VIENTIANE: Mr. Van Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, led a team of Thai MPs and Senators to the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The assembly’s agenda included discussions on drug problems, transnational crimes, and the ongoing unrest in Myanmar.
According to Thai News Agency, the opening ceremony featured cultural performances and the singing of the Lao national anthem and the Ai Pa song. Mr. Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR and President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), expressed gratitude to Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR, for hosting the meeting. The session included exchanges between AIPA and ASEAN’s legislative and executive branches, focusing on regional conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and financial crises affecting the region.
Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith highlighted the assembly as an opportunity for delegates to exchange
views and collaborate on future directions under the ASEAN Charter. He emphasized ASEAN’s goal of maintaining peace and stability, and preparing to welcome Timor-Leste as a new member, thereby strengthening the organization.
The assembly, which began on October 17, saw participation from nine ASEAN member states, excluding Indonesia, which had recently held an election. Additionally, 21 countries and one organization attended as observers.
Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor advocated for the establishment of a study committee to transform the AIPACODD meeting into the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Advisory Council on Transnational Crime (AIPA-ACT). He emphasized the importance of addressing transnational crimes while not overlooking the significant social and economic impacts of the regional drug problem.
The assembly also addressed the unrest in Myanmar, which has resulted in a refugee crisis impacting Thailand. Mr. Noor urged ASEAN to find a solution to this issue, despite the organization’s principle of non-int
erference in internal affairs.