Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha graciously accepted to lead the PSU representatives for a trip to the University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia, on January 7, 2013. At UM, Her Royal Highness gracefully lectured on the topic “Benefits and Application of the Bangkok Rules to Female Offenders”, and discussed academic matters, including applying the Bangkok Rules in practice, along with strengthening the academic cooperation between the PSU Faculty of Law and University of Malaya, such as student exchange programs.

Notable attendees

Several notable persons attended the event, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusak Limsakul, PSU President; Professor Tan Sri Dr. Ghauth Jasmon, UM Vice Chancellor; Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Justice; Mr. Krit Kraijitti, Thai Ambassador to Malaysia; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chutamas Satasook, PSU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mr. Wasin Suwannarat, Dean of the PSU Faculty of Law; along with 250 students from both universities.

An inspiring project

The audience had the great chance to assist at a presentation on the “Kamlangjai Project” or "Inspire Project” graciously initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. This Royal Project aims to improve the quality of life of the female detainees. This will not only reduce the number of repeat offenders and allow the ex-offenders to become good citizens but also promote harmony in the society. The presentation demonstrated the achievements of practicing the Bangkok Rules in Thailand, and thoughtfully presided over the opening ceremony of the exhibition, “Making the Invisible Visible: Experience from Thai Criminological Research and Practice”, which presented the problems of female inmates ignored by the society. In order to bring light to this issue, Her Royal Highness considerately employed the Bangkok Rules, and set up the international standard practice in prison for both court judgment and prison research.

International academic collaboration

On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusak Limsakul presented the ongoing projects between the two universities, and Ms. Atchara Chansena, lecturer at PSU Faculty of Law, presented the research, activities, and cooperation regarding the Kamlangjai Project.

The University of Malaya is one of the most prestigious learning institutions in Malaysia that established collaboration with PSU and other universities in Thailand in the field of law through organizing ASEAN law university conferences and seminars. This project will start in Thailand and Malaysia before expanding to other countries as well.