On 18 November 2024, Dr. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, delivered opening remarks to launch the 2024 United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific, which is being held from 18 November – 11 December 2024 at the UNESCAP, Bangkok, with participants representing 21 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region, including officials from Thailand’s government agencies.
Also in attendance were Ms. Armida Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) who delivered remarks; and Mr. Markus Pallek, Principal Legal Officer of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. In addition, H.E. Mr. Phubadi La-Or-Ngern, Ambassador Attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Songchai Chaipatiyut, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, and Mrs. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, Director of Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), also hosted a dinner reception in honour of the participants, where the guests enjoyed a showcase of traditional Thai cultural performances and Thai delicacy, leaving a lasting and memorable impression.
Thailand has been honoured to co-host the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific in collabration with the United Nations since 1986. This course provides an invaluable opportunity for legal professionals, particularly government officials and academics from developing countries, to deepen their understanding of international law. It serves as a platform for participants to exchange perspectives and practical experiences with distinguished lecturers who are experts of international laws and practices.