BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Justice is proposing the establishment of a center to collect DNA and biometric information from inmates and suspects charged by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to reduce repeated crimes in Thailand.

 

The proposal was made by the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) following the cabinet’s approval of the Genetic Data Bill which allows for a national DNA center for the population.

 

According to CIFS director Pol Col Songsak Raksaksakul, the center will be allowed to lawfully collect DNA and personal information from inmates under the Justice Ministry’s supervision and suspects indicted by the DSI.

 

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The CIFS held discussions with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to discuss the setting up of the national DNA database, in which the FBI has agreed to assist.

 

The CIFS director emphasized the importance of having a national DNA database, stating that it would allow greater efficiency in identifying suspects and reduce repeated offenses, especially among young drug users. The DNA collection will also aid in the identification of dead bodies, stateless people, and unidentified offenders.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-15

 

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Will a DNA sample soon be a requirement for renewing extension of stay?

23 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The DNA collection will also aid in the identification of dead bodies, stateless people

And why exactly would the DNA of stateless people be collected? Is being stateless a crime?

Edited April 15, 20224 yr by Bluespunk

22 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

And why exactly would the DNA of stateless people be collected? Is being stateless a crime?

A crime is pretty much whatever the authorities SAY is a crime.

43 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Will a DNA sample soon be a requirement for renewing extension of stay?

If that ever happens, it'll be time to leave.

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

to discuss the setting up of the national DNA database, in which the FBI has agreed to assist.

Plus the FBI will orgnise the regular, off-site back-ups.

1 hour ago, Bluespunk said:

And why exactly would the DNA of stateless people be collected? Is being stateless a crime?

It certainly seems that way the Thais treat and feel about "stateless" people. And let's face it, we all know to whom they are referring to as being stateless. Took a Thai girlfriend to an ajoining country to the west of Thailand a few years ago. She was shocked at how safe and how nice the people were after being led for many years to beleive that they are all criminals responsible for all evil doing in Thailand. DNA collection and retention for convicted criminals on a database is accepted by most western countries. So long as the same standards are applied in Thailand most won't see anything wrong with that. Mass random testing would not be fair.

 

The exceptions will be; military personnel; police; politicians; VIPs or their sons.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The DNA collection will also aid in the identification of dead bodies, stateless people, and unidentified offenders.

Interesting take.

 

Start/finish with all thai citizens.

 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

center to collect DNA and biometric information from inmates and suspects charged by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to reduce repeated crimes in Thailand.

 

Struggling to understand how this would reduce repeated crimes? 

 

Do they mean suspects will be caught and jailed, and that they can't repeat their crimes while in jail?

 

 

 

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

The exceptions will be; military personnel; police; politicians; VIPs or their sons.

As usual, anyone paying money will be exempt.

 

I know convicted Thai felons that get visas for Australia and New Zealand with ease. Clean criminal record checks can easily be purchased here. 

21 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

an ajoining country to the west of Thailand

With respect, Burma by any chance? Many Thai people "look down their noses" at the Burmese, Cambodians and Laotians who they regard as second class citizens!

9 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

Struggling to understand how this would reduce repeated crimes? 

If convicted on first offence, DNA record on computer and jailed, then when released a serial (repeat) offender can be identified again by his/her DNA record. For example, if a sex offender is released after first conviction, and then goes on to commit more sex offences over time where DNA profiles were detected from body fluids, hair etc. these can then be checked against the DNA database to identify the offender.  Personally I think it should read "would reduce undetected repeat crimes" Of course, this would only be effective if a DNA sample was taken in the first instance in relation to a criminal offence. No criminal offence - no DNA sample (UK).

Edited April 16, 20224 yr by Burma Bill
additional information

4 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

With respect, Burma by any chance? Many Thai people "look down their noses" at the Burmese, Cambodians and Laotians who they regard as second class citizens!

Of course. My dear 82yrs young mother travelled with us in 2020 and we had a lovely 6 days in Yangon, Myeik and Dawei before travelling overland to Phu Nam Rom by landcruiser. I bicycled solo from Kawthoung to Mawlamyine in 2016 (having also travelled all the way to Myitkyina in the north in 2000). The worst hassle my Thai GF had was that Thai Immigration wanted to refuse her re-entry to Thailand (with Thai passport) and send her back to Yangon to fly back - even though she had a proper Myanmar visa and Thai immigration had let us farangs pass. Needless to say, TGF was <deleted> with the Thai immigration. Eventually they relented - although she did nothing wrong. 

 

So sad that neighbouring countries' citizens are treated so badly and discriminated against or seen as suspicious. The company I use for condo cleaning in Bangkok employs charming Burmese staff but they just can't get enough legit workers right now.