Under the agreement, the RSO will support a number of university students studying in the field of international law and relations and human rights at Mahidol to undertake internships at the RSO office in Bangkok each year.

The partnership will further pave the way for joint activities including guest lectures, workshops, and shared research initiatives. Formalising the partnership, Professor Chulathida Chomchai M.D., Dean of Mahidol University International College, and David Scott, Co-Manager of the RSO, signed a letter of intent setting out a shared commitment to these joint objectives.

RSO internships provide MUIC students with valuable hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. Interns will be supported to gain experience across the RSO’s work—from project management and administration, to supporting research, participating in meetings and events, and developing materials and communications.

The RSO benefits from access to a pool of talented young graduates, who are engaged and eager to contribute to work to counter people smuggling and trafficking in persons.

Meet the first cohort of MUIC interns hosted by the RSO here:

Sarawut is an undergraduate in International Relations and Global Affairs at Mahidol University International College, Thailand. Sarawut joined the RSO as an intern with the Communications and Engagement team in late April 2024. In this time, he has developed a thorough understanding of the RSO’s work, compiling summary reports and contributing to design work across RSO activities, supporting event planning and management for the RSO flagship events, conducting weekly research on news and trends relevant to the RSO’s activities and supporting RSO social media activity and analytics. His fields of interest include human rights, migration, politics, and International Relations.

Praethong is currently in her fourth year, majoring in International Relations and Global Affairs at Mahidol University International College, Thailand. Praethong joined the RSO as an intern with the Irregular Migration and Regional Priorities team in September 2024. She is working on a research project which will support RSO and Bali Process work around assisted voluntary returns and reintegration, and has also supported event planning and facilitation. Her fields of interest include transnational crimes, human rights, climate change, and international politics.

In November, Ravi Mahalingam, RSO Programme Manager for Counter People Smuggling, and Evan Jones, RSO Programme Coordinator will be delivering a guest lecture to postgraduate students on current trafficking in persons trends, with a focus on child’s rights and children in migration.

The lecture – a part of a Special Lecture Series organised by Mahidol University – will provide students with critical insights into the trafficking landscape in the Bali Process region, whilst also opening a space for discussion and critical reflection.

David Scott, RSO Co-Manager said: “I am proud that the RSO and Mahidol University International College have embarked on this partnership that will support mutual knowledge exchange to benefit both of our activities and programmes. Being based in Bangkok, it is important to the RSO that we play a meaningful role in providing opportunities for young people here and contributing to their development – and Tor and Prae have proved this exceptionally by hitting the ground running at the RSO. We’re really encouraged by the results so far from this partnership and look forward to working together over years to come.”