Tansaorn (Wave) Junkrapor (MPP ‘26) shares how working for Thailand's Department of Local Administration taught him that effective policy comes from listening to the people it impacts, and how he's now focused on using data to make AI work for vulnerable populations.
How have your past experiences shaped your approach to public policy?
My first project in the Thai government was digitizing the assessment system. Previously, everything was manual; you needed paperwork and central government officers visiting local governments. They wanted to digitize so files could be sent through the system and assessments could be completed online. I spent five months preparing training sessions, engaging stakeholders, and identifying potential issues before launching the system. After implementation, local offices expressed their concerns to me, emphasizing the importance of valuing diverse perspectives and recognizing varying levels of readiness. This was something I had not considered before when I was solely working at my desk with data. To address this, I traveled to rural areas and spoke directly with local government officials to understand their concerns and figure out how to improve the system. It taught me that effective policies aren't just about data; they come from listening and engaging with the people who will be impacted.
Why did you choose the Ford School?
The Ford School brings together students from different countries and also encourages diversity of thought. I like that different opinions are welcomed and debated. This simulates real-world interactions where people don't all think the same way. You can also choose from many concentrations here: science and technology, international development, policy analysis, for example.
What policy issues keep you up at night?
Artificial intelligence policy, because right now it's a significant issue in every country, but in different ways. Developed countries have more regulations and resources to adapt. In developing countries, like Thailand, we lag behind. We don't have the resources or knowledge capital to adapt ourselves. I focus on that because AI could increase inequality across society. It's important to implement it in a way that reduces inequality instead of worsening it. Developing countries have much less data compared to developed countries, so AI algorithms focus more on developed country issues. I focus on how to increase the investment in data for vulnerable populations, like minorities in developing countries, to help address their specific challenges and improve their productivity and quality of life.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service is the direct avenue for changing society. Every aspect of daily life is influenced by public policy. If you want to make a tangible impact, public service provides the tools and responsibility to do so. It's about creating real changes to policies and systems that improve people's lives, rather than just observing or commenting from the sidelines.
This story is part of the Featured Fordies series, a new initiative that celebrates the diverse backgrounds, work, life, and academic experiences that students bring to the Ford School community.