23 February 1955

SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok

Bangkok hosted the first conference of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO), which was supported by the United States as a unified response against communism in China and Southeast Asia.

The city gave delegates a warm welcome after undergoing months of preparations, including significantly upgrading its hotels. Member nations in attendance included the US, Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. Prince Wan Waithayakon, the Thai foreign minister, chaired the meeting. ‘In addition to such considerations as our love of peace and freedom, and our central positions in this area threatened by communist expansion, Thailand has a record of international experience which may be helpful in determining the requirements of the situation,’ Prince Wan said.

Britain’s Sir Anthony Eden praised Prince Wan, saying, ‘Even the birds obey your slightest nod.’ Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram warned that ‘the situation, in our treaty area, requires greater watchfulness and preparedness’. Plaek told the group to `produce concrete and far-reaching results, to preserve freedom and peace with honour, and promote economic and social wellbeing.’

At the meeting’s conclusion, the group announced that its secretariat would be located in Bangkok. In July, military chiefs from member countries convened their first meeting at the Bangkok headquarters to discuss strategy.

23 February 1955

SEATO’s first meeting held in Bangkok

Bangkok hosted the first conference of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO), which was supported by the United States as a unified response against communism in China and Southeast Asia.

The city gave delegates a warm welcome after undergoing months of preparations, including significantly upgrading its hotels. Member nations in attendance included the US, Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. Prince Wan Waithayakon, the Thai foreign minister, chaired the meeting. ‘In addition to such considerations as our love of peace and freedom, and our central positions in this area threatened by communist expansion, Thailand has a record of international experience which may be helpful in determining the requirements of the situation,’ Prince Wan said.

Britain’s Sir Anthony Eden praised Prince Wan, saying, ‘Even the birds obey your slightest nod.’ Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram warned that ‘the situation, in our treaty area, requires greater watchfulness and preparedness’. Plaek told the group to `produce concrete and far-reaching results, to preserve freedom and peace with honour, and promote economic and social wellbeing.’

At the meeting’s conclusion, the group announced that its secretariat would be located in Bangkok. In July, military chiefs from member countries convened their first meeting at the Bangkok headquarters to discuss strategy.