On 18 August 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with Thai Red Cross Society organised the 11th Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on International Humanitarian Law at Vithes Samosorn. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously attended the Lecture since its inception in 2003.

This year’s Lecture was honoured by the presence of Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who delivered a lecture on “Upholding Humanity in Contemporary Warfare.” She shared her experiences and perspectives on current humanitarian challenges, emphasising the urgent need to raise awareness of and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, amid a global landscape in which the ICRC has identified approximately 130 armed conflicts, the highest number in decades. Ms. Spoljaric warned of the growing trend of the “weaponisation of information” and the proliferation of new types of weapons, particularly autonomous weapon systems, which she stressed should compel States to preserve accountability with the utmost rigour. She also called on all parties to uphold the fundamental principles of humanity in times of war and to respect the rules-based international order grounded in the rule of law.

H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his report to Her Royal Highness, underlined that this year’s Lecture reflects Thailand’s collective commitment: that even in the gravest moments of armed conflict, international humanitarian law must be upheld. He also highlighted the Ministry’s 150-year legacy of choosing the path of negotiation to turn tension into understanding and transform hostility into cooperation—for lasting peace is not built on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table, and diplomacy proves its worth when it removes the need for arms.

The 11th Lecture was attended by over 300 participants from government agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, academia, the private sector, and the media. The event also featured exhibitions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Red Cross Society, and the ICRC, providing the public with insights into the principles of international humanitarian law and humanitarian operations, which drew considerable interest from attendees. This year’s Lecture was part of Thailand’s implementation of one of the eight pledges announced at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held in Geneva in October 2024, to promote and widely disseminate the recognition and respect for international humanitarian law. It reaffirms Thailand’s humanitarian role both at national and international levels.

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