Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nartnirun Junngam, a faculty lecturer of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University and the recipient of the National Outstanding Researcher Award Fiscal Year 2024 in the field of law, revealed that the research is related to international law, which is not an inapplicable matter. This is because Thailand and other nations are subject to jurisdiction of international law. The country plays a role as a direct participant involved in the implementation of the law.
The research includes topics related to both Thailand and international communities such as 1. Relationship between territorial division, self-determination of the people, and international legal recognition, considering the case of three southern border provinces of Thailand, 2. Lessons and recommendations from the case of Walter Bau v. Thailand, the first investment treaty case involving Thailand, 3. Interpretation and application of national treatment standards in international investment law, 4. The role of stability in international investment law, and 5. Interpretation and application of full protection and security standards in international investment law.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nartnirun added that the ongoing research is related to the elimination of discriminatory practices in international investment law. The study focuses on a provision commonly found in investment treaties, which deals with the treatment of similar situations. This provision will have implications on the legal consideration of a state’s conduct towards one foreign investment compared to another.
In conducting research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nartnirun has expressed his opinion that researchers should consider the quality and the benefits that will arise and be well-accepted in general. The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has placed great importance on this matter. As for the quality of the research, it can be preliminarily assessed based on the research methodology and the publication. The point of research publication is to make it accessible and verifiable, and to be implemented for research purposes. As for the benefits, research is different in its categories. When considering the benefits that will arise from each piece, one must consider the nature of the research, including what category it is and how it can bring benefits to the academic or professional field, or both.
“The research that I am conducting is something that I am truly interested in. As for the rewards, recognition, and acceptance, I see them as potential outcomes. One thing I believe is that if we conduct research on a topic that interests us, we will enjoy it along with gaining knowledge. I would like others to consider our findings. For me, my research project has been used for teaching and published internationally, regardless of whether it received research funding or not.” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nartnirun
