Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand – The School of Law at Walailak University undertook an official visit to Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, from May 13 to 17, 2025, to advance its vision of becoming a globally recognized institution as outlined in the World University Rankings framework, and to enhance the School’s international academic activities.

    The delegation was led by Associate Professor Nares Kesaprakorn, Acting Dean of the School of Law, and included Lecturer Taweeporn Khongkaew, Acting Associate Dean; Lecturer Khwanmanee Maneechote, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Assistant Professor Siwarut Laikram, Acting Head of the Legal Research Center; and Dr. Kratthima Pattanasin, Lecturer and Project Leader of the “International Leadership in Education and Research Network (iLEARN)” initiative for fiscal year 2025.

    The primary objectives of the visit were to strengthen the School’s reputation in legal education and research, expand international partnerships, and promote collaborative research outputs. The delegation also engaged in discussions aimed at establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Civil and Commercial Law at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL) in the near future.

During the visit, the School of Law held strategic meetings and site visits with three major organizations in Chongqing:

Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL) – One of China’s top three law universities (engaging two faculties and one research center)

China–Lancang–Mekong–Southeast Asia International Education and Training Alliance

Tahota Law Firm – Ranked among the top ten law firms in China

Additionally, the delegation engaged with five related institutions:

School of Civil and Commercial Law

School of International Education

China–ASEAN Legal Research Center

Lan-Mekong China Education Training Promotion Alliance (LCETPA)

Tahota Law Firm

    The visit also provided opportunities for academic exchange with faculty members from Chongqing-based institutions, including Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing University, and Chongqing University of Education, as well as legal and business sector partners.

Key achievements aligned with the project’s goals and performance indicators (KPIs) include:

Delivery of a special lecture for students at the School of International Education, SWUPL

Bilateral discussions and planning of future international academic and research collaborations

Looking ahead, both university-wide and faculty-level MoUs are expected to be signed, facilitating student and faculty exchanges and joint research endeavors.

    This visit marks a significant milestone in the School of Law’s internationalization efforts and reaffirms Walailak University’s commitment to enhancing academic excellence and global engagement in legal education and research.