Thailand’s exceptional gastronomy has long been celebrated, attracting visitors worldwide for its unique recipes and bold flavours. From the bustling streets of Yaowarat to the emerging food haven of Banthat Thong, foreign tourists and locals flock to savour the diverse culinary offerings from hundreds of street vendors.
The ASEAN region, while agriculturally abundant, confronts a precarious balance regarding food security. As a major contributor to global food production, the region plays a vital role in improving the availability of food. Despite its agricultural strength, however, millions across ASEAN still face food insecurity, driven by climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and rising food prices. With such recognition, ASEAN’s approach over the past decades has been multifaceted, focusing on regional cooperation and innovation to enhance food security. This article explores the evolving landscape of ASEAN’s long-term food security by outlining the challenges, progress, and policies shaping the region’s sustainable future.
“The agritech sector across ASEAN has seen both remarkable successes and sobering failures.” Thirty-five-year-old Aukrit Unahalekhaka shares this candid view with The ASEAN during our conversation. The co-founder and CEO of Ricult, an agricultural technology startup, has worked in the field since 2016. He launched the company alongside Usman Javaid, a fellow master’s student from Pakistan at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He shares the same mission: to help farmers in their home countries.
As ASEAN Member States move toward the ratification of the ASEAN Food Safety Regulatory Framework (AFSRF) Agreement, this edition offers a glimpse into the collaborative efforts behind its development. It also explores how regional mechanisms support risk assessment, emergency response, and public outreach.
Complementing these institutional efforts are stories from chefs, food advocates, and innovators who reflect on food’s power to nourish, heal, and bring people together.
