Thailand: Asia-Pacific Symposium discusses IHL and new technologies of warfare

Held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 24 to 26 June 2025, the three-day event was jointly hosted by the Judge Advocate General’s Department, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence of Thailand and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Discussions centred on the legal, ethical and humanitarian implications of new military technologies – including cyber operations, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous weapon systems (AWS) and military operations in outer space.

Opening the symposium, Juan Pedro Schaerer, head of the ICRC’s regional delegation in Bangkok, emphasized the urgent need to address humanitarian and legal challenges rising from military innovation. 

The rapid development of cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence and drone warfare is changing the nature of military operations. These advances offer new strategic advantages, such as greater precision in targeting and reduced risk to military personnel. However, they also raise complex legal and ethical questions under international humanitarian law.

Juan Pedro Schaerer

General Pisit Nopamuang, Judge Advocate General of Thailand, reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to promoting regional dialogue on the responsible use of military technology. “I want to thank the ICRC for supporting this symposium. It's incredibly beneficial for the Royal Thai Armed Forces and our friendly nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Let us leverage the opportunity to exchange ideas, build networks and collectively chart directions that will significantly benefit the region’s future,” he said.

Senior military officials and civilian experts from 18 countries across the Asia-Pacific region engaged in extensive discussions during the conference. 

Beyond the legal and ethical debates, innovative concepts designed to enhance humanitarian protection in an environment of digital warfare were presented, highlighting the ongoing work on the digital emblem and a conflict environment Virtual Reality Tool (VRT) developed by the ICRC to explain protections under international humanitarian law. The presentations were followed by discussions on how technology can be harnessed for humanitarian purposes, particularly in safeguarding civilians and essential infrastructure.

This regional initiative marked a significant partnership between the ICRC and the Judge Advocate General’s Department of Thailand. It was also the first regional IHL-focused event hosted in Thailand in recent years, underscoring the country’s growing role in facilitating crucial dialogue on the humanitarian consequences of modern warfare.

By bringing together military officers, legal experts and humanitarian workers, the symposium contributed to strengthening the application of IHL in the face of rapidly evolving technologies. The discussions on doctrinal development, legal review and innovation also reaffirmed the importance of collective regional responses to new challenges inherent in the conduct of hostilities.