House Committee to Propose Landmark 'No-Cane' Legislation

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FILE photo

 

The House committee is preparing to introduce a landmark bill that aims to ban corporal punishment, specifically caning, nationwide. This proposed legislation marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to child-rearing practices.

 

If passed, Thailand will become the second nation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to outlaw such disciplinary measures.

 

Weeraphat Khantha, spokesman for the legislative committee responsible, announced this progressive move. Currently, under the existing Civil Procedure Code, which has been in place for 89 years, parents and guardians in Thailand have the legal right to discipline children through various physical means, including caning.

 

The proposed bill seeks to amend this long-standing regulation, reflecting modern attitudes towards child welfare and discipline.

 

A recent study by Thailand's Social Development and Human Security Ministry highlights the pressing need for change. The study, citing figures from UNICEF, found that an alarming 38.6% of children aged between 1 and 14 were subjected to physical punishment by their parents in 2022.

 

Such statistics underscore the potential impact of the proposed legislation on improving both child welfare and parenting practices across the nation.

 

The committee emphasises that the amendment is aimed at promoting positive and non-violent child-raising practices. Weeraphat Khantha noted, "The change is expected to promote better relationships between parents and children while reducing trauma among young ones."

 

He further stated that, if approved, Thailand would join a progressive global movement, becoming the 68th country worldwide to implement a ban on corporal punishment, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The impending submission of this bill to the Thai Parliament is a pivotal moment for child rights in Thailand, reflecting a commitment to fostering safe and nurturing environments for future generations.

 

-- 2024-10-28

 

 

[dinsdale]

I thought it is already illegal but still happens. Anyhow it doesn't work. It's The same kids get a wack over and over again. Their behaviour doesn't improve. Start failing students and watch behaviour improve instantly.

[0ffshore360]

Child rearing makes me think poultry farming.

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

I thought it is already illegal but still happens. Anyhow it doesn't work. It's The same kids get a wack over and over again. Their behaviour doesn't improve. Start failing students and watch behaviour improve instantly.

 

I guess you're right.

[edwinchester]

Why the picture of school students? Corporal punishment is already banned in schools and the new legislation seeks to also ban parents from using corporal punishment on their own kids..

[brianthainess]

Ban it all you like, it won't stop Teachers handing out all kinds of punishments. 

[scorecard]

7 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I thought it is already illegal but still happens. Anyhow it doesn't work. It's The same kids get a wack over and over again. Their behaviour doesn't improve. Start failing students and watch behaviour improve instantly.

 

And/or an increase in absenteeism.

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Ban it all you like, it won't stop Teachers handing out all kinds of punishments. 

Plus some teachers saying:

 

     "Yes I Know it's illegal but we are allowed to do it at this school".

 

[John Drake]

Was hoping this was a snappy headline for banning sugarcane burning. No such luck.

[john donson]

20th century thailand, maybe in a few decades?  yes this is 21st already...