ASEAN, The Association of South East Asian Nations was formed on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, only to be joined by Brunei Darussalam in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos & Myanmar in 1997 and Cambodia in 1999.
ASEAN was formed to speed up the growth of the economy, social progress & development of culture through helping each other out in equality and partnership while promoting peace & stability throughout the region, having respect for justice and the rule of the law amongst the countries in the South East Asian region, to strengthen the foundation for community of Southeast Asian nations which is prosperous and peaceful.