The Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) had the honor of welcoming and hosting a bilateral discussion with Mr. Mamoru Fukuyama, Deputy Minister of Justice of Japan, alongside the Japanese delegation, on August 25, 2026, at the TIJ Building, Chaeng Watthana Road, Bangkok.
On this occasion, TIJ executives—led by Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director; Ms. Chonchit Chuenurah, Director of Office for the Bangkok Rules and Treatment of Offenders; Mr. Thanachai Sundaravej, Senior Manager, Social Partnership and Public Engagement; and Dr. Yodsawadi Thipphayamongkoludom, Senior Project Manager—engaged in an academic discussion with the delegation. The dialogue highlighted TIJ’s strategic portfolio, focusing on advancing the rule of law, fostering people-centered justice systems, promoting the implementation of the UN Bangkok Rules, and preventing recidivism.
The consultation specifically addressed strategies for reducing reoffending, where Japan plays a leading role in supporting the United Nations Model Strategies on Reducing Reoffending (the Kyoto Model Strategies). This global benchmark shares core human-centric values with the UN Bangkok Rules to support offender rehabilitation.
Dr. Phiset noted that the Kyoto Model Strategies provide a framework for nations to strengthen rehabilitation pathways, offering individuals a second chance at life and driving sustainable recidivism reduction. Projects like TIJ’s Restart Academy translate these international standards into practical action, with hopes of widening global exchanges to foster broader adoption of the Kyoto Model Strategies.
Following the session, the delegation met with Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairman of the TIJ Board, to discuss academic cooperation and reinforce ties between Japan’s Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network Institutes (UN-PNI).
The visit also included a walkthrough of the Restart Academy project on the 1st floor of the TIJ Building, which features a social enterprise kitchen, spa, and salon.
