16.3.2 Policy- and lawmakers outreach and education

1. Program on “Elderly and Cyber Risks” – LL.B. Program, Srinakharinwirot University

On 30 May 2024, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized a community outreach and educational program entitled “Elderly and Cyber Risks” for the SWU Elderly Club. The program aimed to enhance legal literacy, promote awareness of cybersecurity, and build resilience among senior citizens in the digital age—aligning with SWU’s mission to extend academic services to society and to contribute to policy awareness in the area of cyber governance.

The program featured a keynote lecture by Captain Sirinet Raksawong, Expert, Office of the National Cybersecurity Committee, on “Elderly and Cyber Risks,” providing policy-level perspectives on national cyber safety and legal protections for vulnerable groups. In addition, Ms. Panida Phadungwichian conducted a practical workshop on “Yoga and Crystal Singing Bowl for Well-being,” integrating health and wellness into the program.

The event was formally opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phetcharat Saisombat, Chair of the LL.B. Program, with participation from faculty members of the program.

Through this initiative, SWU reinforced its role as a neutral academic platform for outreach and education connecting policy experts, practitioners, and communities. The program not only strengthened legal awareness on cybersecurity for the elderly but also contributed to broader policy and lawmakers’ education efforts under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), particularly in advancing inclusive access to justice and protection in the digital era.

2. Introductory Lecture on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), in collaboration with the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC), organized an academic outreach activity entitled “Introductory Knowledge on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).” The initiative aimed to strengthen understanding of ADR mechanisms among students and faculty, thereby promoting broader awareness of alternative approaches to justice beyond traditional litigation.

The session was opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapaporn Rojnsirirat, Associate Dean for Social Strategy and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who formally welcomed representatives from THAC. The keynote lecture was delivered by Mr. Chokkanit Chunnapat, Mediator and Arbitrator at THAC, who provided both theoretical and practical insights into ADR processes.

Faculty members and LL.B. students actively participated in the program, which reflects SWU’s mission to integrate legal education with practical exposure to policy-relevant issues. By hosting this activity, SWU reaffirmed its role as a neutral academic platform bridging policymakers, practitioners, and future legal professionals. The initiative also contributed to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), particularly in advancing inclusive access to justice and promoting awareness of alternative legal mechanisms that support efficiency, fairness, and conflict resolution in society.

3. Pre-Litigation Mediation Program: “The First Refuge of the People”

On 13 February 2024, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), in collaboration with the Civil Court, organized an academic service activity entitled “Pre-Litigation Mediation: The First Refuge of the People.” The initiative aimed to strengthen legal awareness, promote reconciliation, and provide practical knowledge on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms at the community level.

The program was opened with welcoming remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phetcharat Saisombat, Faculty Member of the LL.B. Program, and an opening address by Ms. Amornrat Kriaphon, Chief Judge of the Civil Court. Keynote lectures included “Online Pre-Litigation Mediation Processes for Reconciliation and Harmony in Educational Institutions” delivered by Mr. Mahanchok Chalaemkhet, Secretary of the Civil Court, and Ms. Jarimjit Phantavee, Presiding Judge of the Civil Court. In addition, a demonstration and workshop on “Simulated Pre-Litigation Mediation and Practical Training” was conducted by Mr. Natthawat Nawachit, Mediator at the Civil Court.

Faculty members and LL.B. students participated actively, gaining both theoretical and hands-on experience in mediation practices. By hosting this program, SWU reinforced its mission as a neutral academic platform that bridges the judiciary, legal practitioners, and students in advancing access to justice. The initiative directly contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive legal education, supporting conflict resolution, and strengthening public confidence in mediation as an accessible and effective alternative to litigation.

4. Community Legal Volunteer Program, Academic Year 2023 (2024)

From 8–11 January 2024, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized the annual Community Legal Volunteer Program at Wat Bang Len School, Krissana Subdistrict, Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri Province.

Under faculty supervision, law students provided initial legal consultations to local residents, applying their academic knowledge in practice while supporting community members in understanding their legal rights and responsibilities. This initiative not only enhanced students’ experiential learning but also extended access to basic legal assistance for the public.

Through this program, SWU reaffirmed its mission as a neutral academic platform that bridges academic expertise with community needs, contributes to strengthening access to justice, and supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering legal literacy and promoting inclusive legal empowerment at the grassroots level.

5. Elderly Empowerment Program on Law, Rights, Welfare, and Quality of Life 

Under the Faculty of Social Sciences Annual Research Grant (Fiscal Year 2024), the Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), implemented the Elderly Empowerment Program on Law, Rights, Welfare, and Quality of Life in collaboration with two local communities: Mi Suwan 2 Community and Khlong Tan Bridge Community in Wattana District, Bangkok.

The program, conducted under the campaign Elderly Rights Awareness, aimed to promote legal literacy, awareness of social welfare, and overall quality of life among senior citizens. Activities included community engagement, knowledge transfer, and data collection to support further research and policy recommendations.

By carrying out this initiative, SWU reaffirmed its commitment as a neutral academic platform that connects researchers, policymakers, and communities in advancing access to rights and welfare for the elderly. The project contributes directly to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by strengthening awareness of legal protections, fostering inclusivity, and empowering vulnerable groups in Thai society.