On March 25, 2025, Bangkok hosted a significant seminar focusing on regional maritime security and the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Organized by the European Union (EU), Thailand, and Japan, this event gathered law enforcement practitioners, diplomats, and legal experts from Southeast Asia, including representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The seminar attracted around 100 attendees in person, with an additional 29 participating online.
The two-day event, co-organized with the support of the EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia & the Indo-Pacific), featured speakers from both European and Asian institutions and academia. They discussed the legal challenges posed by emerging technologies and the current dynamics affecting maritime rule of law. The seminar aimed to equip participants with legal tools to better implement UNCLOS in the Indo-Pacific waters.
Ambassador David Daly, representing the EU in Thailand, emphasized the significance of supporting UNCLOS amid rising global uncertainties. He noted that multilateralism and adherence to international law are EU priorities, further expressing gratitude towards Thailand and Japan for their collaboration. Ambassador Daly remarked on the valuable contributions from Southeast Asian participants, showcasing a collective commitment to maritime security.
Chatchai Bangchaud, Secretary-General of Thailand’s National Security Council, reinforced the merits of UNCLOS as a framework governing state rights and obligations. He highlighted its importance in managing strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, from securing sea routes to promoting sustainable development in maritime sectors. He voiced optimism regarding the seminar’s potential to bolster intra-regional trust and uphold a rule-based order.
Japan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Otaka Masato, reiterated Japan’s commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the importance of EU engagement in the region. He pointed to the Japan-EU Security and Defence Partnership as a mechanism to enhance cooperation, bolster peace, and enable dialogue on maritime security.
The EU’s action in maritime security encompasses multiple naval operations, including Atalanta and Irini, all focusing on enforcing maritime law. Projects like CRIMARIO II, ESIWA+, and Global Port Safety further reflect the EU’s dedication to fostering collaboration and respecting rule of law at sea. The ESIWA+ project, which targets various thematic areas, is co-funded by different entities, underlining an integrated approach to security and defense in the Indo-Pacific.
UNCLOS, often termed the “constitution of the ocean,” is integral for establishing a legal framework governing marine activities. With 169 states and the EU as parties, it serves as a cornerstone for international maritime law, reinforcing the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation in an increasingly complex maritime landscape.
