Thailand to set to ‘whip’ up new parenting rules with no-cane bill

In a groundbreaking move that could change the way Thai parents discipline their children, a committee is poised to introduce a “no-cane” bill to the House. If given the green light, Thailand will become only the second nation in the ASEAN region to outlaw corporal punishment, potentially marking the end of an era for its 89 year old disciplinary law.

Weeraphat Khantha, the committee’s spokesperson, has highlighted the current legislation, entrenched in the Civil Procedure Code, which still allows parents to wield the cane. This archaic rule has been part of Thai law for nearly nine decades.

The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, drawing on data from UNICEF’s Thailand office, revealed a troubling fact: in 2022, a staggering 38.6% of children aged one to 14 endured physical punishment from their parents, reported Bangkok Post.

Spurred by these stark statistics, the committee is championing a legislative shift towards positive parenting practices. The proposed amendments aim to foster a nurturing environment for kids and improve family dynamics across the nation, said Weeraphat.

“The change is expected to promote a better relationship between parents and children and lessen children’s trauma.” If the bill sails through the House, Thailand will join an elite club of 68 countries worldwide that have already said no to caning and will proudly stand as the second ASEAN country to do so.

Is this the dawn of a kinder, more understanding approach to child-rearing in Thailand? The world will be watching.

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