" The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was officially established as the Bangkok Declaration was made on 8 August 1967, aiming for accepting the diversity of individual countries in Southeast Asia as well as coexisting peacefully in this region.

       It can be said that the aggregation of those nations is based upon the long historic regional ties.

       The Southeast Asian region, which has been rich in natural resources like plants of various species, minerals, precious gemstones, and spices, is the land of vast treasures where ocean navigators and traders have so far been visiting."

        An excerpt from the message of Vira Rojpojchanarat, Minister of Culture