2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Bangkok
International Section 2026 Regional Meeting in Bangkok
Theme: "Cross-Border Trade, Investment, and Disputes in the Asia-Pacific"
Dates: May 6-8, 2026
Venue: Tilleke & Gibbins
Address: 20th – 26th Floor, Supalai Grand Tower No. 1011 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
OVERVIEW
Who are we? New York State Bar Association and the International Section
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) is the largest voluntary state bar organization in the United States and has members across the globe that have a nexus to New York law.
The International Section is one of NYSBA’s most active sections having over 2,000 members internationally with chapters in more than 70 countries worldwide and is NYSBA’s global representative and international advocate for the rule of law.
In addition, the NYSBA International Section brings members together to discuss and influence the resolution of key legal practice issues before local, state, national and international policy makers. Members include legal professionals from major international law firms, multi-national corporations, and other organizations that influence, and are influenced by, international law.
What is the Regional Meeting?
Almost every year, NYSBA’s International Section hosts a regional meeting in a different city outside of the United States to provide American and foreign colleagues the opportunity to meet, network, and expand their international practices. Our most recent regional meetings have been held in Tokyo (2024), Warsaw (2023), Madrid (2022), Stockholm (2019), Seoul (2018), Dublin (2017), Krakow (2016), Zurich (2015), Sao Paulo (2015), Paris (2014), Milan (2013), and Prague (2012).
This year, the conference will consist of one and half days of programming on “Cross-Border Trade, Investment, and Disputes in the Asia-Pacific.” The meeting also offers networking opportunities in the form of extended breaks, luncheons, and dinners.
What will I get from participating?
Southeast Asia is strategically important both economically and geopolitically. Home to major global trade routes and serving as a critical manufacturing base, the region – bolstered by its large population, expanding middle class, and dynamic economies – has become a focal point for international trade and investment.
The region’s diverse legal systems present both challenges and opportunities for cross-border trade and investment. Understanding these differences is essential for investors.
The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference offers participants opportunities to:
- Listen to and participate in discussions with specialists on the cross-border trade, investment and disputes landscape in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region more generally, particularly relevant to success in today’s complex geopolitical and business environment.
- Exchange knowledge and experience, and build meaningful relationships with NYSBA members and experts from around Asia and the globe.
Steering Committee
- John Frangos, Partner and Regional Head of Disputes, Tilleke & Gibbins, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tsugumichi Watanabe, Counsel, TMI Associates, Tokyo, Japan
- Lexi Menish, Arbitrator, Mediator and Counsel, Mascarenhas Law PLLC, New York, NY
- Nguyen Hong Hai, Partner, Lexcomm Vietnam LLC, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Sean La’Brooy, Founder, Vita Law LLC, Singapore
REGISTRATION & PRICING
- Rates:
$250 – NYSBA Members
$450 – Nonmembers
- Need assistance with signing up? Contact our Member Resource Center at mrc@nysba.org or at 800-582-2452 / +1 (518) 463-3724
- Cancellation Notice: Notice of cancellation must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026, to obtain a refund of fees.
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations. NYSBA has secured a discounted rate at The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel (13/3, 28/1-4 South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek, Bangkok 10120).
- Room Rates:
|
Room Type |
Size in m2 |
Rate (NET) |
|
Deluxe Room |
38 |
THB 8,475 (USD 269) |
|
Club Room (Club Wing) |
45 |
THB 11,535 (USD 366) |
|
Executive Suite |
76 |
THB 14,242 (USD 452) |
Note: Room rate for Club Wing and All Suites are for Single & Double Occupancy (same rate) inclusive of Club benefits up to 2 persons
- Deadline for Booking Rooms: No fixed deadline is required; rooms are subject to availability.
- How to make reservations: Please copy the hotel booking email draft here, complete the required details, and send it to: Reservations@sukhothai.com; Charlie.p@sukhothai.com; events@tilleke.com
PROGRAM AGENDA
Theme: “Cross-Border Trade, Investment, and Disputes in the Asia-Pacific”
|
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 06:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner and Networking | Location: Baan Khanitha |
|
DAY 2 – THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 08:30 a.m. – 09:00 a.m. – Registration and welcome coffee 09:00 a.m. – 09:15 a.m. – Welcome from NYSBA
09:15 a.m. – 10:15 am – Panel 1: Trade and Customs Disputes in the Era of Transshipment Amid increasing global trade tensions and protectionist measures, governments are increasingly investigating and prosecuting allegations of tariff evasion and “circumvention”. This panel examines trade and customs disputes in this climate. Moderator:
Panelists:
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Panel 2: Labor and Employment Law in Asia’s Manufacturing Economies Continued industrial growth and shifts in global supply chains have triggered significant changes in labor laws across Asia’s manufacturing hubs, as governments respond to pressure for better worker protection and higher wages. This session explores how key manufacturing economies are reforming labor and employment regulations while striving to maintain competitiveness in labor-intensive industries amid global demands for responsible supply chains. Moderator:
Panelists:
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Coffee break 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. – Panel 3: Overview of Data Privacy Controls in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia’s booming digital economy is driving a wave of new data protection laws, as regional governments seek to secure personal data while still enabling innovation and growth. This panel provides an overview of the region’s emerging data privacy frameworks and discusses key compliance challenges, cross-border data transfer restrictions, and how businesses can adapt to a rapidly evolving privacy landscape. Moderator:
Panelists:
12:30 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. – Lunch 02:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m. – Panel 4: Commercial Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in Southeast Asia: Recent Trends As foreign investment and cross-border trade expand in Southeast Asia, so does the likelihood of disputes. The panel will review recent trends in commercial dispute resolution across the region. Moderator:
Panelists:
03:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m. – Panel 5: Cross-Border Investigations in Southeast Asia Companies are more frequently encountering investigations that span multiple jurisdictions, where legal obligations differ by country and cultural factors can complicate cooperation. In this panel, experts will discuss how to manage multi-jurisdictional investigations in the region, from navigating national laws and coordinating with local authorities to addressing operational challenges. Moderator:
Panelists:
04:00 p.m. – 06:15 p.m. – Networking Socials (drinks and canapes) 6:15 p.m.- Transfer from Tilleke & Gibbins to The Sukhothai Hotel* |
|
DAY 3 – FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026 08:30 a.m. – 09:00 a.m. – Registration and welcome coffee 09:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Panel 6: Investment Treaty Arbitration in APAC As Asia-Pacific’s role as both a major destination and source of foreign investment grows, the region has seen rising recourse to investor–state arbitration to resolve disputes between investors and governments under trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties. This session surveys the landscape of investment treaty arbitration in APAC, highlighting recent developments and notable cases. Moderator:
Panelists:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Panel 7: Competition for FDI: What Matters to Investors Amid a volatile global economy, Asia-Pacific countries are competing more fiercely than ever to attract foreign direct investment as a key driver of growth. This panel examines what factors matter most to international investors and explores how countries across the region are tailoring their policies to gain an edge in the global race for new investment. Moderator:
Panelists:
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Panel 8: Cyberscams and Online Fraud in Southeast Asia: A Local Problem Goes Global Southeast Asia has become a global hotspot for sophisticated online scams, where local criminal networks run “fraud factories” that prey on victims worldwide and generate tens of billions in illicit profits annually. This panel sheds light on how cyber scams and online fraud in the region have evolved into a transnational threat. Moderator:
Panelists:
12:15 a.m. – Transfer from Tilleke & Gibbins to The Sukhothai Hotel* |
SPONSORS
- Interested in sponsoring? Click here to download the sponsorship form.
- For further sponsorship information, please contact: Carra Forgea | cforgea@nysba.org | +1 (518) 487-5521
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
|
PLATINUM SPONSOR
|
GOLD SPONSOR
|
VENUE SPONSOR
|
 |
 |
 |
- May 6, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- 6:00 PM
- 12:00 PM
- 0.0
- Outside USA
- Tilleke & Gibbins
Supalai Grand Tower, 26th Floor 1011 Rama 3 Road Chongnonsi, Yannawa
Bangkok, 10120
- In-Person
- INTREGMAY2026
- International Section
- Asian Bar Council
- Thailand Chapter
- Committee on Continuing Legal Education
