About ASEAN

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional & intergovernmental organisation of 10 countries of southeast Asia. 
• ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Its members are Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. 
• The organisation aims to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership. They work towards the progress of the southeast Asia region. 

Why in News?

• Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24, in what will be the coup leader’s first official trip since the military deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Myanmar has been in upheaval since Min Aung Hlaing ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. Security forces have killed 728 people, according to an activist group, in an attempt to crush protests.
• Myanmar’s neighbours have been trying to encourage talks between the junta and the ousted government, but the military has shown little willingness to engage.

Reference:

1. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-chief-attend-asean-summit-first-foreign-trip-since-coup-2021-04-17/