Thailand urged to reform laws amid domestic violence surge
A network focused on reducing gender-based violence has expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence in Thailand, urging the government to undertake legal reforms to address the issue.
Varaporn Chamsanit, Secretary General of the Sexualities Studies Association and representative of the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence Thailand, highlighted that, on average, 15,000 people annually seek hospital treatment for injuries resulting from domestic violence.
Data from the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation indicates 1,086 cases were reported by the media in 2023. Of these cases, 75% involved assaults and murders committed by one spouse against the other.
In incidents involving unmarried couples reported by the media, 49% of the 2023 cases involved assaults or murders where one partner used a firearm against the other.
Varaporn stated that existing legal measures are inadequate for protecting and supporting victims. Despite the gravity of the situation, the anti-domestic violence law contains significant loopholes that impede victim protection.
These include lenient penalties for offenders, a focus on reconciliation that does not benefit victims, and legal ambiguities allowing perpetrators to avoid prosecution. Varaporn further noted the law’s lack of clear coordination mechanisms among state agencies and insufficient resources for victims, reported Bangkok Post.
While the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has proposed amendments to the Victims of Domestic Violence Protection Act to enhance victim protections, the coalition finds these measures lacking and calls for further revisions to improve the law’s effectiveness in addressing domestic violence cases.
This news shines light on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s previous efforts to actively support government initiatives aimed at curbing violence against children and women in November 2024, part of the government’s annual anti-violence campaign, coinciding with National Violence Elimination Against Children and Women Month.
The Bangkok-born PM acknowledged that domestic violence, both physical and mental, is a growing concern. A lack of social intervention, she noted, perpetuates this violence, which should be viewed as a societal issue rather than just a personal one.
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