Thanyanuch Tantikul
Thailand
Postgraduate Research (PhD), 1st Year Law
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I am doing a PhD in criminology and criminal justice. However, my academic background was more in business law. My undergraduate study in Thailand had been so preoccupied with taxation that I joined a tax law firm after graduation. My masters level study at Georgetown University in Washington, DC also largely centered on commercial law. I also studied law and economics at its birthplace, the University of Chicago, and earned a second LLM, before spending years facilitating corporate re-organisations. Hence, my interest was never in criminal justice whatsoever.
The turning point came when I decided to change my career path and became a judge. This opportunity has exposed me to the nitty-gritty of social inequality that seeps into the criminal justice system and the trauma it causes. I started advocating reforms to better equalise and rationalise the system (notably the deprioritisation of money bail in pretrial release). Nevertheless, one must build solid philosophical grounds and collect sufficient evidence in order to powerfully challenge the status quo. Realising the inadequacy of my credentials, I decided to return to academia to fulfill this mission. It was a really tough call but I know I have taken the right path!
Why did you choose Strathclyde for your postgraduate research study?
Strathclyde was one of my top choices for the specialty in the area of my research. The Centre for Law Crime and Justice (CLCJ) at Strathclyde has been well regarded for its prolific and impactful research in criminal justice. The fact that the name of Professor Cyrus Tata, the director of CLCJ, had been specifically recommended to me by his own peer in another institution solidified this academic reputation to my mind.
However, expertise aside, supervising quality was the determinant for me in finally choosing Strathclyde. The generous support I had received from Professor Tata since the outset of my application gave me confidence in the strength and attentiveness of supervision necessary for any PhD study. And so far I have never been proved wrong.
Tell us about the nature of your research?
I am doing a research on the role of a fine in criminal sentencing. The fine is one of the most overlooked sanctions in research, despite its prevalence and great potential.
My research aims to understand the dynamics of the fine and its real impact through an empirical approach. My ultimate goal is to demonstrate the significance of the fine against the domination of imprisonment, and how to apply it to tackle issues of inequality and inequity in the penal system.
What do you like about your research area?
In the ever-increasingly unequal world, equality under the Rule of Law appears to be more and more illusory. Substantive equity and sensitivity towards another human being is easily dispensed with, or at best overlooked, amidst the obsession with quantifiable effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis. In this ambiance, somehow the harsh reality of criminal justice seems to impact the poor and marginalised the most. The inequality in reality jeopardises the legitimacy and values of the current penal system. It also begs the question of human dignity. To investigate the criminal justice system through the sociological lens has given me insights into the interconnectedness of all social problems. It is inspiring to imagine that the diffusion of this deeper understanding could lead to a better respect of human rights and even the alleviation of several social ills.
What’s the Strathclyde research community like?
Although the nature of my research is more of a ‘going-solo’ type, I could sense that the enthusiasm for rigorous and meaningful research in the community is abundant. The casual environment encourages the sharing and respect of ideas, which I really enjoy. The promptness of assistance and the cordiality of both students and staff greatly enhance the positive experiences of the life here.
What are the Strathclyde facilities like?
I have benefited from virtually unlimited access to a wide range of scholarly papers to shape my research. The availability of software and IT facilities significantly eases the burden of my research requirements. It also helps a lot that all physical facilities are in the city centre and easy to access.
Tell us about the support from your supervisor and the wider Strathclyde team?
Both of my supervisors have been truly supportive of my research. They are very attentive and their advice is valuable and insightful. I couldn’t imagine the smoothness of my progress without the level of support I’ve received. Also, I have to specifically mention Professor Mike Nellis who has been very generous and helpful to my additional mini-project, which also relates to my main research. The encouragements for academic rigour I’ve experienced are phenomenal, thanks to the engaging Strathclyde community.
What's the best thing about Strathclyde?
I would say the opportunities to encounter a variety of thought-provoking and profound ideas. Equally important is the emphasis on the usefulness and impact of research, which I’ve found fascinating and exciting.
What would you like to do after your PhD?
I will resume my position as a judge in Thailand and incorporate my research findings into my own practices. Hopefully, I may be able to communicate the results and recommendations of my research to a wide audience and initiate impact for the improvement of the criminal justice system.
#Strathlife
What are the main differences between studying in Thailand and in the UK?
One of the differences is the degree of emphasis on critical thinking and originality. I appreciate the UK environment that strongly promotes constructive criticism and tolerance of ideas, which is essential for the incubation of any groundbreaking discovery. Also, the rigour of research in the UK results in both extensive and deep knowledge in the field, which is quite an attraction for any person with a curious mind.
What was it like moving to Scotland?
Scotland has always been on my bucket list to visit. The untamed beauty of the Highlands has never ceased to intrigue me. So, I was excited to finally tick that box off the list, although the moving process was quite troublesome not unlike any other moving. I also found it hard to get acclimatised to the unpredictable weather at first. But the charms of Scotland are partly due to the weather, so I have eventually embraced this fact and lived with it like all resilient Scottish people.
What is it like being a student in Glasgow?
Glasgow is truly a vibrant city. There are all amenities a great city has to offer in a much more affordable price and in a walking distance too! There is a good mixture of traditions and modernity in such an eclectic and international atmosphere. So living here is quite a rewarding and enriching experience.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When the weather is nice, I love walking in the park or visiting the countryside. Going to the Highlands is a special treat for me. But when the weather does not permit, just staying indoors and having a nice warm cup of tea is enough in itself.
What do you like most about the city?
I like the location of the city, which seems to be the centre of Scotland. I love the fact that from here it is easy to travel to every direction in a much more manageable schedule. One can escape from a city life to the pristine nature in just less than an hour.
What’s your favourite Scottish word/phrase, and why?
‘Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’ is definitely my favourite. I love the humour and the wisdom of it. From time to time when I feel overwhelmed with the weight of my studies, this phrase still puts a smile on my face – even though I don’t drink whisky!
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Returning to academia after over a decade of being away was one of the most difficult decisions in my life. Had it not been because of the support from my supervisors and all the Strathclyde team, I would have regretted my decision. Now, I am thankful that I’ve taken that leap because I have rediscovered my passion for research and the quest for truth. Every PhD journey is bound to be bumpy at times, but at least I have confidence that I will persevere through it with the encouragement from Strathclyde’s supportive research community.