CEBU, the Philippines – Thailand has advanced regional defense cooperation at the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, the Philippines, on October 28 and 29. The meetings addressed regional security challenges, military cooperation, and disaster preparedness, coinciding with the ADMM’s 20th anniversary.
General Amarit Boonsuya, deputy permanent secretary for Defense, led the Thai delegation on behalf of the defense minister. Discussions covered ASEAN unity, regional security, and cooperation with international partners. Thailand also joined informal meetings with the United States and Japan and attended Singapore’s handover of the 2027 ADMM chairmanship.
Thailand is also preparing to co-chair the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief with Japan from 2027 to 2030. The delegation submitted a draft work plan to Japan’s defense minister for consideration, with further consultations planned to improve regional disaster response capabilities.
Other discussions covered defense industry cooperation between ASEAN and South Korea and the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine. The Thai delegation also met with defense representatives from Singapore, South Korea, and the United States to discuss bilateral cooperation and developments along the Thailand–Cambodia border. (NNT)
