A possible new era of judicial cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand was opened Tuesday when Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed of Bangladesh met with Chief Justice Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul of Thailand in Bangkok.

The talks focused on exchanging best practices and strengthening collaboration between the two countries' highest courts, according to the Bangladesh Embassy.

Bangladesh's recent judicial reform efforts, which seek to decrease case backlogs, enhance transparency, and enhance access to justice through digital transformation, were highlighted by Chief Justice Syed Refaat during the conference.

He discussed areas where Bangladesh’s judiciary could benefit from Thai expertise, particularly in arbitration, mediation, and digital solutions.

Congratulating Justice Chanakarn on her recent appointment as the third female President of the Thai Supreme Court, Chief Justice Syed Refaat commended Thailand’s progress in achieving gender parity within the judiciary.

He shared that since assuming office, he has appointed three female judges to lead the High Court Division’s Constitutional Benches.

The Thai chief justice responded positively to the idea of a bilateral judicial exchange program involving both Bar and Bench. She emphasized the need for continuous improvements in the judiciary to build public trust in legal institutions.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat extended an invitation to Justice Chanakarn to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time, which she welcomed.

During his arrival at the Thai Supreme Court, he was ceremonially received by senior court officials and signed the Visitors’ Book.

Earlier in the day, Chief Justice Syed Refaat held talks with Thailand’s Minister of Justice, Tawee Sodsong, where they outlined a roadmap for bilateral cooperation in judicial training, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) development, and addressing gender equality within judicial processes.

Minister Sodsong also invited the chief justice to deliver lectures at Thai universities, including those in Southern Thailand's Muslim-majority regions.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat visited Bangkok to give a keynote address at the UN Conference Centre for the conference "Achieving Just Societies: Inclusive Justice Pathways for People and Planet in Asia and the Pacific.”

He later participated in a panel discussion on judicial independence and integrity, and met with Bangkok-based legal professionals, academics, and diplomats, accompanied by Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Faiyaz Murshid Kazi.