The International Bar Association (IBA) has written that Southeast Asian countries are increasingly shifting from voluntary guidelines to binding legislation to compel corporations to respect human rights and the environment. The article, published on 9 October 2025, highlights a regional move toward mandatory corporate human rights and environmental due diligence, driven by persistent abuses linked to supply-chain pressures. Examples include toxic emissions from power plants in Indonesia, unsafe garment factory conditions in Cambodia, and loss of ancestral land to commercial plantations in Laos.
According to human rights organisations cited in the article, voluntary national action plans introduced by countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have not been sufficient. Experts argue that without enforceable laws, corporate behaviour remains largely unchanged. The region is now transitioning “from soft law to a more prescriptive regime,” with proposed laws requiring companies to identify, prevent and address human rights risks across their supply chains. South Korea is progressing a bill that would apply to both domestic and foreign companies operating in its jurisdiction, while Thailand is drafting a responsible business conduct bill as part of its efforts to strengthen its reputation and meet OECD membership requirements.
However, legislative reform alone will not solve the problem. Commentators stress the need for robust enforcement, grievance mechanisms, corporate education and phased implementation to help businesses build internal capacity. Lawyers will play a central role—both in representing affected communities and advising corporations on compliance with national and international standards. If early adopters like South Korea and Thailand succeed, the IBA notes that it may trigger a “domino effect,” accelerating similar laws across Southeast Asia.