The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was founded on 8th August, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand by the five original member countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei joined ASEAN in 1984. Vietnam became its seventh member in 1995. Laos and Myanmar were admitted to this association in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. The main goals of the Association are to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development; and to promote peace and stability through respect for justice, and the rule of law, in the relationship between countries in the region.