Cornell University, The Thai Bar, and TIJ foster academic collaboration and scholarship
Cornell University, the Thai Bar, and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) signed a memorandum of agreement on 15 November 2021, to continue a scholarship fund through the Bajrakitiyabha Fund for Legal Education as well as expanding academic collaboration and human resource exchange between Cornell University and Thailand’s legal sector.
The Bajrakitiyabha Fund for Legal Education was established under the supervision of the Thai Bar after the royal permission to summon the name of Princess Bajrakitiyabha in 2006 in remembrance of her time while studying at Cornell University, which has made a significant contribution to strengthening the bonds between Cornell University and Thai legal circles.
Thus far, 14 high potential Thai law students have received Bajrakitiyabha Scholarships and returned to be quality personnel to develop the Thai legal system.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha has dedicated herself to the benefit of Thai people, in particular the vulnerable groups of women and children. She developed her interest and knowledge into a doctoral thesis, obtaining a J.S.D. degree from Cornell University. She continually pushed forward collaboration between Thailand and other countries and eventually, in 2010, her fruitful commitment led to an international standard for criminal justice entitled “United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders” also known as “Bangkok Rules.”
Ms. Piyakul Boonperm, President of the Supreme Court of Thailand and President of the Thai Bar, said, “As a professional legal organisation and source for all legal professions, the Thai Bar is proud and committed to continuing our academic partnerships with both institutions to further promote knowledge and develop personnel in the legal profession, which has always been an important role and vision of the Thai Bar.”
Mr. Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean, Cornell University, said, “The Bajrakitiyabha Scholarship has proven to be a model of successful legal exchange. The Cornell community has been substantially enriched by the contributions of our Thai students and we look forward to continued cooperation and exchange in the years to come.”
Mr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director, Thailand Institute of Justice, concluded, “The TIJ is committed to fulfilling our common goals of promoting academic and professional excellence among legal scholars and justice leaders through close dialogues and cooperation. The TIJ looks forward to working closely with the two institutes in the coming years.”
The Bajrakitiyabha Fund for Legal Education is accepting scholarship applications. More details can be found at www.thethaibar.or.th.