Events prior to ASEAN

SEATO was established in 1954 as a defensive alliance, primarily in response to the growing threat of communism during the Cold War. It included member states such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. SEATO aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia and promote regional security.

ASA was an organization founded by Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia in 1961 to promote economic and cultural cooperation in the region. Like Maphilindo, ASA was a precursor to ASEAN, and it dissolved in 1967 with the establishment of ASEAN.