Bangkok: Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris inaugurated the ASEAN Family Run 2025, commemorating the 58th anniversary of the ASEAN Community’s founding. He highlighted Thailand’s pivotal role as a founding member and expressed hopes for ASEAN to develop into a peaceful and cohesive society.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Department of ASEAN Affairs, organized the ASEAN Day event to celebrate this milestone. Key activities included an ASEAN flag-raising ceremony and a 2.5-kilometer run. This event, characterized by a cordial atmosphere, aimed to foster unity and solidarity within the ASEAN family while promoting healthy living and a balanced lifestyle among its citizens. The event saw participation from ambassadors, embassy officials, and other dignitaries.

Minister Maris Sngiampong, in his opening address, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt for their attendance, alongside ASEAN members, ambassadors, and officials from various sectors. This is the first time the Department of ASEAN Affairs organized the event to coincide with ASEAN Day, established 58 years ago. Thailand, as the initiator, aspires to strengthen ASEAN’s cooperation and commitment to building a robust society and economy.

Following the opening remarks, the ASEAN flag was raised, and the 2.5-kilometer run commenced with Mr. Maris joining the participants.

The Ministry of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the National Secretary-General of ASEAN, organizes annual ASEAN Day celebrations to reinforce its dedication to ASEAN cooperation and encourage participation from all sectors. Participants this year included delegations from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, Dialogue Partners, and ASEAN Development Partners in Thailand, as well as representatives from government agencies, the private sector, the public, and international organizations, totaling approximately 500 attendees.