On 8 July 2025, Thailand, in collaboration with Canada and United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), hosted a side event ‘Further Building Common Understanding on International Law and Cyberspace: Launch of Thailand’s National Position’ on the margins of the 11th substantive session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (2021 - 2025) at the UNHQ, New York. The event marked the launch of Thailand’s first national position on the application of international law in cyberspace at the United Nations. It also provided an opportunity to exchange views on the evolving discussion on this particular issue.

Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the crucial role of international law in promoting responsible behavior of States in the cyber domain. He also underscored the utility of formulating and publishing a national position on this matter. As one of the panelists, Counsellor Paween Thanarat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, highlighted key elements of Thailand’s national position and shared insights on navigating the process of developing a national position. The success lies in inclusive stakeholder participation and capacity building for internal agencies. Panelists from countries that previously published their national positions, namely Canada, Colombia, the United States, and Egypt, joined the discussions and offered their valuable perspectives.

The OEWG was established under UN General Assembly resolution 75/240 to provide a platform for dialogue among Member States. It aims to develop common understandings on the security and use of information and communications technologies, addressing key issues such as existing and potential cyber threats, confidence-building measures, capacity-building and international law.

Following the OEWG’s mandate, Member States will establish a future permanent mechanism to continue addressing these cyber-related matters, with the format and areas of focus under consideration.