History of Asean and Asean (Plus)

1. Meaning and History of ASEAN

ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic organization of ten Southeast Asian countries. It was formed on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand  .

2. The Purpose of ASEAN

• To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
• To promote regional peace and stability.
• To promote collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest.
• To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities.
• To collaborate for the better utilisation of agriculture and industry to raise the living standards of the people.
• To promote Southeast Asian studies.
• To maintain close, beneficial co-operation with existing international organisations with similar aims and purposes.

3. Memberso of ASEAN

1. Indonesia                     Joined      ASEAN      on       8 August 1967
2. Malaysia                     Joined       ASEAN      on       8 August 1967
3. The Philippines          Joined       ASEAN       on      8 August 1967
4. Singapore                   Joined       ASEAN       on      8 August 1967
5. Thailand                     Joined       ASEAN       on      8 August 1967
6. Brunei ​​​​​                        Joined      ASEAN        on     7 January 1984
7. Vietnam                      Joined      ASEAN        on     28 July 1995
8. Laos                            Joined      ASEAN        on     23 July 1997
9. Myanmar (Burma)      Joined      ASEAN        on     23 July 1997
10. Cambodia                   Joined       ASEAN        on     30 April 1999 

4. What is ASEAN way?

The 'ASEAN Way' refers to a methodology or approach to solving issues that respects the cultural norms of Southeast Asia.

5.What are ASEAN Plus Countries?

     When you see ASEAN +1 or ASEAN +2 it means meetings between ASEAN and countries/dialogue partners outside ASEAN,
for example,

     ASEAN+1 means ASEAN + China or Japan or Korea or India. So in this case the plus country is not fixed.

     ASEAN+3 means ASEAN+China+Japan+Korea; that's fixed.

     SEAN Plus 6

Continue reading

The best places in Cambodia to Visit

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the Southeast Asia's, largest and famous tourist attraction. Each year thousands of visitors make the short journey north of Siem Reap to visit the magnificent remains of the capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating from the ninth century. Here we’ll learn much about Khmer culture and history of Angkor period and this best temple.

2. Phnom Penh

Cambodia's capital teems with tuk-tuk drivers and street food vendors. Weave through the city, spotting roadside pagodas nestled amongst grand French colonial houses. Why not try a local delicacy, deep fried tarantula? When cocktail hour calls, there's no better place to catch a sundowner and appreciate some colonial grandeur than at the Foreign Correspondence Club on the bank on the Mekong River that runs through the city.

3. The Killing Fields

Over three million Cambodians were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The scale of the site, coupled with the tales told over your audio guide, is deeply moving and provides real insight in to the country's violent past, as well as the regime's enduring legacy. You can couple your visit here with a trip to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum by a tuk-tuk.

4. Siem Reap

The drop-off point for Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap has developed into a tourist hub over recent years. Grab a few bargains at the night market, or get a fish pedicure for pennies, before heading to Pub Street for...well the name says it all really! For daytime tranquility, head to Wat Bo Village and relax in the gardens of the oldest Buddhist temple. Then we can go for any best hotels there at night.

5. Sihanoukville

The main reason to come here is the beaches, beautifully sandy and not as crowded as Thailand's. With six sandy spots to chill out in, you'll be spoilt for choice. Less popular than Victory or Serendipity Beach, Otres Beach is usually quieter and a good spot to try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking.

6. Koh Rong

Koh Rong is the new desert island paradise. Only accessible by a small local ferry, not many travellers make the short ride out from Sihanoukville to this picturesque spot. With 23 pristine beaches to choose from, you'll be tempted to laze the days away in the sunshine. For the adventurous, there's plenty of opportunities for hiking, diving and snorkelling. You'll find cheap cocktails, tasty Khmer food and the best sunset sea view at Monkey Island.

7. Kampot

Once famous for its salt and pepper production, Kampot is a charming riverside town. Days spent watching the river, slurping noodles in the market and cycling through the hills are what this place was made for. If you're feeling adventurous, take a trip 20km out of Kampot and visit the French colonial ghost town, Bokor Hill Station. Originally a retreat for colonial settlers, it was abandoned when the Khmer Rouge took control of the area in the 1970's and has remained eerily untouched ever since.

Continue reading