â€œâ€ŚMoreover we are delighted to see the platoon of Military Company that has already regu-
Royal Statement of King Chulalongkorn During His Royal Visit to the War Department B.E. 2435 (1892)
The Royal Adress by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej On the occasion of the grand public audience At Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin To ceremony of Taking the Oath of the Allegiance of the Royal Guards On Thursday 5th December, 2013
April the 8th, 2015 marks the commemoration of the 128 th anniversary of the establishment of The Ministry of Defence. On the occasion, I would like to express my deepest congratulation and admiration. The Ministry of Defence is a leading organisation in building security assurance for Through His Majesty Chulalongkorn’s great he foresaw thecitizen importance of state and safeguarding theKing institution of Kingship forintuition, the happiness of the through military affairs as main assurance to thecapabilities independence of past the Thai the development of Armed Forces’ for the 127nation, years. therefore discretion is essential to govern the kingdom. To maintain nation’s security andand stability, In current situation, people in the nation needs love, harmony securitytheof military life and must be the main institution to safeguard and provide protection for the sovereignty of the nation, religion and monarch by adhering in accordance with the National Defence Strategy, Military Strategythe anddevelopment Model Scheme the Ministry reorganization. Ministry by supporting of of national powersof inDefence’s every aspects, giving theThepriority to support intensive government policies, especially fostering the harmonious reconciliation of through thethe development and implementation of advanced Defencenarcotic Management System. people in nation, restoring democracy, solving and preventing problems and At the same time, encourages personnel to improve each individual by inquiring knowledge bringing peace and security of life and properties of the southern border provinces back to and capability, to uphold national moral values andand ethics and to the prepare of purposes. readiness normal while safeguarding interests developing nationthe forstate security th On the occasion of the 127 Anniversary of the Founding Day of the Ministry of will be enhanced to supportemployees personnel’s and responsibilities becoming Defence, may I wishasallwell theaspersonnel, andrights government employees inofthe Ministry aof“professional soldier”, so that all of the personnel of the Ministry of Defence can proudly Defence my best wishes and may you all be blessed with prosperity and happiness. join hand in hand with the public to carry on the long lasting existence and security of our nation. On this important occasion, may the spirits of the holy Triple Gem and all sacred things in the universe and the graciousness of their Majesties the King and Queen bless all of you with long-lasting happiness and strength to overcome all obstacles and bring glory and prosperity to our nation. Minister of Defence
General Minister of Defence
On the occasion of the 128th Anniversary of the Ministry of Defence on 8 April 2015, I would like to extend my well wishes and regards to all personnel and families of the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence is the main organization responsible for safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, security and the maintaining of peace and order of the nation. At the same time, we seek to foster an understanding of stability to promote peace and strengthen cooperation among neighboring countries and allied nations. In addition, The Ministry of Defence is committed to support and carry out government policies and any other given missions and to provide protection for the Institution of Monarchy with the King as the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces as well as support Royal Initiatives. Over the years, the Ministry of Defence’s missions have evolved depending on situations and concepts developed over time to cope with the dynamic changes include the process of becoming part of the ASEAN Community. Therefore, it is necessary for the Ministry of Defence to continue strengthening and modernizing its potentials and capabilities in preparation for new challenges so that the Ministry of Defence can be internationally recognized and accepted by other countries. As part of solving important national problems, the Ministry of Defense plays a vital role in the support of the nation’s reformation process and the restoration the Ministry of Defence exercises and encourages the understanding of true democracy by which is the cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable growth, peace and stability. that the Ministry of Defence is an institution that people can always trust and depend on. Furthermore the Ministry of Defence vows to protect and uphold the Institution of the Monarchy with utmost loyalty. On this occasion, I would like to ask all personnel of the Ministry of Defence to conduct your duties to your full potentials with integrity, honesty and good conscience upholding the honor and dignity of being a soldier. At the same time, conduct oneself in accordance to the Royal Statement of His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces on unity, thinking, speaking and acting with good intention and compassion to together to help strengthening the Ministry of Defence to move forward to become the main guarantor of national stability and prosperity for the people in many years to come. General Permanent Secretary for Defence
Military Affairs at the beginning of King Chulalalongkorn’s Era
The Ministry of Defence’s Role on the Realization of an ASEAN Community
The Royal Thai Armed Forces and Thailand’s Entry into ASEAN Community
Military Capability Enhancement of Neighboring Countries
DTI, Heading Toward “ASEAN Community”
Interesting Facts about ASEAN
Should military study English for ASEAN Economic Community?”
Asean Economics Community
Editorial 8th of April annually commemorates the establishment of the Ministry of Defence, and this year, th birthday anniversary. Under the order of His Marjesty King formerly known as the Royal Forward Regiment, which has presently been transformed into the Ministry of attain world standard among the international communities at time, and also be prepared to deal with threats derived from the world superpowers back in the colonial period. Undoubtedly, the organizational structure, authority and manpower,arms and weapons have ever since been developed more and more up until the present day. Basically, The Ministry of Defence has originally been derived by the ingenuity of His Majesty King former military affairs, and that the modernized military would serve not only to protect our national sovereignty and security, but also to safeguard and uphold the monarchical and religious institutions. Most importantly, it requires the military to maintain our country’s development and to lend a helping hand for the happiness of Thai people in every single dimension. Besides, maintaining the national stability and security, upholding the well-being, happiness and reconciliation of Thai people, and promoting the ideas of and honour. The duty of soldiers is to devote untiring efforts, whole spirit and full wisdom to maintain their honor and respect from the people. We must uphold the military ideal, live up with pride and honor, and more importantly, take full responsibility with hard work, and hold on to the integrity, both to ourselves and our organization. Finally, we must strictly follow His Majesty the king’s royal guidance for the better development of the Ministry of Defence, and that it will always serves as the security mechanism for our national stability, and as the well-being of the Thai people in the years to come.
Military Affairs at the beginning of King Chulalalongkorn’s Era
K
ing Chulalongkorn, Rama V, inherited the throne
because of His Majesty’s young age, Siam was governed by as a regent, until His Majesty reached the age of twenty. In His Majesty’s youth, King Rama V was a diligent student, Royal visits to the nearby countries under English and Dutch abroad, His Majesty foresaw and determined to develop and modernize Siam to keep abreast with those countries
the country and military related affairs. Military arrangements at that time was set up according to the Three Seals Code which comprised of Kojasi, Rajasi, and 1. Northern Provinces Army commanded by Samuha 2. Southern Provinces Army commanded by Samuha
After returning from the royal visits to Singapore and western military concepts operated in two cities and suitably His Majesty’s initiation to gather scattered troops and established 7 army regiments includes Rachawalop King’s Guard Regiment, King’s Guard Regiment, Palace Guard Regiment, Forward Guard Regiment, Artillery Regiment, Elephant Regiment and Oarsman Regiment.
His Majesty’s initiation to reorganized the old Royal Ships Waesatri Navy and The Orasumpol Navy.
troops were also rearmed with new modernize armaments and equipments as well as uniform codes suited at the time. Ceremony of His Majesty King Rama V took place. By this Royal Ceremony empowered His Majesty the full authority to the Throne and full administrative power. Through his extraordinary vision, the King Rama V saw the necessity to develop and modernize the military to be comparable
to that of the civilized countries. In 1887, he initiated the reorganization of the former Forward Guard Regiment to be more distinctly in its authoritative structure and the construction of the new command post outside but nearby the palace in order to provide protection to the palace in case of unexpected situations. His Majesty distributed the royal land, parts of Lak Muang Road and old the Royal Granary and allocated his own assets of 7,125 chang or equivalent to 570,000 baht for the construction and decoration of the command post. On 18 July 1884, His Majesty presided over the Opening Ceremony and named the new building “The Forward Barracks.� On 8 April 1887, King Rama V made the Royal Proclamation of Military Reformation and declared the establishment of Department of War and Marine at the Forward Barracks. From this point onwards, it is considered to be the foundation of the modern Thai Military. The beginning of the modernization of the Royal Thai Armed forces capabilities to be abreast with other civilized nations and state of readiness to cope with threats during the colonization era. By which the establishment and long lasting traditions of the Royal Thai Armed forces have made all Thai military personnel honored and proud to the present day.
The Ministry of Defence’s Role on the Realization of an ASEAN Community
I
n the advancement of Thailand towards the realization of an ASEAN Community in 2015, the Ministry of Defence has been a primary organization in the ASEAN Political-
in carrying out government policies to prepare Thailand an organization to cooperate with international agencies to integrate Thailand and other ASEAN Member States into the ASEAN Community.
Domestic Dimension The Ministry of Defence has been operating under the mechanism of “The Supervising Committee of the Centre for the Readiness of Thailand towards ASEAN Community” which was established by the Prime Minister in November 2014. Subsequently, the Chairman of the Supervising Committee (ASEAN Community’s Post (ASEAN Political - Security Community
established an “Ad hoc Committee Centre for Readiness of Thailand towards the ASEAN Political-Security Community” in February 2015. This Ad hoc Committee is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs with high-level Committee, while the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serve as joint secretariats for the Ad hoc Committee. The Ad hoc Committee have produced three important
Strategy would consequently be used by Thai government organizations as guidelines for their administration, Thailand towards an ASEAN Political-Security Community” that would ultimately be combined with plans for public the draft of “Plan for Execution of Objectives of Thailand towards an ASEAN Political-Security Community”. This plan has designated the implementation of urgent policies of the government prior to becoming an ASEAN Community, together with the primary responsible agencies, namely
plan has been approved, it would serve as a comprehensive guideline for agencies in Thailand to implement.
Furthermore, at present the Ministry of Defence has coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide recommendations and comments on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision and the ASEAN Political-Security Community 2025, in order to steer ASEAN forward after the integration as an ASEAN Community in 2015. Additionally, in response to the National Policies, the leadership of the Ministry of Defencehave emphasized unit readiness towards the realization of an ASEAN Community. There was an adoption of the “ This Guideline covers a period of three years
(ASEAN Defence Ministers’
Plan of the Ministry of Defence” was issued to support the implementation of the aforementioned Guidelines. Meanwhile, the mechanism to monitor progress of the Ministry of Defence towards an ASEAN Community called was also established. At present, the Ministry of Defence has carried out many initiatives successfully and realistically; some, however, are still in progress. For instance, there has been
International Dimension Another element that is as equally important as the domestic dimension is the cooperation with international organizations. Thus far, the Ministry of Defence has continuously participated with the Ministry of Defence of other nations in preparing towards an ASEAN Community on every level and in every aspect. Among the 10 Member States of ASEAN, there have been activities in the mechanisms. The Ministry of Defence has been involved
with activities on every level, whether it be at the Ministerial Armed Forces Headquarters and Armed Services, there are also continuous and extensive participation in activities. For instance, there are ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Informal Meeting and ASEAN Chief of Services meetings. These activities have provided opportunities for military commanding elements of ASEAN to meet and exchange ideas, while interacting and creating understanding on each another. The collective group also jointly provided policies and guidelines for building armed forces capacity and regional security in various aspects, such as an establishment of a hotline to connect Defence Ministers of the ASEAN Member issues, an arrangement of an ASEAN Centre for Peacekeeping Network, an arrangement ofexchange programmes of military The mentioned cooperation is highly important in building that would eventually protect this region from security threats among ASEAN Member States, while becoming one of the world’s most secured regions. It is also to serve as a foundation and supporting element for economic growth, trade, investment, and towards the socio-cultural pillars of the region; that shall give rise towards stability, security, and sustainable living condition for ASEAN in the future. Beside the 10 Member States of ASEAN, the ASEAN militaries also have cooperation with 8 dialogue partnerswhich are (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus
Global and Regional Powers, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States of America. The cooperation is under the This cooperation is to jointly build military capacity, enhance security and stability in ASEAN and regions beyond ASEAN. At present, cooperation under ADMM-Plus covers six areas
terrorism. Under ADMM-Plus, Thailand was trusted by ASEAN friends to establish the
compound in Thailand in 2015. The Center will be elevated to become an ASEAN entity in the future. It is to serve as a Centre to coordinate cooperative affairs of military medicine and operating process of military units among nations in responding to crises and threats in various forms in the region. during a joint military medicineand humanitarian assistance
Conclusion The Ministry of Defence has played active roleswithin the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar in both the domestic and international dimensions. This has been implemented through preparations of organizations within the Ministry of Defence and coordination with domestic organizations under the Government’s policy. As for the international dimension, there has been cooperation among the Ministry of Defence and the military sectors of other nations in preparation for Thailand and other ASEAN Member States to realize an ASEAN Community and to steer ASEAN forward after the realization of an ASEAN Community. The mentioned roles by the Ministry of Defence have given rise to the image of Thailand as a leading nation in the region. It has promoted Thailand with full trust from other nations in becoming the potential leader in ASEAN in the future, while promoting security and stability for the region. This will also serve as a foundation to enhance economic development and the socio–cultural integration that will bind the Member States together into an ASEAN Community, while remaining as a steering mechanism towards a secured and stable future.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces and Thailand’s Entry into ASEAN Community
N
early 48 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8th of
with the adoption of the , which currently consists of 10-member countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, The Republic of Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Singapore, The Kingdom of Thailand and The Socialist Republic of Vietnam. All member countries mutually agrees on a common consensus for the new establishment of the ASEAN - Community, which are intended to promote regional peace, stability and trade in this region. Every member country in the ASEAN –
Community will cooperate fully with all ASEAN’s activities, both bilaterally including the Exchanges of Education and economical, social and cultural aspects. By this means, it should have reconciled any differences arisen among its member countries. The ASEAN - Community has emphasized this regional collaboration into “ ”, which are the - APSC, – AEC and – ASCC. The ASEAN Charter was mutually signed by the ASEAN member countries on 20th November 2007, - Community by providing legal status and institutional and values; sets clear targets for ASEAN; and presents accountability and compliance for people of ASEAN as its
(ASEAN Socio
the new upcoming ASEAN Community by the end of 2015. Thailand as one of the member countries has expressed its full support, has pushed forward and most importantly, has prepared itself for the entry into the ASEAN - Community is committed to encourage all their agencies and mechanisms in every sector, including public and private sectors and civil society that they will properly be well aware, be alert and be prepared for their new upcoming roles in the ASEAN Community in accordance with a new changing environment and upcoming regional context in the near future. The Ministry of Defence as the primary organization responsible and associated much with the plan for the establishment of the ASEAN Political and Security Community, which is support of peace and stability in the region, for the promotion of peaceful living environment, for peaceful solutions of and values, for the mutual responsibility in security building the ASEAN. In view of the rapidly changing order of the global and regional security aspects, including both traditional threat and non-traditional threat, along with the establishment of the as the primary organization for national security deems it necessary to penetrate into all dimensions of security aspects, both directly involved with military operations, and Kingdom of Thailand’s constitution, it remains the RTARF’s duty to extend its full support to uphold and to follow Security Cooperation and the United Defence. Apart from
that, the RTARF is determined to work within the framework set forth by the Government, the MOD, the Chief of Defence Forces, and that is to uphold our national interest, Thailand’s Kingdom of Thailand’s Constitution (Temporary Version Year Mutual Agreements made among the RTARF and its Allied Armed Forces, substantially leading to the formulation of policies and actions in force preparation and the use of active force. This allows the RTARF for the preparedness in every aspect in accordance with the defence strategies as mentioned above. As the RTARF has become a part of the APSC, it would be able to strengthen, promote and enhance the defence cooperation with the armed forces and other security agencies of the neighboring countries for a stronger ties in every dimension, which in turn, this will result in quick manner, and in accordance with the Security Cooperation Strategy laid down in the MOD s Defence Plan. To this end, all of these would have been succeeded by the strengthening of ties between the Allied Armed Forces and the ASEAN Armed Forces, as well as the RTARF’s preparedness to fully become a part of the APSC. According to the Government’s policy, the MOD’s strategic concepts, the RTARF’s mission and its vision of “the RTARF is committed to guarantee national security, to
become a reliable resort for Thai people, and is recognized by the international arena”, the RTARF deems it necessary to maintain a certain characteristic so called, “the Multi Purposes Armed Forces”, in which this capability consists
and security cooperation role in the region. This requires the RTARF’s preparation in every area, and this must comply with and is based on those multi-tasks. Thus, the RTARF has not only been prepared itself for the entry into the ASEAN – Community alone, but rather it has progressively been adjusted and improved to justify those multi-tasks. These adjustments have gradually been made in certain areas of Policy, Structure, Personnel, Arms Equipment, Budget and Management, along with the development of integrated plan and operations to reach its goals. In return, the RTARF should then be prepared for the entry into the ASEAN - Community the strategic concept of security cooperation among the neighboring countries, ASEAN and its allies, applying military attaché diplomacy together with defence diplomacy for and for reduction of mistrust arisen among the countries in this region. This, in turn, will build trust, enhance security cooperation and good ties among our neighboring countries, ASEAN member countries, allies and international organizations, both bilaterally and multilaterally. In addition, the RTARF will put a good use of all available resources and mechanisms to keep order for surrounding environment, and to maintain peace, stability, wealth, growth, happiness and prosperity all together. The RTARF will further restore the more in international missions and expand its roles in international arena, including participations in UN PeaceKeeping Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Rescue Missions, Maritime Security, Anti-Terrorism and Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations. To this end, all these factors will lead to the integration of the ASEAN – Community successfully. major mechanisms and resources utilized by the RTARF to push forward the aforementioned policy into concrete outcome. The RTARF has adjusted and adapted its organizational structure at an operational level in preparation for international cooperation tasks and for the integration of the ASEAN - Community, by establishing International of ASEAN section, which takes responsibility solely for all ASEAN’s matters, working in parallel with ASEAN Division,
Ministry of Defence, while other Joint Directorates and all other subordinate units under the RTARF are committed to this same policy and working side by side with other ASEAN RTARF has progressively adjusted and developed all areas of personnel, arms equipment, budget, management and all action plan in compliance with this policy and guideline, these include Education and Training Development, the Use of English and ASEAN Languages for the RTARF’s personnel, the Adjustment on Joint Staff and Armed Services Staff Courses countries, the Establishment of RTARF ASEAN Strategic MOD’s Defence Plan and Policy, the Budget Allocation Plan support the upcoming ASEAN - Community for this year.
. Subsequently, this cooperation should have Conferences to enhance more cooperation at all levels, Exchanges of Education and Training Courses, Seminar, Intelligence Exchange, Exchange of Military Visits at all levels such as ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Informal Shooting Competition and Armed Services Cooperation , allies and the ASEAN member defence strategy as a guideline for security cooperation among the RTARF, the ASEAN member armed forces and the Allied Armed Forces. , in compliance with the upcoming 2015 ASEAN - Community for force preparation, which is compatible with international standard including forces, arms equipment and personnel. This, in turn, will support the view through the ASEAN Charter or other useful mechanisms. , in form of security cooperation in all areas, bilaterally and multilaterally including the MOU on Joint Malacca Straits Surveillance, MOU on Joint Logistics and Eyes in the Sky for instance. and adjust existing
rules and regulations to become more suitable resources for the upcoming ASEAN - Community. The RTARF itself has been reorganized to become more modern forces in response to the RTARF’s mission for the integration of Thailand into the APSC. As a result, the RTARF has established a new division this cooperation, working under the ASEAN’s framework and and Plans, Directorate of Joint Operations. bilaterally and multilaterally, including
Anti-Terrorism Training for instance. (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar Meeting, Regional Border Committee Meeting, Township ASEAN armed Forces such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and the Meetings with other allies outside the ASEAN, including Joint Australia – Thailand Defence coordination Committee Meeting, THAI – TAC, Joint Coordinated Operations and Exercise Sub-Committee Meting, Senior Staff Talks with Pakistan and Canada for instance. , serves for the purpose of coordinating close cooperation among the ASEAN countries. of Defence Attache in every ASEAN country, and the latest As already mentioned, the RTARF together with the private sectors, along with other international organizations have been working together for the purpose of the security cooperation building among the ASEAN countries, driven in with the Government’s and MOD’s policies. To this end, prepared for the entry into the ASEAN - Community by the end of the year 2015.
a Comprehensive Approach that Focuses on Safety of Navigation and Security Concern in the Region that are of
and ldentify Maritime Cooperation Among ASEAN Member
Activities such as Information Sharing, Technological
Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed
Cooperation of ASEAN Air Forces towards ASEAN Community
Military Capability Enhancement of Neighboring Countries
In the past three years, the military capability enhancement of neighboring countries has been expanded by replacing primary equipment stationed since the cold war era with modern day equipment. Later, the production process ended and created problems in logistic and maintenance. Nowadays, purchased primary equipment is in the delivery process and will be serving in the military.
Enhancement The procurement of two Diesel-electric submarines, tons submarine, will be delivered to the Singaporean Navy in 2020 to replace the diesel – electric challenger class submarines, imported from Sweden, which were built in
to develop the radar and electronics system. to-air refueling and transport aircraft in total of six aircrafts
in the 7th of March 2014, will be imported from France to the Singaporean Air Force in 2015.
The Indonesian Navy’s two frigates SIGMA class from the Netherlands were built in the dockyard in Surabaya, the second one started three months later. Started on the 21st of December 2011 at the dockyard of the Republic of Korea, the project of three Chang Bogo submarines, weighing 1,400 tons, which costs $1.1 billion, will be ready to station in 2015. The US government has outlined details of the proposed sale and upgrade project of 24 former US Air for Indonesia at $750 million. First three aircrafts were in
jets which costs $400 million from the Republic of Korea. The signed on May 25, 2011 at the 15th Air Squadron at Iswahyudi
airbase in Madiun, East Java, while the rest are expected to
transport aircrafts from the Kingdom of Spain, which three of at the 2nd Air Squadron at East Java on September 2012
costs $500 million is at the stage of receiving. The procurement of six EC-725 caracal helicopters from France which started on the 5th April 2012 for search
on 5 November 2014 from France, are in the process of delivery.
Malaysia is designing and building six stealth frigates based on the design of the Gowind corvette at a selling price of $2.8 billion from France. The ships will be 111 meters long, missiles, 8 MBDA MM40 Exocet antiship missile launchers
Royal Malaysian Air Force acquires Four Airbus A400M from France on the 8th December 2005 with the capacity of
A400M will be in service at the 20th Air Squadron which is Malaysia was ordered an additional twelve EC 725 helicopters by the French Defence Ministry to replace twenty which serviced in 2nd Air Squadron. The remaining four are scheduled for delivery in 2012.
Philippines was ordered an additional twelve trainer and multirole aircrafts FA-50 Golden Eagle , constructed $421.12 million, in 28 March 2014 which will be delivered in 18 months after the contract was signed.
helicopters are also in the same process. Philippines ordered an additional three Airbus Military
Corvette class battleships was signed in October 2011. The third and the fourth ships were built in the shipyard of Vietnam. The procurement contract of Kilo Class Diesel-Electric 2015, while all six submarines are expected to complete its
2014, while all three will complete its delivery in 2015.
The enhancement of the military capability of neighboring countries with modern main equipment can lead to the increasing of military capability than in the past. This can also advance the defence industry to be developed and some countries can trade with aligned countries. Furthermore, this development can lead to strong relations in many dimensions between countries, one of which is the joint training activities at the multinational level.
DTI, Heading Toward “ASEAN Community”
I
as a concert of Southeast Asian nations; outward looking; living in peace; stability and prosperity; bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies, resolved that an “ASEAN Community” shall be established. The ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars, namely the ASEAN PoliticalSecurity Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Each pillar has its own Blueprint and roadmap. As far as the ASEAN Political-Security Community is concerned, in 2011, the defense ministers cooperation including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, counter terrorism, and military medicine. In a subsequent meeting, they agreed to adopt Malaysia’s concept paper on paper aims to reduce annual defense imports by ASEAN members from US $25 billion to US $12.5 billion. Defence research and development organization under the Defence research and development of defence technology toward industrial production that will eventually lead to sustainable
self-reliance in the country’s security. It is obvious that DTI plays a major role in achieving the objective of the ADIC concept. industry is to “own� the technology. This allows any nation to apply, modify and build on existing technology since the knowledge, personnel, management and basic infrastructures are readily available. However, process of owning a defence technology is a very lengthy and costly one. Moreover, on. As a result, it is common for each nation to prioritize their requirements and seek collaboration domestically and internationally when possible. That is the very essence of ADIC. It is recognized that Research and Development Organization is an essential asset for defence industry. Currently, only half of ASEAN nations possess such asset at
different level but with the same goal, which is self-reliance. Therefore, it is foreseeable that these organizations will come together and work closely under ADIC concept. Considering the different capability and capacity of every ASEAN nations, the main areas for defence industry collaboration among ASEAN nations are; maintenance and upgrade, research and development, and system integration and manufacturing. These three areas are supportive of one another. Providing and receiving support among ASEAN nations in term of technology and resources will certainly ensure development of defence industry toward selfreliance of not for just one individual nation but for ASEAN as a whole. Fully aware of the possibility, DTI has taken
actions to prepare itself for such collaboration. According to ADIC concept, ASEAN Member States will encourage the development of industrial and technological strength, and to seek opportunities to promote technological sharing nonbinding participation by ASEAN Member States, as well as consistent with the rights and obligations of the ASEAN Member States. Therefore, DTI’s participations within ADIC concept include training and education of defence industry section, partnership or co-production or joint-research on R&D projects and promoting development of R&D projects. Thus far, DIT has prepared toward ASEAN Community in
many aspects, such as reviewing domestic and regional R&D projects and defence industries so as to be ready for bilateral cooperation of R&D organization within ASEAN, and preparing for any collaborations at Defence Minister level apart from ADIC. Since not all of ASEAN nations have Defence R&D organization, DTI is planning to work in harmony with other Defence R&D organizations or any organizations assigned by Defence Ministry and to share resources and technologies, so as to enhance defence industrial and technological capabilities.
The implementation of collaboration in the defence industry among the ASEAN countries can certainly strengthen the regional grouping, as well as open up a new dimension of economic and defence collaboration, thus adding further meaning and strength to the ASEAN spirit. This requires full participation of all sections of all ASEAN nations. DTI is committed and determined to be part of this driving mechanism heading toward “ASEAN Community�
“ ”
ASEAN
T
he cabinet had a meeting’s resolution on 24th August 2010 that approved the establishment of the National ASEAN Committees. The minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affair was the chairperson. The permanent secretary of the ministry was the vice chairperson. All permanent secretaries of all ministries, high representatives of relevant organizations and representatives of three private institutions were committees of the meeting. The director-general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs was the secretary of the meeting. The National ASEAN Committees are mechanisms for jointly making decisions regarding policies by Thai organizations. The committees are The committees can set or propose policies and guidelines for Thailand to participate in ASEAN. The committees can also harmonize policies and movements as well as facilitate In the 21st ASEAN Summit on 21st November 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, it was agreed that the AEC will be
Nonetheless, most challenges for Thailand for join AEC are legal adjustments according to Thailand’s obligations to AEC regarding services. Research found that Thailand still limit the provision of services. The country’s free service provision is still lower than the level stated in laws. The country may have to adjust investment policies according to the local private sectors’ and the country’s increasing economic needs. Moreover, information should be published in English in order to promote transparency. Regarding SME developments, sources should be improved. For competitive policies, research found that Thailand does not have clear guidelines and legal enforcements regarding competition. Presently, Thailand and its neighboring countries have points as follows.
1. Four permanent crossing points between Thailand and as well as thirteen check points for border trade 2. Fifteen permanent crossing points between Thailand and Laos in eight provinces (i.e. Chiang Rai, Nan, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Ubon temporary crossing point (this temporary crossing point is for
border trade and a check point for tourism on the road leading to Preah Vihear Temple 4. Nine permanent crossing points between Thailand and Malaysia in four provinces (i.e. Songkhla, Narathiwat,
Thai government made an agreement with neighboring about travelling across borders. The following border pass documents are prepared in order to facilitate local and foreign travelers. Border Passes are issued for persons born in the border areas. Each pass is effective for one to two years. The effective periods of the passes are different in different countries. To apply for a Border Pass, applicants have to contact the The fee for the application is 200 baht. Temporary Border Passes are issued for persons born outside the border areas. The passes are used for travelling
between Thailand – Myanmar and Thailand – Laos. Each pass can be used for only one time. The passes are issued by the Nevertheless, the uses of the Border Passes and Temporary Border Passes (e.g. the periods of staying in other countries on the agreements between Thailand and its neighboring countries. Thai passport holders can go to all member countries of ASEAN without VISA, except for Myanmar. The passport holders can stay in Brunei or Cambodia for not longer than 14 days; Philippines for not longer than 21 days; and Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam
To travel to Myanmar, Thai passport holders must contact Myanmar Embassy in Thailand in order to apply for VISAs. The applicants must hold passports that have been effective for longer than six months and prepare documents for the application as required by the embassy. • AEC will facilitate trading. If import tariffs are lowered, then consumers will be able to import products with lower import tariffs and people’s purchasing power will be increased. • AEC will create a large market with 10 member countries such as tourism, hotel, restaurant, and health businesses will gain new opportunities. ASEAN will be an important center for exporting products to other countries such as China, Japan and South Korea. • It will be easier to adjust and harmonize ASEAN’s regulations, criteria and standards as well as eliminate measures and obstacles in order to facilitate trades and investments in the community. • Thailand can coordinate with other ASEAN member countries in order to gain advantages of those countries’ experiences, technologies, workers or raw materials, reduce production costs and improve the competitive capabilities of Thai products in the global market. • Transfer of skilled or professional workers will be the professions agreed in ASEAN since Thailand will be skilled workers.
• AEC will stimulate Thai entrepreneurs to adjust themselves and prepare for competitive situations by improving their products’ qualities and standards in order The ASEAN Common Visa that was proposed by Indonesia in 2011 aim for facilitating foreigners who want to come to ASEAN since they used to have to apply for VISAs from the ASEAN member countries. With the ASEAN Common VISAs, the foreigners can apply for VISAs from only one member country. However, the ASEAN Common VISA holders must be checked at immigration checkpoints. The possibility of using the ASEAN Common VISAs is being studied by evaluating the advantages, disadvantages, problems and obstacles of the ASEAN Common VISAs. by facilitating foreigners to come to ASEAN. That is, the ASEAN member countries’ industries, tourisms and economies will Foreign investors outside ASEAN can also take this opportunity to survey and expand their investments in ASEAN. This does not only create new jobs and improve the circulation of funds in the member countries, but it also improves people’s well-being and reduces gaps between the member countries. Using the ASEAN Common VISAs is a challenge for ASEAN and Thailand for handling transitional crimes such as drugs, human should be prepared and set systematically and practically.
Should military study English for ASEAN Economic Community?
W
era due to arrive this year, have you ever asked yourselves whether you are ready for the AEC 2015 or what the impacts of the AEC on our lives will be. economic integration with the goal to form a single market base. It consists of the 10 ASEAN members. When the people, services, and capital will lead to the increase in regional competition. There needs to be a common language for AEC members to use for communication. Certainly internationally in ASEAN community. Moreover, when compared to other ASEAN countries by measuring with TOEFL iBT from 120 points as of the year 2010, the average English skill level of Thai people except Brunei was only 75 points.Thailand is only ahead of Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Vietnam. One scholar mentioned in her topic of “ The role of language requirement is a concern for many Thai people because Thailand is still lagging behind in this area. Several researches have shown that Thailand’s English language level”. Therefore, the coming of the AEC and English an opportunity for Thais to develop their English skills or a challenge to threaten the country. For the Royal Thai Armed Forces whose missions are mainly to defend the country, maintain Thailand's freedom, integrity and sovereignty, we have been playing the major example, the Regional Security and Stability Maintaining,
ASEAN Centre of Military Medicine, the Disaster Management Field Training Exercise etc. Thus, it is unavoidable of our Thai military personnel to accelerate themselves to improve and listening, speaking, reading and writing and practice how to use English in the routine life as frequently as they can in order to perform their duties and performances as assigned among Defence ASEAN forces effectively. In this special Lak Mueng magazine, I would like to turn the spotlight towards the thoughts and opinions of a few of my friends from across ASEAN Economic Community.
from Thailand As someone who is half Thai – English as well as having been born and bred in Thailand, I am by my very nature multicultural and it has long been a dream of mine to share my multicultural insights and perspectives with others in Thailand. Not only is this one of the primary motivations for me as an English teacher, it is also why the development of the AEC holds so much interest for me. English is the designated common language for ASEAN and as such it
will become the main medium by which people from all over the AEC can communicate with each other. I am quite increases with the development of the AEC, so too will the personal and collective consciousness of the people who live within ASEAN be expanded. That is not to say that there will be no pitfalls – mistakes will surely be made and hard lessons will have to be learned – but with the deepening mutual understanding and profound mutual enrichment that will occur I believe that ultimately it will be worth for our ASEAN people.
from Malaysia Inspired to become a developed nation by 2020, Malaysia is poised to compete globally. One of the requirements for Malaysians is to become competent in global languages such as English. Entering AEC, regionally, Malaysia is ready to become education hub that will attract foreign students especially from Asian countries. Thus, it is preeminent for our national language.
The capability of using English for indonesian military the variety of English courses are still needed to improve in
from Myanmar Sure we not only people of Myanmar but also Asean countries should learn English and other languages. The production base where goods can be produced anywhere Communication is the process of sharing ideas, information and messages with others and contains writing and talking with visual communication,
degree of leverage during engagements in the international community. The Asean community recognizes that the English language is a medium whereby understanding can be established between countries with practically different for this. The study of the English language is already institutionalized in the curriculum of Philippine education. Hence, further study to be able to do the basics in writing and speaking the said language may no longer be necessary. However, it might be worthwhile to consider studying the basic conventions of the other languages spoken within the AEC community.
A good language usage with appropriate wordings brings about productive message conveying and reduces barriers to communication. Many languages were globalised, for example English. The fact that not everyone in a country is of the language. Hence, it is important for every nation particularly in ASEAN Community countries to enhance the speaking skills by proactively taking up languages courses that are useful for their careers and community in the long run.
To develop and improve our Thai military personnel’s the Defence Science and Technology Department has launched intensive English and ASEAN courses for all levels and personnel with the great support by the Permanent Secretary for Defence, General Sirichai Distakul.These English
employees etc. For those who are interested in starting studying English, you are welcomed to visit us at the Foreign Language Center,
Asean Economics Community