Highlights

23 July 2025

What happened at the T4SEA 2025

Hybrid Format, Regional Reach

In May 2025, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) by the TIJ Academy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted the second Training for Criminal Justice Practitioners in Southeast Asia (T4SEA), a hybrid training programme combining two evenings of online learning with five intensive in-person days in Bangkok.

This year, 37 Southeast Asian participants and 4 observers from South Asia, including police officers, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and other justice professionals gathered to explore UN standards and norms alongside practical, people-centred approaches to criminal justice in the region.

Putting Humanity at the Centre of Justice

At the opening session, Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of TIJ, captured the essence of people-centred justice:

‘This is what people-centred justice means to us: seeing humanity in every interaction, and placing rights, needs, and fairness at the heart of what we do.’

Under the theme “Strengthening Criminal Justice Through People-Centred Approaches”, participants engaged in discussions on emerging criminal challenges, national efforts to promote justice and humanity, and local initiatives improving access to justice for victims, suspects and the accused. Special attention was given to Workshops on Trauma-Informed Care and Investigative Interviewing, equipping participants with tools to promote fairness, empathy, and effectiveness in criminal investigations.

Learning through Collaboration

With international expert speakers and regional practitioners, the training provided a vibrant platform for peer learning, with participants actively contributing through Q&As, group breakout activities, and collaborative presentations.

From Courtroom to Creativity

On the last day of the week, a site visit to The Criminal Court in Bangkok sparked lively exchanges with Thai judges, offering valuable insights into judicial practice. The final day also featured a creative LEGO serious play workshop, where participants built models to reflect on their values, challenges, and aspirations, encouraging personal reflection and shared commitment to advancing justice.