A symposium dedicated to legal influences between France and Thailand

Seminar

8-9 June 2026, Law Faculty, Thammasat University, Bangkok

Marking the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand, Thammasat University, in collaboration with the liaison magistrate service at the French Embassy, hosted a Legal Symposium on "Legal Perspectives and Influences" in Bangkok on June 9–10, 2026, bringing together academics, judges, institutions, and experts from both countries.

Over two days, Thai and French speakers—including some members of the Foundation for Continental Law—addressed the main stages of the modernization of Thai law, the evolution of legal institutions, Franco-Thai academic exchanges, as well as the major contemporary challenges facing both legal systems.

Within this framework, Magalie Bourdier, Legal Cooperation Officer at IRASEC, participated in the roundtable discussion on diplomacy, politics, and the Westernization of Thai law. Her presentation traced the process of modernization of Thai law initiated in the late 19th century during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, marked by the gradual introduction of the major principles of continental European law, particularly the influence of French law in the codification of Thai legal texts.

Her presentation also highlighted contemporary legal cooperation between France and Thailand. This cooperation is manifested through sustained institutional dialogue, exchanges of expertise, training programs for judges, academics, and legal professionals, as well as the regular organization of seminars on topics of mutual interest such as notary reform, criminal justice, family law, environmental protection, and combating child sexual abuse.