15th ASEAN Law Association General Assembly Opening Ceremony Under the Theme "People. Planet. Partnership."
On 21 July 2026, the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Thailand officially hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Law Association General Assembly at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Bangkok. The high-profile event brought together distinguished delegates, honored guests, and top legal minds from across the ASEAN region to advance judicial cooperation and legal harmonization.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn royal tribute in remembrance of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasirinisiribajra Mahajrarajadhita, honoring her enduring contributions to law and justice which continue to inspire the regional legal community.
Cultural Unity and Welcome Addresses
Delegates were welcomed with a traditional Thai cultural performance titled "The Four Regions Dance," showcasing Thailand's rich heritage. The ceremony featured a formal procession of flags representing ASEAN, the ASEAN Law Association, and member nations, culminating in the collective singing of the ALA Anthem to symbolize enduring regional friendship.
Key operational addresses were delivered by regional leaders: Chief Justice Adisak Tantiwong (President of the Supreme Court and Chair of ALA Thailand) delivered the opening welcome remarks. Her Excellency Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat (President of the ASEAN Law Association), His Excellency Nararya S. Soeprapto (Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, representing the ASEAN Secretary-General), and the respective Heads of Delegation from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam delivered standard addresses highlighting the critical importance of closer cross-border legal frameworks.
Chief Justice Alfonso Cameron of Timor-Leste participated in the opening ceremony as an official observer. The ceremony concluded with an official group photograph, followed by a formal invitation to delegates to continue strategic discussions at the evening Welcome Reception.
Upcoming General Assembly Agenda
Held under the strategic theme "People. Planet. Partnership.", the three-day General Assembly features dedicated sessions on arbitration, gender equality, the environment, business law, technology, legal education, and judicial cooperation. The assembly runs alongside the concurrent 13th Council of ASEAN Chief Justices Meeting and the ASEAN Moot Competition 2026.
