University welcomes delegation from the Royal Thai Police

The Thai visitors were welcomed by the University’s Dr Maria Ioannou and Dr John Synnott from the Secure Societies Institute

SENIOR police officers from Thailand paid a fact-finding visit to the University of Huddersfield, leading to the prospect of further research collaboration as the country develops strategies to address issues that include cyber crime, human trafficking and sex offending.

Two researchers at the University, Dr John Synnott and Dr Maria Ioannou, Associate Director and Co-Director respectively of the University’s Secure Societies Institute, have been to Thailand, in order to deliver talks on investigative and forensic psychology and hold meetings with key figures in the country’s government, its prison service and the Royal Thai Police.  Also, a Thai officer, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nutthika Keeratithammakrit, has relocated to the University of Huddersfield while she carries out PhD research, under Dr Synnott’s and Dr Ioannou’s supervision, on sex offenders.

When a six-strong party from the Royal Thai Police, headed by Police Lieutenant General Ronasilp Phusara, planned a visit to the UK, it included the University of Huddersfield on its itinerary.  A day of activities for the distinguished guests included a tour of forensic science labs, which were of particular interest to members of the delegation who are experts in forensics themselves.

There was a presentation from the Dean of Human and Health Sciences, Professor Paul Bissell, in which he outlined the University’s postgraduate programmes in Investigative Psychology and Security Science and described the work of the multi-disciplinary Secure Societies Insitute.

Dr Ioannou and Dr Synnott gave a presentation on their visit to Thailand and held talks with the delegation on their goals for future research collaboration with universities and agencies in the country.

At the start of the day, the Thai party were welcomed by the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Professor Andrew Ball, and at the close there was a presentation to the delegates from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, Professor David Taylor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Thornton, who spoke about the importance of international collaboration and how Thailand was an important strategic partner for the University.

The delegates also met members of the University of Huddersfield Thai Students’ Society, who are studying for a wide variety of degree courses.

Afterwards, Lieutenant General Phusara said how impressed he had been with the University’s facilities and that he now hoped for future research collaboration.

On the importance of the visit Dr Synnott says that: “It was a great honour to attract this calibre of individuals to the University and we endeavour to return to Thailand later in the year to further develop our relationships with the Royal Thai Police.”

Discussing the wider context of this visit, Dr Ioannou stated: “The Secure Societies Institute is concerned with global security issues and our work with our colleagues in Thailand is one of many initiatives currently in progress to tackle international challenges.”