Thailand to host ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Ministerial Meeting in December

Bangkok gears up for AMRDPE-14 from December 8–12, as Thailand takes the lead in fostering regional cooperation on rural development and social welfare, strengthening ASEAN efforts to support vulnerable communities.

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand will host the Fourteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE-14) and related sessions in Bangkok from December 8 to 12, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced today (Aug 23) that this will be the first time Thailand takes the lead in organizing the meeting.

The ASEAN framework on rural development and poverty eradication was established under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community in the wake of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The gathering provides a mechanism for member states to work together under the Ministerial Understanding on ASEAN Cooperation in Rural Development and Poverty Eradication to address social and economic challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Interior serves as the national focal point for this cooperation and oversees the Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE). Under the December hosting arrangement, the Interior Minister will serve as AMRDPE Chair for two years, while the ministry’s Permanent Secretary will hold the position of SOMRDPE Chair for one year. Both roles are part of a rotating hosting system among ASEAN members.

The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat, will serve as the secretariat for the December meetings, handling preparations and providing administrative and technical support throughout the event.

Officials said AMRDPE-14 will provide Thailand with an opportunity to play a stronger role in shaping ASEAN’s work on rural development and poverty reduction, while also supporting the country’s priorities for equitable growth and improved social well-being. (NNT)

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