Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged Asean member countries to strengthen themselves domestically and increase immunity from new threats.
He made the remarks during his address at the 30th Asean Summit in Manila on Saturday as he called for regional resilience and increased regional trade.
As Asean celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the summit and related meetings are being hosted from April 28-30 by the Philippines under the theme "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World".
Leaders participate in a signing Ceremony during the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila on Saturday. They took a softer stance on disputes in the South China Sea during the summit. (EPA photo)
Gen Prayut said the 50th anniversary serves as an opportunity for member nations to figure out how the grouping will be able to move forward in a secure and sustainable manner and to fulfil the needs and increasing expectations of people in the region.
He stressed the need for Asean members to be strong from within and equip themselves with immunity from various kinds of threats, especially new ones.
He called on member countries to cooperate more on border management with the support of an efficient system of exchanging information and intelligence.
Gen Prayut said it is important to increase Asean countries' potential to deal with threats from terrorism and extremism and to promote middle-of the road approaches and foster better understanding between different religions and races.
He expressed support for the establishment of an Asean cybersecurity centre to forge regional resilience against cyber attacks. He said Thailand is ready to host meetings to brainstorm ideas on the matter with the support of partners outside Asean.
Gen Prayut stressed the need for member countries to deal with natural disasters systematically under Asean's logistical operations for emergency relief and response with the assistance of regional centres such as the Asean Centre of Military Medicine and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre.
Gen Prayut also said that Asean should focus on transforming itself into a regional community which promotes human security with all sectors allowed to participate and benefit.
He also called on member countries to boost cooperation to achieve the goal of sustainable development while creating partnerships with other countries outside the bloc and international organisations.
The prime minister said Asean should establish constructive connectivity with the Asia-Pacific region and the world in driving the Asean economy.