Asean leaders express condolences for Thanat
Asean foreign ministers have extended their condolences and praised the late former foreign minister Thanat Khoman for his “immeasurable contribution” to the association’s foundation.
In a joint statement, Asean foreign ministers said they are saddened over the loss of the last founding father, Thanat, who built a strong base for the association along with four other foreign ministers. Thanat died on Thursday at 101.
“His immeasurable contribution and dedication to the establishment of Asean has laid a solid foundation for the Asean Community. On this sorrowful occasion, we would like to express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to his family through the government of the Kingdom of Thailand,” the statement said.
A royally sponsored bathing rite was held yesterday at his residence on Phetchaburi Road at 6.30pm. The funeral ceremony, sponsored by His Majesty the King, started yesterday and will continue until Friday, followed by funeral prayers.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva led key party members to join the bathing rite as Thanat was a former party leader. Mr Abhisit lauded his significant contribution to the country in diplomatic and political arenas.
On Aug 8, 1967, Thanat joined four other foreign ministers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore in signing the declaration to establish Asean, pledging cooperation in all aspects among the member countries.
Thanat also played a major role in protecting national interest during the Cold War period through the Thanat-Rusk Joint Communique, which assured US assistance if Thailand faced communist aggression.