On May 17–18, 2025,
the Institute for Education and Development of Conflict Management by Peaceful Means Foundation (I.D.P. Foundation) organized an advanced training program entitled “Financial Dispute Mediation: Enhancing Skills for Professional Resolution.” The event was held at Chao Phraya Rooms 2 and 3, 10th Floor, Building 3, Riverine Place Hotel, Nonthaburi Province, and was attended by participants from diverse sectors, including financial officers, mediators, legal professionals, and debt-relief practitioners.
This advanced course was specifically designed for participants with prior foundational knowledge of mediation, focusing on the complex dynamics of financial disputes. Such cases frequently involve legal intricacies, collateral agreements, contractual documentation, and consumer behavior, making them among the most prevalent types of disputes nationwide.
The Foundation was honored to welcome Ms. Thongurai Limpiti, Chair of the Board of Directors at Bangkok Commercial Asset Management Public Company Limited (BAM), who delivered a keynote lecture on “Policies for Managing Non-Performing Loans.” She highlighted BAM’s role in the asset management of non-performing loans (NPLs) and shared approaches to negotiating sustainable solutions that allow debtors to reintegrate into the economic system.
The two-day program featured lectures by distinguished experts, including:
- Mrs. Prakairatana Thontiravong, President of the I.D.P. Foundation and an expert in dispute mediation
- Mr. Chotchuang Thapwong, former Court of Appeal Judge
- Mr. Passawat Jongarunnamsaeng, former Assistant Supreme Court Judge
These three experts served as lead instructors, delivering comprehensive knowledge in legal principles, negotiation techniques, financial dispute analysis, and professional negotiation frameworks.
Additionally, Dr. Banphot Thontiravong, Advisor to the Foundation, delivered a session integrating technical and psychological dimensions of mediation, providing a holistic approach to conflict resolution.
To further enhance specialized knowledge, the program also welcomed contributions from guest experts:
- Mr. Surachai Kamplanonwat, Financial Consultant, presented “Financial Literacy for Mediators”—a session aimed at equipping mediators with essential financial knowledge, particularly in the context of personal debt disputes. His presentation emphasized the importance of understanding financial realities to facilitate fair and practical negotiation outcomes.
- Mr. Samapoom Sukanan, Legal Expert in Data Privacy, addressed “Mediation and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) B.E. 2562,” shedding light on the rights of parties involved and the obligations of mediators under Thailand’s data protection framework.
A notable highlight was the knowledge-sharing session with international organizations from Singapore:
- Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS), a nonprofit organization offering financial advice and debt management assistance
- Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre Ltd. (FIDReC), Singapore’s national financial dispute resolution center offering free mediation and arbitration services
Ms. Tan Huey Min (CCS) and Mr. Ho Meng Hee (FIDReC) delivered online presentations, which were interpreted into Thai by Dr. Thanak Utakapan and Mr. Paisarn Khongprasankan
The practical component of the training featured hands-on simulations in small groups. Participants engaged in real-world mediation scenarios through three case studies:
- Disputes involving collateralized loans
- Disputes involving personal guarantors
- Disputes involving both collateral and guarantors
These simulations were conducted in three rounds, allowing participants to rotate roles as mediator, disputing party, and observer. A team of instructors provided close guidance and feedback throughout the sessions.
In the final stage, all participants underwent a competency assessment, simulating one-on-one mediation with an evaluation panel. Those who successfully demonstrated their skills received an official certificate of course completion.
This “Financial Dispute Mediation” training marked a significant milestone for the I.D.P. Foundation in advancing professional capacity-building among field practitioners. The program embodied a rigorous, practice-oriented learning approach grounded in academic integrity, ethical standards, and human understanding—core principles essential for mediation as a tool for individual and societal peace.
