From February 4 to 6, 2024, Paris hosted a high-level delegation from the Legal Department of Execution of the Kingdom of Thailand for a study visit jointly organized by the International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ) and the National Chamber of Commisionnars of France (CNCJ).
This event, which brought together 35 participants, facilitated enriching exchanges on best practices in the enforcement of court decisions and technological innovations in the field.
A High-Level Thai Delegation
The delegation was composed of 30 representatives from Thailand’s Legal Department of Execution (LED), bringing together experts and officials committed to the field of judicial enforcement.
The UIHJ was represented by Marc Schmitz, President, Françoise Andrieux, Honorary President, Jean-Pierre Herbette, Vice-President, Patrick Gielen, Secretary General, Robert Cicuto, Treasurer of the European Union of Judicial Officers (UEHJ), and Mathieu Chardon, Honorary Secretary General.
The CNCJ was represented by its President, Benoît Santoire, its Treasurer, Jean-Pierre Herbette, Pierre Iglesias, Executive Board Member, Thierry Bary, General Delegate, and Pascale Lutz, Project Manager.
A Comprehensive and Informative Program
Over three days, the Thai delegation followed a diverse and structured program designed to provide insights into the profession’s organization in France, the international challenges of judicial enforcement, and the technological innovations transforming the profession.
Day 1: Introduction to CNCJ Services and Institutional Visit
The first day began with an official opening ceremony, featuring speeches by Marc Schmitz, Benoît Santoire, and Mr. Seaksan Sooksang, Director General of the LED. After the traditional group photo, participants attended presentations on CNCJ services, auction sales (led by Nicolas Moretton), mediation (Cyril Castex), property management (Sylvain Olagnon), and guardianship (Pierre Iglesias).
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Cour de Cassation, a key institution in the French judicial system, located at the heart of the Palais de Justice in Paris, on the Île de la Cité. This visit provided participants with a unique opportunity to better understand the role of this supreme court in interpreting and unifying the law.
Day 2: International Institutions and Digitalization
The second day featured presentations by Françoise Andrieux and Mathieu Chardon on the role of major international institutions, the principles of enforcement, and the impact of digitalization on the profession. A dedicated session also covered global codes and key principles of professional ethics.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Maison Drouot, where the President of Drouot Patrimoine, Mr. A. Giquello, welcomed the participants. Judicial officers had the opportunity to learn about the workings of voluntary and forced sales and to explore the inner workings of one of France’s most iconic auction venues. The day concluded with a dinner cruise on the Seine, hosted by the UIHJ, offering participants a unique setting to continue discussions.
Day 3: Technological Innovations and Closing Ceremony
The final day focused on technological advancements in the profession, with presentations on the seizure of digital assets (Patrick Gielen), electronic service of documents (Marc Schmitz), compliance (Luc Ferrand), statements of facts and artificial intelligence (Robert Cicuto), as well as crypto assets (Cyril Murie and Nicolas Moretton).
The visit concluded with a certificate award ceremony, a symbolic moment to acknowledge the Thai delegation’s commitment to this training and to strengthen institutional ties.
Towards Enhanced Cooperation
This visit was a success both in terms of organization and content. It underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing among legal professionals and the commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the enforcement of court decisions.
Further meetings are already scheduled, with two additional visits from Thailand’s Department of Execution planned for March and April, demonstrating the UIHJ and CNCJ’s ongoing commitment to this dynamic exchange and mutual learning process.
