During 18 - 20 August 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) co-hosted the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on International Humanitarian Law, at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, under the theme “Navigating Contemporary Challenges to Preserve Humanity in Conflict.” The Conference brought together over 100 government representatives from 23 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

On the first day of the conference on 18 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, presided over the Opening Ceremony of the conference alongside Mr. Régis Savioz, ICRC Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. In his remarks, the Vice Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation between Thailand and the ICRC in promoting respect for international humanitarian law (IHL). The Vice Minister also shared Thailand’s significant developments in promoting IHL, including through the organizing of the “Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn” Lecture on IHL and the convening of the first meeting of the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law in 2025.

Later in the evening of the same day, Mr. Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, delivered remarks at the welcoming reception for the participants. The Director-General highlighted the importance of cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of experiences among countries in the region to promote compliance with IHL and address contemporary challenges to the protection of civilians and persons protected under IHL.

On the last day of the conference on 20 August 2026, Ms. Pinsuda Jayanama, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, and Mr. Jürg Montani, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in Bangkok delivered remarks at the closing ceremony. The Director-General expressed Thailand’s appreciation to the ICRC and all parties involved for the successful outcome of the conference. She also highlighted that while the forms and character of warfare may change in the present, the fundamental principles of IHL to preserve humanity remain crucial and unchanged. The Director-General also hoped that the conference will further promote the translation of IHL principles into concrete action.

The Conference provided a platform for exchanging views, knowledge and experiences on various issues, such as the searching for and collecting the shipwrecked during armed conflict at sea, and the protection of civilians during armed conflict. The outcomes of these discussions will be presented at the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War, to be held on 7 December 2026 in Jordan.