Thailand


CLE Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 2010 and is based in Thailand. This organization, which developed from a program of BABSEA CLE, grew into an independent organization to pursue its own individual yet complementary mission.

The purpose of CLE Foundation is to promote access to justice and sustainable development throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and Internationally. CLE Foundation aims to achieve its goals through education of both, vulnerable sectors of society, as well as empowering the academic sector, which in time will assist in having a broader impact towards solving the issues generated from a lack in education. 

Throughout Thailand, CLE Foundation currently is working and developing its Clinical Legal Education and Community Empowerment Initiatives. Internationally, CLE Foundation, supports and connects CLE Thailand programs with other CLE programs to develop strong collaborations, synergies and best practices in CLE methodology.

The project works to provide legal education throughout Thailand and internationally by working with vulnerable communities through its CLE programs. The project also intends to build a network among partners to cultivate relationships and encourage communication.

This initiative has two main programs:

  1. to empower vulnerable individuals and communities by creating and strengthening sustainable legal and rights education as well as access to justice programs in Thailand through the establishment and support of university-based Clinical Legal Education (CLE) programs throughout Thailand and internationally;
  2. to improve the education of Thailand and Southeast Asia’s vulnerable communities such as incarcerated youth sector, single mothers, transgender and ethnic minority communities.

CLE Foundation  seeks to strengthen CLE programs as well as formulate partnerships with several universities throughout Thailand, including the University of Phayao, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Lam Pang Rajabhat University, Mahasarakham University, Northeastern University, Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University, Thammasat University, Ramkhamhaeng University, and Sripatum University. Additionally, CLE Foundation continues to strengthen collaborative connections and networks with CLE programs internationally with the CLE programs and networks throughout Thailand.

This is done in part through the introduction and strengthening of CLE into these universities, it is anticipated that legal education and access to justice programs in Thailand and Internationally will be further strengthened and deeply rooted for the benefit of those in underprivileged communities.



Related Articles


Working for BABSEA CLE

Thailand Reflection Mu

 Working for BABSEA CLE By Chulaluk (Mu) Chakkawan, Thailand I worked at BABASEA CLE in Chiang Mai for four months at the beginning of 2011. While it was a short time, it was a really good experience and I learned a lot. I found out about BABSEA CLE through my friend Pim, the Intern and Volunteer Coordinator. I visited her office on several occasions to meet interns from other countries. I went with them to help translate at Wildflower (a home for young single mothers), to Mae Rim Primary School (where they were teaching English) and to a prison...

My Experience Changed My World View

Externship Reflection Rachel 1

 My Experience Changed My World View By Rachel Tritter, USA, Intern 2008 As I stepped through the sliding glass doors of Chiang Mai airport exhausted from a 36-hour trip across the world, I stepped into another world of thick, humid air smelling of tropical fruits, street food and smog.  The sense of wonder, awe and fear that I felt on arrival in Thailand never quiet subsided, and in the three months that followed I learned more about myself, the world around me and others then I ever thought possible. Thailand was a world away from my home near...

Teaching Law Students and Serving the Community

Thailand Teaching Law Students

Teaching Law Students and Serving the Community By Nashayagal Rattanavorragant, Director, Community Legal Clinic, Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University (MCRU) Rajabhat University was created by the government in 2004, and given a mission to do research to support sustainable development in two neighboring provinces, to provide education to students and educational services to the community – and to fulfil this mission while preserving local Thai culture. Because we have responsibility for Ratchaburi and Samut-Songkhram Provinces, we must also consider...