22 August 2023

U.S. and Thailand Co-host Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Workshop in Bangkok to Strengthen Regional Nonproliferation Coordination


This multilateral workshop brings together civilian and military leaders from Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, the United States, and Thailand. During the workshop, participants will examine modern weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation pathways, improve understanding of WMD interdiction obligations, explore legal frameworks and the best practices of partners, and enhance the connections of the “Countering WMD” community in Southeast Asia. The workshop also includes briefs, including an expert brief on global and regional proliferation threats from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, panel discussions, and a scenario-based tabletop discussion focused on intra-governmental information sharing and decision-making about potential WMD-related proliferation activities in the region.

The PSI was established in 2003 to stop or impede transfers of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. Thus far, more than 100 states have endorsed the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles.

Countries that participate in the PSI by endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles make a political commitment to take action to impede or stop, individually or in coordination with other partner states, shipments of WMD-related materials to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern, consistent with domestic and international laws and frameworks.

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