Legal Institute Launches Ethical Interrogation Training

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

The Nitivat Institute of the Office of the Attorney General has launched a specialist training course aimed at improving the effectiveness and integrity of witness and suspect questioning within Thailand’s justice system. The programme places a strong emphasis on international standards and human rights principles.

The certificate course, titled “Investigative Interviewing: PEACE Programme”, opened on 1 August at the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) on Chaeng Watthana Road. Mr Banchart Khieowtai, Secretary-General of the Nitivat Institute, presided over the opening ceremony. The training is a collaborative effort between the Nitivat Institute, TIJ, the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), the University of Oslo and the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT).

Also attending the opening were Dr Anuwanan Wongpichet, Deputy Director of TIJ and Mr Nit Satchiphanon, APT’s Asia-Pacific representative.

Mr Banchart highlighted the challenges currently facing Thailand’s justice process, especially in the area of suspect and witness questioning. He noted that traditional interrogation methods often prioritise confessions over factual accuracy and may involve inappropriate techniques that violate human rights and erode public trust in the legal system.

To address these issues, the PEACE (Planning and Preparation, Engage and Explain, Account, Clarification, and Challenge, Closure, and Evaluation) model, an internationally recognised framework for ethical and effective interviewing, is being introduced. The model promotes non-coercive techniques, encourages rapport-building between officers and interviewees, and avoids the use of leading or manipulative questioning. Its goal is to ensure fact-based investigations and fair trials.

“The justice system must shift from confession-led procedures to truth-seeking methods that are rights-respecting and reliable,” Mr Banchart said. “This programme equips prosecutors and justice officials with practical tools to do just that.”

The second cohort of this training course will include both theoretical sessions and hands-on practice. While the theoretical training took place at TIJ on 1 August, the practical component will be conducted from 25 to 29 August at the Amari Hotel in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The initiative ultimately seeks to strengthen the foundation of the rule of law in Thailand by promoting justice that is both effective and humane.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-03