Thailand to push for more roles of ASEAN in world security issues

BANGKOK, August 7 (TNA) - Thailand wants the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will become the ASEAN Community in 2015, to enhance its roles in regional and global security issues Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is also Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, told journalists on Thursday that, at the 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, on August 8, Thailand will propose ASEAN to actively campaign for security within the 10-member bloc and adjacent regions, among world powers and among worldwide countries. Sihasak noted that Thailand, as a coordinator between ASEAN and China, has successfully separated security issues in the South China Sea from other issues and convinced concerned countries to proceed with matters of their mutual interest. Besides, Thailand has achieved in starting discussions to work out a code of conduct for the South China Sea. The acting foreign minister said Thailand will also brief the country's updated political situation at the 47th AMM related forums, including the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), in which representatives of 18 and 27 regional countries participate respectively.(TNA)