and public health.