Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra opens the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum 2025 in Pattaya and launches joint maritime drills, with Cambodia’s absence highlighting growing regional tensions. PATTAYA, Thailand — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday officially opened the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum 2025 (ACF 2025) and a series of coordinated maritime safety exercises in Pattaya, where Cambodia’s absence stood out amid rising bilateral tensions. The forum, hosted at the Hilton Pattaya from June 24–27, aims to promote maritime safety, security, and prosperity in the region. The Thai Navy, under Admiral Jirapol Wongvith, welcomed delegations from almost all ASEAN member states, observer nations, and regional maritime partners. However, Cambodia did not send any representatives, despite being invited. In her keynote address, Prime Minister Paetongtarn welcomed guests to Pattaya and underscored the importance of maritime security in maintaining regional stability. “The seas are not only trade routes and sources of natural resources but are also vulnerable to evolving threats including transnational crime, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and drug smuggling. ASEAN must act together to protect our shared maritime domain,” she said. The forum featured live demonstrations of aerial search and rescue and maritime emergency medical response near Pattaya Beach, adjacent to the Hilton Hotel, overseen by Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC). Paetongtarn also received an operational briefing from the center, which coordinates maritime law enforcement efforts across agencies. Aerial search-and-rescue and maritime emergency drills unfolded near Pattaya Beach by the Hilton Hotel, as Thai-MECC showcased coordinated operations during the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum; Prime Minister Paetongtarn received a briefing on Thailand’s multi-agency maritime enforcement strategy. The Prime Minister commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its continued support, allowing closer collaboration between ASEAN maritime security bodies. UNODC representatives also participated in the forum. The absence of Cambodia drew quiet attention during the event, as all other ASEAN members sent coast guard or naval representatives. No official explanation was offered by Phnom Penh, but the no-show comes as diplomatic friction continues between Thailand and Cambodia over a leaked phone call between PM Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The ACF, launched in 2023 under Indonesia’s chairmanship, aims to become a recurring regional platform for maritime security cooperation. The Philippines hosted ACF 2024, and Thailand’s hosting of ACF 2025 comes at a time of increased urgency to strengthen coordinated maritime enforcement. Approximately 50 participants attended this year’s meeting, including ASEAN member representatives, observers, and UNODC delegates. The forum is expected to produce recommendations on interagency cooperation, joint training, and sharing of intelligence to combat maritime threats. Prime Minister Paetongtarn closed her remarks by encouraging all countries to build long-term partnerships for peace and safety at sea, emphasizing ASEAN solidarity in turbulent geopolitical times.