“Flavour of ASEAN” Luncheon between the ASEAN Vienna Committee (AVC) and the CTBTO

On 9 April 2026, H.E. Miss Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Vienna, hosted a “Flavour of ASEAN” luncheon in honour of Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), at the Residence of the Royal Thai Residence. The Ambassadors, Chargé d’affaires a.i. and representatives from ASEAN Vienna Committee (AVC) also attended. Currently, AVC is under the chairpersonship of the Philippines.

The luncheon provided an excellent opportunity for a constructive exchange of information and views on current challenges, opportunities, and future avenues to strengthen  cooperation between ASEAN and the CTBTO.

ASEAN plays an important role in supporting implementation of the objectives of the CTBT. The ASEAN region hosts a total of 12 International Monitoring System (IMS) stations, contributing to the global verification regime. Thailand alone hosts two IMS stations in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Pathom, reflecting its strong commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the maintenance of international peace and security.

During the luncheon, the participants also reaffirmed the shared commitment between ASEAN Member States and the CTBTO to strengthening collaboration in areas such as enhancing the effectiveness of the Treaty’s verification regime, capacity-building initiatives, technical cooperation, and promoting the broader applications of CTBT-related technologies for civil and scientific purposes.