## Overview The **Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)** is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam[2][4]. Established on August 8, 1967, by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, ASEAN was founded during the Cold War to foster regional stability and promote economic growth[4][7]. Over time, membership expanded to include the current ten nations, with Timor-Leste on track to become the 11th member[7]. The ASEAN Secretariat is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia[7]. ## Mission and Functions ASEAN’s primary goals are to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development, while promoting regional peace and stability through adherence to the United Nations Charter and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs—a hallmark of the “ASEAN Way”[1][7]. The organization operates on consensus-based decision-making, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution[7]. Economically, ASEAN has been a driving force behind Asian integration, reducing tariffs through the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and facilitating visa-free travel among member states[6]. The bloc played a pivotal role in negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade agreement[2]. With a combined population of over 670 million and a GDP exceeding $3.9 trillion in 2025, ASEAN is one of the world’s largest markets and labor forces, poised to become the fourth-largest economy by 2050[2][4]. ## Key Achievements - **Economic Integration:** ASEAN has significantly lowered trade barriers, boosted intra-regional commerce, and attracted foreign investment, making it a hub for global supply chains, especially in manufacturing and technology[1][2]. - **Diplomatic Influence:** The bloc host
#thailand #cambodia #ceasefire #asean #us pressure
Thailand and Cambodia have reached a ceasefire agreement, thanks to pressure from US President Donald Trump and the facilitation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This could have positive impacts on the region's stability and relationship between the two countries.