Bang Lamung: Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra officially inaugurated the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum 2025 (ACF 2025) at the Hilton Pattaya Hotel, with a focus on enhancing maritime security, safety, and prosperity across ASEAN. The conference, hosted by Thailand from June 24-27, 2025, featured a demonstration of rescue operations for aircraft in distress at sea, observed by the Prime Minister.
According to Thai News Agency, the event saw participation from various ASEAN member countries, observer states, and key partners, although Cambodia's absence was noted. The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the regional cooperation platform, emphasizing its significance as a venue for coast guard and maritime law enforcement agencies to collaborate for the region's maritime security.
Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime security, the Prime Minister addressed the need to protect the seas from evolving threats such as transnational crime, drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. She commended the organizers for providing a robust platform for maritime agencies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to foster collaboration and exchange.
The conference aimed to fortify the cooperative framework among ASEAN nations, supporting the long-term objective of reinforcing maritime security and safety. The Prime Minister also reviewed the operations of the Maritime Interests Protection Center (MCO) and watched a practical demonstration of sea rescue and emergency medical services near Jomtien Beach.
Despite the absence of Cambodia, the conference successfully convened representatives from coast guard units and maritime law enforcement agencies of ASEAN and observer countries, with approximately 50 participants. The ASEAN Coast Guard Conference continues its tradition of fostering security cooperation and protecting national maritime interests, following resolutions from previous conferences hosted by Indonesia in 2023 and the Philippines in 2024.