The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was an international organization for collective defense in Southeast Asia created by the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, or Manila Pact, signed in September 1954.

Why was SEATO established?

In September of 1954, the United States, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan formed the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, or SEATO. The purpose of the organization was to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region.

How many countries are in SEATO?

On Feb. 19, 1955, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was created to help combat this spread. Of the eight member countries, only two (Thailand and the Philippines) were actually located in Southeast Asia. Other members included the United States, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Australia, and Pakistan.