The Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University, hosted the 16th training programme on “Dispute Mediation under the Dispute Mediation Act, B.E. 2562 (2019)” from 9–13 February 2024 at the S.D. Avenue Hotel in Bangkok. The programme was designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Act’s principles and key provisions, develop essential skills for the mediation process, and prepare them for official registration as legally recognised mediators.
The intensive five-day programme integrated theoretical instruction with hands-on workshops. The curriculum covered:
- An overview and the key provisions of the Dispute Mediation Act, B.E. 2562 (2019).
- Conflict theory and the fundamental principles of dispute mediation.
- The qualifications, roles, responsibilities, and ethics of a mediator.
- Communication techniques, the psychology of negotiation, and emotional management in the mediation process.
- The steps and procedures for mediating civil and criminal disputes.
- Practical guidelines for registering as an official mediator.
The training was delivered by a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in the legal and justice systems. The speakers included: Mr. Pairote Minden, Presiding Justice of the Supreme Administrative Court; Dr. Thapaphak Buranasing, Director of the Dispute Resolution Promotion Division at the Rights and Liberties Protection Department; Ms. Sujanan Horasit, an expert lecturer on mediation processes and psychology; Ms. Nichanan Choycharoen, a Justice Officer (Practitioner Level); and a team of process facilitators from the School for Leadership Development and Peacebuilding (Rak School).
In addition, participants undertook a study visit to the Civil Court (Ratchadaphisek) to gain practical exposure to mediation proceedings. Attendees included personnel from both public and private sectors, as well as independent professionals representing organisations such as the Energy Regulatory Commission, educational institutions, local administrative organisations, healthcare institutions, and the business sector.
During the final phase of the programme, participants engaged in practical mediation practice through role-playing scenarios and underwent an assessment to evaluate their knowledge and understanding before being awarded certificates of completion in accordance with the prescribed standards.
This initiative reflects the strong commitment of Khon Kaen University’s Office of Academic Service to fulfilling its mission of providing academic service to society. This initiative aims to build personnel capacity, support alternative justice processes, and ultimately contribute to reducing social conflict and fostering sustainable peace.
