28/04/2026
LLM Abroad: A Guide to Qualifying for the Thai Judge Trainee Examination (Kinder Track)🇹🇭⚖️
For many Thai law graduates, pursuing an LL.M. abroad is more than just an academic achievement—it is a strategic step toward qualifying for the "Kinder Track" (สนามจิ๋ว)of the Judge Trainee Examination. However, simply obtaining two master’s degrees is not enough. You must carefully select your subjects to meet the strict criteria set by the Judicial Commission (J.C. or ก.ต.).
According to the regulations, there are three primary pathways to ensure your eligibility:
1. The Generalist Path: Two General LL.M. Degrees
If you choose to pursue two General LL.M. degrees, you must complete at least 6 compulsory subjects as specified by the J.C.
Criminal Law: At least 1 subject.
Civil Law & Special Laws: A combined total of 4 subjects (Civil Law subjects must be comparable to those in the Thai Civil and Commercial Code).
Procedural or Evidence Law: At least 1 subject from: Law of Evidence, Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, or Bankruptcy Law.
📗2. The Specialist Path: Specialization Degrees
You may choose one General LL.M. and one Specialized LL.M., or two Specialized LL.M. degrees. To qualify under this path, the "Specialization" must fall within these recognized fields:
* Juvenile and Family Law
* Labor Law
* Taxation Law
* Intellectual Property Law
* International Trade Law
* Maritime Law
* Bankruptcy Law
📘3. The Hybrid Path: General Degrees with Focused Coursework
You can opt for two General LL.M. degrees but focus your internal coursework. Under this path, you only need:
2 Compulsory Subjects: One must be Criminal Law, Evidence, Criminal/Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, or a Civil Law subject comparable to the Thai Code.
4 Specialized Subjects: At least 4 subjects must be within one of the specific fields mentioned in Path 2.
Deep Dive: Choosing Your Subjects Wisely
When planning your modules abroad, you generally have two strategic options to ensure your qualifications are recognized:
Option A: The 6-Subject Rule (General LL.M. Focus)
If your degree title is "LL.M. General," you must ensure your transcript across both degrees covers:
1. Criminal Law.
2. Civil Law (4 subjects):Subjects such as Contracts, Sales, Property, or Insurance. You may mix these with specific "Special Laws" as permitted by regulations, totaling at least 4.
3. Procedural Law (1 subject):Evidence, Civil/Criminal Procedure, or Bankruptcy.
By checking off these 6 specific boxes, you satisfy the J.C. requirements for the Small Track.
Option B: The Specialized Focus
If you prefer not to take all 6 compulsory subjects from Option A, you have two sub-options:
Direct Specialization: Enroll in a degree specifically titled for a field, such as an
LL.M. in Taxation or LL.M. in Intellectual Property
Coursework Concentration: Even if your degree is a "General LL.M.," you can qualify by selecting at least 4 subjects in one specialized field (e.g., International Trade) and 2 compulsory subjects from Option A.
Note: Of those 2 compulsory subjects, at least one must be a core law subject (Criminal, Civil, Procedure, or Evidence). You cannot fulfill this requirement using two "Special Law" subjects alone.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right university is only half the battle. To return to Thailand and sit for the Judge Assistant exam (Kinder Track), your transcript is your most important asset. Whether you prefer the breadth of a General LL.M. or the depth of a Specialization, always cross-reference your module choices with the latest Judicial Commission regulations to ensure your hard work abroad translates into your dream career at home.
The Up to Date Lists of Universities with Accredited LLM Program
👉🏻 https://file.thaijobjob.com/prakad/ojc202605/ojc202605_7