Thailand’s new law to tackle online sexual harassment
Thailand is taking a bold step towards protecting victims of sexual harassment and privacy violations with a groundbreaking new bill that grants victims direct access to the courts—bypassing the slow bureaucratic process that has long delayed justice.
Patcharin Samsiripong, Vice Chairwoman of the House Committee on the Draft Act to Amend the Criminal Code, announced that the committee had carefully considered the draft law on rape and sexual harassment.
The bill, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of the Bhumjaithai Party, has already passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, with an additional proposal from MP Phakamon Nunanan of the Prachachon Party.
“Victims of sexual crimes deserve swift and effective protection,” Patcharin stated, thanking experts and legal professionals who contributed to the bill’s development.
Committee Chair Supachai Jaismut added that the legislation represents a new dimension in Thai legal practices, ensuring victims receive timely support and justice.
A key highlight of the bill is its provision for immediate removal of harmful online content. Inspired by international Take It Down laws, which require platforms to delete child pornography and non-consensual images within 48 hours, the Thai draft law enables victims to file a direct petition with the court.
This eliminates reliance on government agencies, such as the police or the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), which previously had discretionary power over content removal.
Under the proposed Section 284, courts will be able to swiftly order the deletion or suspension of unlawful content, preventing further harm to victims. Patcharin emphasised that this is crucial in an era where sexual harassment and privacy violations spread rapidly across online platforms.
“If such content isn’t taken down immediately, the damage to victims’ reputations, mental health, and dignity becomes irreparable.”
Previously, victims faced frustrating delays due to the bureaucratic red tape of the existing Criminal Code and Computer Crime Act, which required government approval before content could be removed. The new bill, however, directly empowers victims, significantly strengthening their rights in the digital age, reported Daily News.
“This is not just a legal amendment, it’s a commitment to human dignity.”
The bill represents a major step in Thailand’s legal reform, aligning the country with international standards and giving victims the swift justice they deserve.
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