On 8 October 2018, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, together with Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, and Ms. Patcharee Poompachati, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, attended the academic and cultural events entitled “Transpacific Connectivity through the Manila Galleon: Southeast Asia, the Pacific Coast of the Americas and Spain”. These events were jointly hosted by the Embassies of the member countries of Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru), Spain, and the Philippines, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok Office, Thammasat University, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the maritime sealane between the Philippines and Mexico through the Manila-Acapulco galleons on the Pacific Ocean that allowed the exchange of goods, culture and peoples between Asia and Latin America during 250 years (1565-1815). Accordingly, UNESCO has proclaimed 8 October of every year as “Galleon Day”.

          In his remarks, the Deputy Permanent Secretary emphasised closer economic, cultural, and people linkages between the Asia Pacific and Latin America as a result of the Manila Galleon trade. He also highlighted that, under Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship next year, the partnership and cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance will be enhanced. 

         The academic and cultural events in remembrance of the Galleon Day were organised during 8 - 9 October 2018 at Thammasat University, Tha Prachan. The conclusion of the said event will serve as a road map for the Pacific Alliance member countries in order to define further initiatives and strategies relating to UNESCO and ASEAN.