At the invitation of the Office of Justice Affairs of the Ministry of Justice of Thailand, CPG Director Henning Glaser participated as a speaker at the seminar “Thailand Rule of Law NEXT 2026,” organized by the Ministry of Justice of Thailand on 14 January.

The seminar was opened by Ms. Pongsawat Neelayothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, followed by special remarks by Prof. Emeritus Thongthong Chandrangsu. It brought together policymakers, academics, diplomats, civil society representatives, and young voices to discuss the future of the rule of law, fundamental rights, and justice reform in Thailand.

In his panel—moderated by Prof. Akelarak Chaiyaphumi (Kasetsart University)—Henning Glaser, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panurat Jitthing (Thammasat University), Ms. Chonticha Chaengrew (former Member of Parliament, People’s Party), and student representative Achira Petrueng, examined challenges related to access to justice, barriers to the protection of fundamental rights, the effectiveness of law enforcement in human rights related cases, and the policy and suitable institutional reforms.

Other panels explored pathways for advancing the rule of law in Thailand, including comparative perspectives on Western and Eastern concepts of the rule of law, as well as the rights of offenders to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Speakers included, among others, H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand; Pol. Lt. Col. Montri Boonyothin, Deputy Director of the Office of Justice Affairs, Ministry of Justice; Prof. Trin Phorak (Mahidol University); and Asst. Prof. Pronyos Chatarakul (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi).

CPG extends many thanks for the opportunity to contribute to this rich and forward-looking dialogue on strengthening the rule of law, fundamental rights, and justice system reform in Thailand and Southeast Asia.