On 7 August 2026, the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its capacity as the National ASEAN Secretariat of Thailand, organised ASEAN Day 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN and to promote greater awareness and understanding of ASEAN, as well as Thailand’s role in advancing cooperation within the ASEAN framework. The day-long programme featured the ASEAN Flag Hoisting Ceremony, the Final Round of the ASEAN Quiz 2026, a symposium on the occasion of ASEAN Day, as well as exhibitions and interactive learning activities on ASEAN.

In the morning, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the ASEAN Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Fountain Courtyard and delivered opening remarks on the occasion of ASEAN Day 2026. The ceremony was attended by more than 60 participants, including senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and Development Partners accredited to Thailand.

The Deputy Prime Minister reflected on ASEAN’s achievements over nearly six decades, during which Southeast Asia has moved beyond division and uncertainty to become a region of peace, cooperation, and growing prosperity. He emphasised that ASEAN must continue to maintain unity among its Member States while strengthening cooperation with external partners.

Following the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks at the Final Round of the ASEAN Quiz 2026. This year, nearly 70 schools participated in the competition, comprising schools from the ASEAN Library Network across Thailand as well as schools in Bangkok. The ASEAN Quiz aims to promote knowledge, understanding, and awareness of ASEAN among young people. This year, Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Suvarnabhumi School won the first prize, followed by Saint Gabriel’s College as the first runner-up and Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School as the second runner-up.

The event also featured exhibitions and interactive learning activities on ASEAN, organised in cooperation with partner agencies and organisations. These activities provided young people and other participants with opportunities to learn about ASEAN through diverse and engaging formats, thereby contributing to broader knowledge, understanding, and awareness of ASEAN.

In the afternoon, the Department of ASEAN Affairs organised a symposium entitled “ASEAN at a Crossroads: Towards Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.” H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks. Distinguished speakers from academia, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations exchanged views on current regional developments and key issues, the opportunities and challenges facing ASEAN amid a rapidly changing global landscape, as well as Thailand’s role in strengthening ASEAN’s unity and resilience and its preparations for assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

As one of the founding members of ASEAN, Thailand has continued to play an active role in advancing ASEAN cooperation. ASEAN Day therefore serves as an important occasion not only to celebrate ASEAN’s progress and achievements, but also to promote greater knowledge, understanding, and awareness of ASEAN among young people and the wider public. It also encourages their participation in advancing a people-centred, strong, and resilient ASEAN Community that is well equipped to respond effectively to emerging challenges, particularly as Thailand prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.