Correct option is B
Laos was not a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) at the time of its formation in 1967. ASEAN was established on
8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, by five founding member countries:
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Laos joined ASEAN later, on
23 July 1997, as part of the organization's expansion.
Key Details:
1. ASEAN was formed to promote regional cooperation in political, economic, and cultural domains.
2. The five founding members emphasized the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and non-interference in internal affairs.
3. Laos joined as part of the organization's expansion into Indochina, along with Myanmar in 1997.
4. ASEAN now has 10 member states, including Brunei (joined in 1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999).
Information Booster
· ASEAN’s primary objectives include fostering economic growth, social progress, and regional stability among member nations.
· The Bangkok Declaration (1967) is the founding document of ASEAN.
· ASEAN operates on principles like consensus decision-making and non-interference in internal matters, often referred to as the "ASEAN Way."
· The ASEAN region collectively represents a significant economic and geopolitical bloc, impacting global trade and diplomacy.