International Conference: ASEAN Community: Challenges, Problems and Prospects On Friday, February 22, 2013 s Pridi Banomyong International College hosted an international conference titled ASEAN Community: Challenges, Problems and Prospects. The conference was divided into two major sessions, first the opening remarks and keynote address, followed by panel discussions addressing each of the three ASEAN Communities to be launched in 2015. This summary highlights major points of discussion from the conference. The opening remarks given by Associate Professor Dr. Pimpan Vessakosol, Dean of Pridi Banomyong International College, offered both a warm welcome as well as inspiration for the conference. Dr. Pimpan stated that ASEAN now has over 600 million citizens from 10 Member States, and is committed to improving the lives of every citizen. It was not expected to be an easy progress, and as you will see in the conference there are many challenges ahead. Following Dr. Pimpan s remarks Former Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan delivered an informative and insightful keynote address. He began his speech by recalling the foundation of and its commitment to democracy building in Thailand. Dr. Surin transitioned to a discussion on historical Thai diplomatic behavior; he explained that while neighboring countries struggled to achieve diplomacy of defiance, Thailand comfortably worked toward diplomacy of accommodation, and has had a lasting affect on Thailand s relationship with nations in the region. This comparison of ASEAN countries helped to set the stage for ASEAN s challenges, problems and prospects that he also briefly mentioned. Dr. Surin explained three major challenges that ASEAN is facing as it approaches the launch of the ASEAN Community. First he described is the challenge of the political, economic and social diversity among ASEAN Member States. The second challenge is that ASEAN is currently the only forum in all of East Asia that addresses regional political issues. The final challenge Dr. Surin emphasized is the issue of building a solid community of citizens that holds ASEAN to its precepts.
Former Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan Pridi Banomyong International College, Photo by Ms. Jane Charoensiri The first panel discussion addressed the ASEAN Political and Security Community APSC. The panelists included Professor Zhang Xizhen (Thammasat University), Associate Professor Dr. Prapat Thepchatree () and Associate Professor Dr. Ralf Emmers (Nanyang Technological University). Professor Zhang began by explaining that ASEAN s cohesion is being weakened by a lack of core leadership and unofficial policy procedures. He proposed some ideas on strengthening its cohesion, including promoting community building, forming a core leadership, and being cautious of external powers. Dr. Prapat s presentation was a reminder that the international community tends to focus on China and India s growth in the region, but ASEAN is also growing alongside the regional mega-powers. Professor Dr. Ralf concluded the discussion by presenting the case of Indonesia, demonstrating that ASEAN is quickly moving toward a rules-based internal organization, and should be cautious of doing so.
Panel: ASEAN Political and Security Community APSC Pridi Banomyong International College, The second panel focused on the ASEAN Economic Community AEC. The panelists included Associate Professor Dr. Suthiphand Chirathivat (Chulalongkorn University), Ambassador Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata (Royal Thai Embassy Yangon, Myanmar), Mr. PhongsakAssakul (Thai Chamber of Commerce) and Ms. Kejpiroon Kohsuwan (Ministry of Commerce). Professor Dr. Suthiphand began the discussion by addressing the progress and implementation of AEC, and stated that at this point the implementation is nearly 75% complete. He emphasized that the AEC implementation requires significant legal and institutional changes on behalf of all ASEAN Member States. Ambassador Mr. Pisanu then spoke on the importance of public awareness and participation of civil society in AEC. The main argument presented by Mr. Phongsak is that Thailand does much better competing in the global economy as a member of ASEAN, rather than as a bilateral partner with major powers. To conclude the discussion on AEC, Ms. Kejpiroon shared that ASEAN s economic integration into the global market will require significant change. She ended by arguing that change is not something that ASEAN countries should fear, but rather embrace.
Panel: ASEAN Economic Community AEC Pridi Banomyong International College, Thammasat University The final panel discussion addressed the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ASCC. The panelists included Professor Dr. Thanet Aphornsuwan (Thammsat University), Professor Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo (Sophia University, Japan), Mr. Supalak Karnjanakhundee (The Nation) and Dr. Sriprapha Petchmesree (ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights AICHR). Dr. Ambeth began the discussion by presenting the questions: can the different cultures of ASEAN work to unite, or divide the ASCC, and how to define ASEAN identity. Dr. Sriprapha stated that the issues presented in ASCC are much more difficult to directly address than the other two communities because there is an underlying relationship between human rights, justice and accountability. Following her comments, Mr. Supalak commented on the importance of ASEAN being people-oriented with a strong legal foundation. Professor Dr. Thanet concluded the discussion by sharing that the minority tends to be subjected to the majority, therefore it is time for ASEAN to promote humanity and unite as one people.
Panel: ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ASCC Pridi Banomyong International College, By the end of the conference, the panel discussions had specifically addressed each of the ASEAN Communities challenges, problems and prospects as Member States approach the 2015 launch. Among the differing topics discussed in the conference, there were several overlapping themes, which can be summarized into five key points: 1) There is a need for improved public awareness and transparency in ASEAN activities and policies; 2) The year 2015 will become a major milestone for launching the ASEAN Community, but should not be misunderstood as the year of total integration because there is still work to be done beyond 2015; 3) Internal competition and regional insecurity are among the biggest challenges for ASEAN; 4) ASEAN Member States are not politically, socially, or economically on the same level; and 5) The formation of an ASEAN identity should be done carefully and intentionally.