The government approved a draft host country agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration to elevate Thailand as a regional center for international dispute resolution.
On 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertviwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet approved the draft host country agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). They also approved the principle of a draft royal decree granting privileges and immunities to the PCA and related persons to facilitate the PCA's effective conduct of meetings, hearings, and international dispute resolution processes in Thailand.
The Deputy Spokesperson further stated that the PCA is an international organization providing arbitration services and plays a key role in peaceful international dispute resolution. Thailand is a founding member and party to the 1907 Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. Since 2019, the PCA has proposed a host country agreement with Thailand to support its activities here, including hearings, meetings, and seminars.
The draft agreement stipulates that Thailand will facilitate the PCA's international dispute resolution duties by providing offices, meeting spaces, utilities, and necessary services. It also grants essential privileges and immunities to the PCA, officials, arbitrators, and participants to perform their duties independently and effectively.
These privileges and immunities include protection of PCA property and documents, exemptions from certain taxes and duties under the law, facilitation of immigration for officials and arbitrators, and immunities related to performing their duties. These rights are limited to what is necessary for the PCA's functions and remain within the framework of Thai law.
Additionally, the Cabinet assigned the Ministry of Justice as the government's main coordinating agency, the Ministry of Interior to handle visa fee exemptions, and tax authorities to implement tax and duty privileges as per the agreement.
Regarding support for venues and services, the Arbitration Institute will provide offices, meeting rooms, hearing rooms, and necessary utilities to the PCA free of charge for up to 30 accumulated days per fiscal year, with estimated costs around 1.5 million baht. Additional services like translation or audio recording will be the responsibility of the disputing parties or the PCA as appropriate.
“Having a host country agreement with the PCA will increase opportunities for Thailand to host arbitration proceedings and international meetings. It not only promotes Thailand's role in peaceful dispute resolution but also offers a chance to develop legal professionals, raise dispute resolution standards, and build confidence among businesses and international parties,” the Deputy Spokesperson said.
She added that the government sees this initiative as enhancing Thailand’s role as a legal and international dispute resolution hub in Asia, as well as providing opportunities for closer involvement in developing international law and global dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the draft agreement to be an international treaty and a contractual document under Section 178 of the Constitution. Therefore, it must be approved by the Cabinet before signing and becoming binding, but it does not require parliamentary approval.