Bangkok, Thailand. 5–6 June 2025. To ensure the seamless execution of the forthcoming 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference, a Pre-Conference Coordination Meeting was successfully held from 5 to 6 June 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. This meeting aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination, align logistical and operational preparations, and draw from the experiences of past and future conference hosts.
The Royal Thai Police (RTP), as the host of the upcoming 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference scheduled from 30 July to 3 August 2025, led the two-day coordination meeting. Delegates from the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, the Myanmar Police Force (MPF)—host of the previous 42nd ASEANAPOL Conference—and the Philippine National Police (PNP)—incoming host of the 44th Conference in 2026—actively participated in the planning sessions and on-site evaluations.
The meeting was officially opened by Police Major General Surapan Thaiprasert, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Head of INTERPOL NCB Bangkok, followed by remarks from ASEANAPOL Secretariat Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan. Delegates from RTP included Police Major General Sujettama Sotthibandhu, Commander of the Police Forensic Science Center, alongside other key officers. Representing the MPF were Police Lieutenant Colonel Miyo Thant Tin and Police Captain Aung Ko, while the PNP delegation was led by Police Brigadier General Christopher R. Dela Cruz, accompanied by Police Colonel Harold Depositar and NUP Ruth Sison. The ASEANAPOL Secretariat team also included Director for Police Services Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan and Director for Planning and Programmes Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc.
The meeting featured a ceremonial exchange of tokens among delegations, reinforcing goodwill and collaboration. The MPF presented a detailed briefing on their hosting of the 42nd ASEANAPOL Conference, highlighting best practices and lessons learned which could serve as benchmarks for the RTP. These insights helped inform planning strategies for the upcoming conference in Bangkok.
Discussions focused on the overall program of activities, event flow, and support requirements for the high-level gathering. Delegates conducted physical inspections of all key venues, including those designated for the Executive Committee Meeting, Opening Ceremony, Plenary Sessions, Commission Meetings, Bilateral Discussions, dining and accommodation areas, as well as the golf course selected for the friendly tournament.
The meeting concluded on 6 June 2025 with the ASEANAPOL Secretariat expressing its appreciation for the RTP’s advanced level of preparedness and organizational commitment. Technical recommendations were also provided to enhance the conference’s delivery and participant experience.
This coordination meeting not only ensured that all foundational aspects of the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference were aligned but also reinforced a culture of cooperation among current, past, and future hosts. The presence of the PNP as observers reflected ASEANAPOL’s dedication to institutional memory and knowledge continuity as it looks ahead to future conferences, ensuring sustained excellence in regional law enforcement collaboration.
