In this talk at the Blavatnik School of Government, the leader of the Democrat Party of Thailand and former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2008-2011) will discuss Thailand’s role in the Asean Economic Community (AEC)*, as well as the AEC’s position as a force on the global stage. The AEC has enormous diversity and is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, but it also has to juggle geopolitical challenges.  

Mr Abhisit will explore with audience members the great challenges and opportunities for a democratic Thailand and its role within the AEC. Can the AEC realise its full potential, both political and economic? Can the AEC emerge as a force on the global stage? What is Thailand's roadmap leading up to the elections? 

This event is open to all University of Oxford members. Space is limited.

Registration is now closed.

The event will be streamed live and recorded on the Blavatnik School of Government YouTube channel.

The talk is held in collaboration with the Oxford Thai Foundation, a sponsorship programme to help promising young professionals from Thailand topursue advanced degrees at the University of Oxford in the broad field of public policy. Further details at: www.oxfordthaifoundation.org

*The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a political and economic organization of ten Southeast Asian countries. It was formed on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam. Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members alongside protection of regional stability as well as providing a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.