Japanese youth participants of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program pays a courtesy call on the Ambassador

16/09/2025

On 16 September 2025, Mr. MAKINO Masahiro, Director of the International Youth Exchange Division, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, led 21 Japanese youths from the 49th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) to pay a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, at the Royal Thai Embassy’s Hall.

On this occasion, the Ambassador congratulated the Japanese youth selected to join the SSEAYP and emphasized the importance of the Program in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation among the youths of ASEAN Member States and Japan, serving as a solid foundation for close and cooperative relations among participating nations at both bilateral and multilateral levels. The Ambassador also highlighted the long-standing and cordial ties between Thailand and Japan which will mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. Moreover, the Ambassador and the youth delegates exchanged views on enhancing Thailand - Japan cooperation in various areas such as economy, tourism, education, infrastructure and transportation.

The SSEAYP was initiated in 1974 with an aim to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the youth of Japan and ASEAN Member States, while also serving as a platform to promote the concept of international cooperation and leadership skills among the youth participants. The 49th SSEAYP will be organized in January to February 2026, bringing together 240 youths and officials from Japan, ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. This year, the ship will also make a port call in Thailand, where the participating youths will engage in various activities.