The programme, held from August 1 to August 30, 2024, brought together participants from the Nitivajra Institute of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Special Investigations (DSI), and Thailand Institute of Justice.
A Highlight of International Collaboration
The training took place every Thursday for four weeks, ending with a weeklong programme in Hua Hin 26-30 August. The training programme featured collaborative efforts from the New Zealand Police and the Norwegian Police, with significant input from Dr. Ivar Fahsing, a Detective Chief Superintendent and Associate Professor at the Norwegian Police University College, who also serves as an NCHR researcher.
Dr. Fahsing, alongside Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Senior Liaison Officer for the New Zealand Police and Regional Coordinator for South & Southeast Asia at the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, led several key sessions. These included in-depth discussions on the psychology of criminal investigations, evidence evaluation, and practical training on investigative interviewing techniques.
Comprehensive Training Experience
The programme covered a wide range of topics essential for effective interviewing and investigation, led by national and international experts, including high ranking Thai police officers, and the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of the Nitivajra Institute.
Interactive and Practical Learning
The training emphasized interactive and practical learning, with role-playing exercises and group activities designed to simulate real-life scenarios. Participants practiced witness and suspect interviewing techniques, focusing on memory enhancement, and the legal aspects of interviewing.
"I am very happy to have had the opportunity to attend this course and to meet everyone who shares the same passion, ready to set aside our differences and open our minds to learn new things together... It was the most enjoyable course of my life, with a truly family-like atmosphere." - Says one of the participants.
Creating Change and Building Capacity
The final day of the programme was dedicated to discussing change management and lessons learned from Norway and New Zealand. Dr. Fahsing and Ms. Malthus shared their experiences on being involved in fundamental, urgent changes in investigative practices, highlighting the role of prosecutors and the significance of recording interviews.
Successful Collaboration
The collaboration between NCHR, the New Zealand Police, and the Norwegian Police, along with the dedicated efforts of the Nitivajra Institute, OAG, Royal Thai Police, DSI, and TIJ, not only enhanced the skills and knowledge of the participants but also fostered international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in investigative interviewing.