ASEAN military cooperation reinforced amid external pressures

The Defence Ministry of Phetchaburi has affirmed its dedication to bolstering cooperation among the military forces of ASEAN members while maintaining neutrality amidst external pressures.

The statement was part of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang’s address at the inaugural ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin located in Cha-am district, which took place yesterday.

The summit not only encompassed ACAMM but also the 11th ASEAN Army Sergeant Majors Annual Meeting (ASMAM). In addition, the 31st ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM), a yearly rifle, pistol, and machine gun competition, was conducted on this occasion.

The Defence Minister emphasised that the ACAMM, ASMAM, and AARM play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability, as nations must depend on the strength of each other’s military forces. This cooperation among the armed forces of ASEAN member states has been apparent during crisis periods as well as in normal times.

Sutin Klungsang emphasised that the event’s objective was to ready the forces for future collaboration against potential external threats like natural disasters, cyber warfare, and cross-border human trafficking.

He also highlighted that implementing policies to promote sustainable security in ASEAN, particularly what he referred to as a strategic trust, should be a collective effort among member nations. The Thai government’s priority is also to develop security along the border to facilitate trade, reported Bangkok Post.

In response to whether ASEAN should maintain neutrality in regional conflicts, Sutin answered in the affirmative. He further explained that despite pressures from major global powers, ASEAN must remain neutral. Although it poses a challenge, ASEAN nations must stand united and maintain a consistent stance.

The ACAMM, ASMAM, and AARM events saw representatives from 10 countries, including Myanmar, in attendance.

In related news, Thailand’s Defence Ministry is gearing up to bolster the country’s armed forces, aiming for a technologically superior edge to counter emerging security threats.

Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang highlighted the Thailand military upgrade commitment during his address to the incoming batch of the National Defence Course at the National Defence College. Read more about this story HERE.