“Thailand attaches great importance to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and adjacent areas, as well as restoring trust and confidence among countries in the regions, in order to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity through cooperation on all constructive activities,” the press release said.

“The situation in the South China Sea should be addressed through concerted efforts and by every means, on the basis of mutual trust and confidence as well as equitable benefit, to reflect the nature of the long standing ASEAN-China relations,” it added.

Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, “The full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) should by all means be stressed, and the need for all parties concerned to work expeditiously for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) is of paramount importance to allow us to emerge stronger together.”

The ministry confirmed, “Towards such end, and while reaffirming the support for previous ASEAN statements regarding the situation in the South China Sea, Thailand believes that the ultimate goal for all that would benefit the peoples should be to render the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development.”