ASEAN Establishment Date Explained

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly known as ASEAN, is a regional organization dedicated to promoting intergovernmental cooperation and economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration among its members in Southeast Asia.

The Founding Year of ASEAN

The ASEAN organization was officially established on August 8, 1967. This date marks the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, which formally created the association.

Background of ASEAN's Formation

ASEAN was founded by five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The formation of ASEAN was driven by a shared desire among the founding nations to promote peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region during a period of significant geopolitical tension.

The main objectives outlined in the Bangkok Declaration included:

• Accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
• Promoting regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and adherence to UN Charter principles.
• Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative fields.
• Providing facilities for members to discuss differences peacefully.
• Maintaining close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims.

Therefore, the establishment year for ASEAN is 1967.