We kick off our “Meet the LL.M. Class of '22” series with Thitiporn Visasnakorn of Thailand, who goes by the nickname “Panda.” Before enrolling as an LL.M. candidate, Visasnakorn was a legal officer at the Thai Bureau of Legal Affairs and Land, the Royal Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

You have an interesting legal background in Thailand. Could you discuss it?

I was responsible for analyzing the contracts between the private sector and government sector, giving legal opinions, and researching the precedents with my senior colleagues. I also participated in meetings to discuss the problems and solutions about irrigation contracts and irrigation construction.  

You have an interest in family law and juvenile justice. What sparked that?

My friend grew up in a terrible environment with domestic violence. She was expelled from school. At that time, there was little I could do. This inability to help left me feeling powerless. It was then I determined that I would study family law and  juvenile justice.

Why did you decide to pursue an LL.M.? And why at Minnesota Law?

I want to help develop my country's legal system. Fortunately, I got a scholarship from the Thai government to get my LL.M. and work for the government after graduation. I chose Minnesota Law because it is a prestigious law school in the United States and faculty members are world-class specialists.

Minnesota Law is a place known for putting an emphasis on leadership. What does leadership mean to you?

In my opinion, leadership means being a good speaker and a good listener who can inspire others by delivering powerful speech and being open-minded. Leaders should be responsible and completely cooperate with various people from different backgrounds with strategy, putting the right people into the right job. 

What are some of your hobbies/interests?

Yes. I love reading books and online articles as well as listening to music. I also love watching news, documentaries and YouTube. My interests, ,apart from law, are learning languages, politics and Asian history.

How do you plan to spend your free time?

I spend my free time relaxing and revising myself. In other words, I go outside to buy some snacks and books for relaxing and I take the time to think of myself about what I have done and what I have to do for the next few days. 

You have an unusual nickname ("Panda"). How did you get/select that?

Originally, my nickname was ‘Pan’. But after Thailand received 2 Pandas, Chuàng Chuàng and Lin Hui from China (at that time I was in kindergarten), my friends kept calling me ‘Panda’ and I loved that! My nickname has become ‘Panda’ since then. 

What three words best describe you?

Determined,  polite,  responsible 

Anything else about yourself you’d like to share?

I want to explore more in many fields of law and it would be great if I had an opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. degree in the future.