International Forum Reaffirms Rule of Law as a Vital Economic Asset

Leaders from the public and private sectors gathered in Japan to advocate for the Rule of Law as a foundational "investment" for long-term economic stability and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Rule of Law: A Foundation for Trust and Stability

"The Rule of Law is the bedrock of economic confidence and stability,"

stated Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairperson of the Board of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ). Speaking at the session titled “Why Should Governments and Businesses Invest in the Rule of Law and Justice? What Is the Return on Investment?”, he emphasized that fair, transparent, and predictable laws reduce business uncertainty and foster an environment conducive to fair competition and long-term investment. 

The Asia-Pacific Business Forum on the Rule of Law, held on January 26, 2026, was organized by The World Justice Project (WJP). Prof. Dr. Kittipong highlighted the WJP Rule of Law Index as a crucial tool for systematically measuring and evaluating legal frameworks. He further stressed that sustainable strengthening of these principles requires continuous collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors.

The TIJ delegation, including Board Member Ms. Anjali Jalichadra, Advisor Mr. Surong Bulakul, and other executives, participated in the forum to share policy insights and practical experiences.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: The Key to Stability

During the panel “Partnership through Rule of Law Investment — Experiences of Collaboration between Government and Business,” Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association and CEO of Krungthai Bank PCL, shared insights on driving governance through public-private synergy. The session was facilitated by TIJ Board Member Ms. Anjali Jalichadra. 

Mr. Payong identified the Rule of Law as the cornerstone for restoring Thailand’s long-term competitiveness. He highlighted the “Reinvent Thailand” platform as a practical model for data-driven policy design, emphasizing:

• Shared Ownership: Collaborative efforts between the state and private sectors.
• Accountability: Using clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress.
• Open Government Data: Increasing transparency to reduce risks from redundant or disconnected regulations.

A Regional Milestone for Economic Justice

Dr. Alejandro Ponce, Executive Director of WJP, noted that this forum—the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific—was designed to highlight the Rule of Law as a tangible economic asset. The event aimed to build a legal and social system where all stakeholders trust and adhere to the same rules, ensuring long-term security.

The forum brought together over 50 participants from 17 countries, including business executives, legal policymakers, and civil society experts. Conducted under the Chatham House Rule to encourage candid dialogue, the event underscored Thailand’s commitment to strengthening its legal infrastructure. This "strategic investment" is expected to significantly bolster investor confidence and enhance the nation’s competitive edge on the global stage.