Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (August 8, 1967 - 2025) with a flag-raising ceremony and the ASEAN Family Run 2025 at Lumpini Park in the capital of Bangkok on August 8.
Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, representatives from embassies of ASEAN member states, officials from Timor-Leste - the bloc’s incoming member – and diplomats from numerous other countries in Thailand took part in the event.
In his opening remarks, Maris said the combination of the ceremony and the run was intended to encourage broad participation from the public, diplomatic corps, and Thai citizens, reflecting the spirit of ASEAN. He expressed pride in Thailand’s status as a founding member 58 years ago and in his role as part of the ASEAN “family” since its earliest days.
The minister emphasised that ASEAN's strong presence goes beyond just meetings and diplomatic protocol, it represents a commitment to forward-looking cooperation. He expressed his hope that this year's celebrations would inspire renewed momentum for ongoing friendship and close collaboration within the ASEAN Community in the years to come.
Joining the run himself, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
The ambassador highlighted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s official accession to ASEAN – a journey of integration undertaken with dedication and responsibility. He said Vietnam’s participation in the event was a reaffirmation of its strong commitment to the core values of the ASEAN Community: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
The Vietnamese diplomat said the event conveyed a message of a dynamic, friendly and sustainable ASEAN, where friendship and cooperation are nurtured not only at the negotiating table but also in everyday life.
He expressed his confidence that, with solidarity and shared determination, Vietnam would actively contribute to building a more united and developed ASEAN for peace, stability, and common prosperity of the region./.
