Thailand has the great pleasure of nominating Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Thailand's first female candidate for the International Law Commission for the term 2023-2027 at the election to be held during the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in November 2021.

Thailand has always been a contributor in the world of international law. We believe that international law is the foundation on which a balanced and inclusive international order and people-centred international cooperation can flourish. Only through such a foundation can global long-term sustainable development and the equitable sharing of benefits be achieved.

Entrusted with the immediate task of addressing today’s challenges through international law, the International Law Commission has an important role more than ever. Thailand is confident that, with her unique perspective and background, Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul will make an essential contribution to the ILC in building on its legacy and achieving its future success.

Mission Statement

Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul has a keen interest in addressing transnational issues which correspond to the current situation and pressing concerns of the international community. With her extensive experience in various areas of international law, she will be able to offer creative ideas and workable solutions to these contemporary complex issues.

As a lawyer and diplomat, Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul uses international law on a daily basis.  She believes in revisiting some core issues of the ILC through the lens of the modern world, such as the Law of Treaties in the digital era and the contemporary use of non-legally binding instruments, to provide a practical framework for States while upholding the principles of international law.

As the incumbent Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs of Thailand and a familiar face to various UN fora and other international organisations, Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul has much to offer in terms of reaching out to UN Member States in order to strengthen the dialogue between the ILC and the Sixth Committee. This will ensure that the work of the ILC benefits all States, across all levels of development.  With her pragmatic approach, she will ensure that the ILC continues to function in the new normal, and fully utilises the technology and modern tools at its disposal.

Biography

In her 25-year diplomatic career, Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul has built a reputation as an expert in many areas of international law.  Her expertise will be a great asset in all fields of the ILC’s work, especially in Law on Diplomatic Relations, Law of Treaties, Law on International Organisations, State Immunity, and International Dispute Settlement. She is also a well-rounded diplomat and skilful negotiator, most recognised for her ability to bridge differences and achieve practical results.

Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul has played crucial roles in important international negotiations and conferences. She was Thailand’s lead negotiator for many investment agreements, free trade agreements and bilateral agreements on cooperation in criminal matters.  Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul was the Head of the Thai delegation to the Sixth Committee of the UNGA on many occasions, and elected Vice-President of the 56th Annual Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO). She was also the go-to person at the ASEAN High Level Legal Experts' Group meetings (HLEG), which eventually resulted in the Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms and the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of ASEAN

Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul is a world-renowned expert in international trade and economic law with a particular interest in alternative dispute resolution. Delegates from all around the world will testify that she has been key to the work of the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul plays a pivotal part in Thailand’s litigation team, including proceedings before the ICJ such as the Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear, and the Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965, and also other cases before the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body and various international arbitrations.

In addition to her work for the Royal Thai Government, Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul serves the legal community in other differing capacities, acting as Associate Judge of the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court of Thailand, Member of the Board of Directors of Thailand Arbitration Center, and regularly lecturing at faculties of law around Thailand and abroad.
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