Asean has to be the champion as this is a litmus test of Asean centrality and whether the 48-year-old body has what it takes. It must act as a group with one voice, otherwise it will send the wrong signal to dialogue partners on other critical issues such as climate change and the South China Sea dispute.
Thailand was quite happy with the meeting, even though the three outlined objectives have been partially met. Already, global awareness has increased greatly. Most importantly, surveillance, plus search and rescue efforts were underway well before the meeting to help those stranded at sea.
The Thai and US joint naval and air force teams have closely cooperated, ignoring their current political bickering, for common causes. The Thai navy, often demonised in the past for its stringent patrols, is suddenly being treated as the good guys. Recently, Thailand also launched integrated special taskforces, known as the Operation Centre for Patrol and Human Assistance for Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean, to help with search and rescue efforts.