Jakarta (ANTARA) – In the Southeast Asia region, cooperation between countries has continued to develop since the inception of ASEAN on August 8, 1967. Starting from five founding countries, this regional organization is strengthening with the membership of various neighboring countries in the region.
This long journey reached a new chapter at the 47th ASEAN Summit, when East Timor was officially accepted as a new member. So, which are the countries that have joined ASEAN from the beginning until now?
This is a comprehensive list of ASEAN member countries from time to time and the year they joined, based on information collected from various sources.
List of ASEAN member countries from inception to newest
According to information released on the official website of ASEAN, this organization of Southeast Asian countries was born on August 8, 1967. Its formation was marked by the signing of the Bangkok Agreement Declaration from five countries that were the initial driver of regional cooperation, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Since its founding, ASEAN has had the important mission of maintaining regional stability, encouraging economic growth, and strengthening social and cultural relations among the nations of Southeast Asia.
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The development doesn’t stop here. Subsequently several countries joined, so much so that the number of members has today reached 11 countries. The following is the order of member countries and their official entry time into ASEAN:
1. Indonesia has been a member since the founding of ASEAN on August 8, 1967.
2. Malaysia has been a member of ASEAN since 8 August 1967.
3. The Philippines also officially joined as a member on August 8, 1967.
4. Singapore joined the other founding countries on 8 August 1967.
5. Thailand was one of the countries that signed the formation declaration on August 8, 1967.
6. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on January 7, 1984, not long after gaining independence.
7. Vietnam officially became a member on July 28, 1995.
8. Laos joined ASEAN on 23 July 1997.
9. Myanmar was also accepted as a member on 23 July 1997.
10. Cambodia followed later and officially joined on 30 April 1999.
11. East Timor became the latest addition to the member countries on 26 October 2025, at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
East Timor’s entry as a new member represents an important impetus for ASEAN. Their presence is expected to strengthen regional integration and open up more opportunities for collaboration, both in the fields of economy, education and sustainable development.
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East Timor is officially a member of ASEAN after 14 years of waiting
East Timor is now officially part of the big family Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the 11th member country. This historic moment was confirmed at the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia on 26 October 2025. This decision is an important step that strengthens ties in the Southeast Asia region.
With the addition of East Timor, the number of countries joining ASEAN has now grown to 11, all of which have agreed to continue to strengthen regional stability, encourage joint economic growth and maintain a sense of unity among Southeast Asian nations.
The signing of the accession declaration document was carried out directly by the Prime Minister of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao, in Kuala Lumpur Conventions Center (KLCC). All leaders of ASEAN countries were present on this occasion, including the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.
This process has been a long journey of at least 14 years since East Timor first applied to join ASEAN in 2011 under the leadership of Jose Ramos-Horta.
Previously, in 2022, East Timor was given an observer position in the organization. However, full member status can only be achieved after various technical problems and cooperation challenges have been resolved.
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Reporter: Sean Anggiatheda Sitorus
Publisher: Suryanto
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