Report by Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Eleventh Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on International Humanitarian Law

Report by

His Excellency Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa

Minister of Foreign Affairs

At the Eleventh Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture

On International Humanitarian Law

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and the Thai Red Cross Society

At Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18 August 2025

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May it please Your Royal Highness,

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in shared gratitude with the Thai Red Cross Society-our co-host in this Lecture-I have the honour and great privilege to extend our deepest appreciation to Your Royal Highness for once again graciously attending this prestigious Lecture Series held in Your Royal Highness's honour, as the Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society.

This occasion marks yet another affirmation of our collective commitment: that even in the gravest moments of armed conflict, international humanitarian law must be upheld.

At this moment in history, we celebrate two legacies that continue to guide our commitment to international peace and humanity: first, the 150^th anniversary of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and second, just last week, the 76^th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions-a lasting legal framework that sets rules to protect people in war, upheld and put into action by the neutral and independent International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. One forges peace through diplomacy; the other defends decency in times of war. Together, they stand not as relics of the past, but as guardians of order at a time when leadership grounded in principles matters more than ever. These legacies remind us not only of who we are, but of what we are called to uphold.

The Ministry's legacy is one of consistency. In each test of dispute, Thailand has chosen the same course: negotiation, dialogue, and agreement, the means by which peace is secured. For generations, our Ministry has met conflict not with force, but with the work of turning tension into understanding and hostility into cooperation. This is more than a mechanism; it is a conviction that lasting peace is not built on the battlefield, but at the table, and that diplomacy proves its worth when it removes the need for arms.

The negotiating history of the Geneva Conventions is, in itself, a lesson: that even after the worst of wars, nations can sit down, negotiate, and agree on rules that put humanity first. They do not presume that goodwill alone can end war. Their philosophy accepts a plain truth: pacifism, noble as it may be, remains beyond immediate reach. From that realism comes a moral duty: to set clear limits on the conduct of war and to ensure that humanity is upheld even in armed conflict.

This is pragmatism of principle: peace as the goal, restraint in war as the duty. It is why Thailand has stood firm in its commitment to the core principles of international humanitarian law: distinction, to shield civilians; proportionality, to prevent excessive harm; precaution, to avoid needless suffering; and humanity, to protect dignity. These are not just words in a treaty. They are living safeguards which keep open the road to reconciliation.

Since its inception in 2003, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on International Humanitarian Law has played an important role in shaping how we understand and engage with IHL. This Lecture has drawn participation from those at the forefront of humanitarian and legal affairs, including privy councilors, judges, ministers, diplomats, senior officials, military officers, academics, and representatives of both international and governmental organisations.

At this Eleventh Lecture, we are profoundly honoured to welcome Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who will turn our attention to the urgent concern on "Upholding Humanity in Contemporary Warfare."

Madam President's distinguished career reflects deep expertise in diplomacy, international law, and humanitarian affairs. From the United Nations to the Swiss diplomatic corps, she has helped shape global policy in response to some of the most complex crises of our time. Today, she brings not only the authority of her office, but also the expertise of a practitioner who has long worked on the frontlines. Her visit offers Thailand a timely opportunity to draw on this experience as we strengthen our own contributions to humanitarian action.

Your Royal Highness,

Last October, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Thai National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, chaired by our Permanent Secretary. This body will advise on IHL compliance and help embed it into national law and policy. Yet the true measure of such a body lies not in its creation, but in its application. To that end, the Ministry will convene the Committee's inaugural meeting very soon. With the support of the ICRC, it is a deliberate move to bring law off the page and into practice where it matters most.

Just last month, Thailand joined the ICRC's "Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law." We commend Madam President for her vision in launching this Initiative, which seeks to strengthen political resolve for the respect and implementation of IHL worldwide. Thailand is honoured to join this global effort and looks forward to the forthcoming report of the Initiative, which we trust will offer valuable guidance to States and practitioners.

Before I conclude, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Thai Red Cross Society for its partnership in co-hosting this Lecture Series, and for its dedication to humanitarian service. As an auxiliary to the public authorities, it remains a trusted partner in advancing IHL in Thailand.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish to reaffirm our profound gratitude to Your Royal Highness for once again bestowing this Lecture with Your gracious presence and patronage.