Will new law end Thailand’s dark era of torture and disappearances?

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

Uproar over the recent killing of a drug suspect by police investigators has revived debate on the need for a law banning torture and killings by state officials.

 

And the long-awaited move is now a step closer to reality after the House of Representatives on Thursday (September 16) voted 368:0 to approve in principle draft legislation outlawing torture and enforced disappearances for the first time in Thailand.

 

The bill, proposed by the Cabinet, has been tabled for House deliberation along with three rival drafts proposed separately by the House committee on laws, justice and human rights as well as the opposition Prachachart Party and coalition partner Democrat Party. The House panel’s draft was drawn up by a civil society group.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-new-law-end-thailands-dark-era-of-torture-and-disappearances/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-09-19

 

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[HeijoshinCool]

.

 

No, I still am required to go through ASQ next month....

 

Pray for me.

[Tarteso]

One thing is the law, and another .. how some interpret the law.

Edited September 19, 2021 by Tarteso

[poskat]

This new law will have the same effect as the laws against government corruption

[Artisi]

26 minutes ago, HeijoshinCool said:

.

 

No, I still am required to go through ASQ next month....

 

Pray for me.

Why, would suggest most have better things to do. 

[Caldera]

I'm sure there's a law against drunk driving, too. Yet, due to lack of enforcement...

 

I see the same happening here. Who will police the police? Or the army, for that matter?

[smedly]

If the law is passed it should be retrospective - all previous convictions/confessions suspected of being obtained through torture should be reversed

[RotBenz8888]

45 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

a law banning torture and killings

2021 and this is like new? 

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, Tarteso said:

One thing is the law, and another .. how some interpret the law.

Why are these extra 'laws' needed?

 

Surely:

 

1. Torture means aggravated violence for which Thailand already has laws with severe punishments for very violent cases.

 

2. Killings by state officials is murder for which Thailand already has laws with severe punishments for certain circumstances. 

 

[sammieuk1]

What law will the new law be lawful when any law can be broken with cash ????

[BKKTRAVELER]

My gut feeling says no... Some groups are unfortunately above the law.

[wombat]

1 hour ago, scorecard said:

Why are these extra 'laws' needed?

 

Surely:

 

1. Torture means aggravated violence for which Thailand already has laws with severe punishments for very violent cases.

 

2. Killings by state officials is murder for which Thailand already has laws with severe punishments for certain circumstances. 

 

civic duty is added to the list

 

Edited September 19, 2021 by wombat

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, HeijoshinCool said:

.

 

No, I still am required to go through ASQ next month....

 

Pray for me.

Amen.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, Tarteso said:

One thing is the law, and another .. how some interpret the law.

And the few who believe they are above the law.

[humqdpf]

Will any of these draft laws cover the kidnapping of activists in other jurisdictions? Or the activities of the "men in black?"

[zzaa09]

7 hours ago, Caldera said:

I'm sure there's a law against drunk driving, too. Yet, due to lack of enforcement...

 

I see the same happening here. Who will police the police? Or the army, for that matter?

Especially when these groups are the primary instigators of such activities. 

Less we forget about the secret law enforcement/para-military thugs.

[tomacht8]

From the Joe Ferrari case you hear nothing lately.

[Paul Henry]

All a matter of interpretation. The all powerful government will always do what they want and how they want! and when they want.

[Scott Tracy]

Yet another law to be ignored...

[scorecard]

15 hours ago, BKKTRAVELER said:

My gut feeling says no... Some groups are unfortunately above the law.

Or (IMHO) some citizens / groups of citizens have for a long time believed (and still believe) they are above the law and are a body which is entitled to be the ruling class with ultimate power to decide destiny and decide actions without abiding by laws and without equality and without transparent justice.  

Edited September 19, 2021 by scorecard

[chalawaan]

No. And don't hold your breath about any progress on the disappeared diaspora. That's rumored to have been arranged on approval.

It's political theatre to get international brownie points. Besides, one Gina Haspel ran a CIA rendering base right here in Kalaland. Nothing more to add.

Edited September 19, 2021 by chalawaan

[Sydebolle]

a law banning torture and killings by state officials

As if the sweetheart from Nakorn Sawan would care - do you think, he got he tremendous wealth and a car park by advising school kids on how to cross the road? 

[BKKTRAVELER]

10 hours ago, scorecard said:

Or (IMHO) some citizens / groups of citizens have for a long time believed (and still believe) they are above the law and are a body which is entitled to be the ruling class with ultimate power to decide destiny and decide actions without abiding by laws and without equality and without transparent justice.  

Yep! But since they keep getting away with it for so long, it's not a belief anymore, but an unfortunate fact...

[zzaa09]

Spinning rhetorical wheels is what they excel in.

Almost marketed as a way of life by the ruling classes.