On 15 to 17 March 2023, I attended the Resolve2Win campaign in Bangkok and signed the “Mediate First” Pledge. This was a significant moment for Aphiwat Law and for mediation in Thailand.

What Was the Resolve2Win Campaign?

The Hong Kong Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council co-organised a large-scale promotional campaign called “Resolve2Win — Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All.” The Bangkok event was its first stop.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan led a delegation of nearly 30 Hong Kong legal professionals to Thailand. Their goal was clear. Promote Hong Kong as a hub for international legal and dispute resolution services. Encourage Thai businesses to consider arbitration and mediation over litigation. Build stronger ties between the legal sectors of Hong Kong and Thailand.

The campaign attracted more than 200 participants from the financial, legal, and professional services sectors. Supporting organisations included the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC), and the Thai Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

The “Mediate First” Pledge Goes International

The highlight of the event for me was the “Mediate First” Pledge campaign. Hong Kong’s Department of Justice launched this initiative in 2009. It encourages companies, organisations, and individuals to commit to exploring mediation as the first step before resorting to litigation or other dispute resolution methods. The pledge is non-legally binding. It is a statement of commitment to a mediation-first approach.

The Resolve2Win campaign in Bangkok marked the first time the “Mediate First” Pledge was promoted outside of Hong Kong and Mainland China. Thailand became the first ASEAN country to join this international movement.

The Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) collaborated with the Hong Kong Department of Justice to launch the Thailand “Mediate First” Pledge campaign at the event. More than 30 pledgees in Thailand signed the pledge during the forum.

I was one of them. Aphiwat Bualoi Law Office Co., Ltd. signed the “Mediate First” Pledge at this event.

Why I Signed the Pledge

Mediation is not new to Thailand. But it is underused. Many Thai clients and businesses default to litigation when disputes arise. Litigation is costly, time-consuming, and adversarial. Mediation offers a better path in many cases. It is faster. It is cheaper. It preserves relationships. It gives parties more control over the outcome.

As a lawyer who works with foreign clients, mixed-nationality families, and expats in Thailand, I see cross-border disputes regularly. Estate planning, property transactions, and family law matters often involve parties from different legal systems. Mediation is a practical tool to resolve these matters without dragging them through courts in multiple jurisdictions.

Signing the “Mediate First” Pledge was a natural step for our practice. It reflects how we already approach dispute resolution. We advise clients to explore mediation before committing to litigation whenever the situation allows.

What This Means for Our Clients

By signing the pledge, Aphiwat Law commits to exploring mediation as a first option in dispute resolution. This does not mean we avoid litigation. Some cases require it. But we believe that many disputes can be resolved more effectively through structured mediation.

For our foreign clients in Thailand, this commitment means practical benefits. Mediation can resolve cross-border estate disputes, property disagreements, and commercial conflicts without the cost and delay of full court proceedings. It is private. It is flexible. And it is increasingly recognised across Asia as a legitimate and effective tool.

Hong Kong and Thailand, Growing Legal Ties

The Resolve2Win campaign was part of a broader effort by Hong Kong to position itself as a leading dispute resolution hub in the Asia-Pacific region. For Thai legal practitioners, the event opened doors to collaboration with Hong Kong counterparts in arbitration, mediation, and commercial law.

The delegation also visited the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Thailand Arbitration Center, and the Lawyers Council of Thailand to discuss potential collaboration between the two jurisdictions.

As business links between ASEAN countries and Mainland China continue to grow, disputes will inevitably follow. Having access to effective, cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms is no longer optional. It is essential.

Moving Forward

The “Mediate First” movement is growing. What started in Hong Kong in 2009 has now reached Thailand and the broader ASEAN region. I am proud that Aphiwat Law is part of this movement from the beginning in Thailand.

If you are facing a dispute, whether it involves a will, a property transaction, a commercial contract, or a family matter, talk to us about mediation. It might be the fastest and most cost-effective way to reach a resolution.

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Aphiwat Bualoi
Aphiwat Bualoi Law Office Co., Ltd.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
bualoi.law@hotmail.com
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