After two Supreme Court judges requested its withdrawal, a controversy erupted over whether the Judicial Training Institute’s executive-level training should be discontinued.
Judges Boonkhet Poomthip and Anurak Sa-nga-areeekul also urged justice personnel to be barred from attending the National Defence College ( NDC ) program and other elite courses, which are intended to foster connections between judges and key figures in other sectors, in a letter to the Supreme Court.
They contend that these programs, which are largely funded by the taxpayer, don’t do much to advance administrative work but rather foster a patronage culture, which could lead to double requirements and a wider societal distance.
Worse of all, these courses may destroy public belief in the justice system’s impartiality and independence.
But, backers argue that networking in itself is beneficial and that it would be foolish to completely eliminate these programs.
The Bangkok Post spoke with scientists and officials who had first-hand knowledge of these programs.
Value equals drawbacks
Sutin Klungsang, a Pheu Thai MP, said he was opposed to requests to end these classes because judges are intelligent enough to individual personal associations from their professional responsibilities.
He claimed that the criminal system also provides training to strengthen these traits while judges are carefully chosen based on their knowledge, professionalism, and freedom.
More training can help them enhance their ideas in ways that benefit their field, he said.
” Contacts can be good, not just bad. Judges go through a thorough screening process, but despite any personal relationships, they can also defend professional integrity”, Mr Sutin said.
He acknowledged that some people may enroll in these seminars solely to make links for their own gain. However, based on his knowledge, this is not the situation for all, he said.
Mr. Sutin claimed to have met numerous judges and prosecutors who are able to separate their personal lives from their jobs, and that some organizations offer both domestic training and external programs to aid participants in gaining a better understanding of society.
” If one understands culture in all its aspects, they become a well-rounded people”, he added.
The veteran politician appeared to agree with critics that the NDC program is unique, but he pointed out that the program has advantages because it brings together people with different backgrounds and knowledge to exchange ideas.
” These programs are valuable and should continue. The key is to make the collection process more equitable and beneficial. Criticism about support should also be addressed to maintain these programs serve the public attention”, Mr Sutin, who is a former army secretary, said.
Sutin: Networking’can get good’
Rooted in support program
Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Politics at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, acknowledged a cut in thoughts on whether these programs may be scrapped.
One side claims that these programs enhance perspectives, while the other believes that personal connections may impair democracy and neutrality.
Scrapping for programmes completely would be an extraordinary determine, said Mr Stithorn.
Judges should take courses to broaden their horizons, he said, but a balance needs to be struck to avoid sharing and inappropriate associations.
Although inside training within the judiciary or with outside experts is truly beneficial, involving too many outsiders could lead to unintended networking.
Regarding the growing number of different wealthy courses, Mr. Stithorn cited the fact that many of them are being offered in good faith for educational purposes, but there are currently very numerous.
He suggested that those that deviate from the organization’s main objectives become discontinued, especially those that are seen primarily as programs for building personal networks.
He praised the idea of a main body that would control these courses’ quality and content, but he claimed it was doubtful to address the issue of people using these courses to build personal connections.
” The answer lies in completely controlling the use of energy and connections. When one crimes authority, connections have no purpose. However, we are rooted in a support system, so we must store it with expertise and ethics”, he said.
Stithorn: ‘ To many courses’ ideal now
Visit for evaluation
Natthawut Buaprathum, a list-MP from the opposition People’s Party, stated that he fully supports domestic training and shared professional development initiatives and encourages cooperation with other industries.
However, he said there are too many courses offered by public separate organizations, which are frequently funded by taxpayers, and that these courses have turned into marketing platforms rather than legitimate education opportunities.
He suggested that these initiatives been reworked or abandoned to preserve the integrity of the justice system.
The MP also expressed concern about inequality in these programs, claiming that some prestigious programs require students to help toward tuition or compensate for research trips abroad.
He claimed that this process has resulted in inequality and a form of opportunity, noting that those who have financial means are more likely to attend and those who don’t are.
Mr. Natthawut even questioned the process of judges serving on the board of state corporations, warning that doing so could damage the public’s faith in the legal system.
The MP demanded a thorough evaluation of these education programs in response to concerns raised by the two top judges.
” Now is the time to address these issues and take decisive action. According to him, the court has the authority to decide which programs have the power to influence public opinion and sustain their impartiality.
Academicians and legal experts have enjoyed the magistrates ‘ information, and it has also become a common practice for public institutions and government agencies like the Election Commission and, more recently, the Royal Thai Police to handle such training programs.
Natthawut: Don’t misuse tax cash