On Tuesday 4th August, the Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (HE Leasi Papali'i Scanlan) attended the Flag Raising Ceremony to celebrate the 53rd Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day. The Ceremony was held at the Royal Thai Embassy and attended by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the ASEAN Countries as well as several other Diplomatic Heads of Mission. Also in attendance was the NZ Minister of Defence (Hon Ron Mark) as well as member of Parliament Melissa Lee. The Keynote address was delivered by the Chair of the ASEAN Committee the Ambassador of Thailand (HE Mr Danai Menabodhi) whilst the NZ Government response was delivered by Mr Mark Sinclair (Acting Deputy Secretary Americas & Asia Group of NZ MFAT).

Invited Guests were hosted to morning tea following the speeches and official photographs.