Thai Cabinet Rejects Proposal to Abolish Capital Punishment

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Death Penalty News

 

In a firm stance against recent appeals for the abolition of the death penalty, Thailand's cabinet has unanimously decided to retain capital punishment in its legal system. This decision emerged after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advocated for a gradual end to this severe form of punishment, citing its abolition in many other nations as an impetus for change.

 

The cabinet, however, remained unconvinced by these arguments, with Deputy Government Spokesman Kharom Polpornklang affirming the need for the death penalty.

 

The cabinet's decision aligns with views from the judiciary, which stress the necessity of such measures due to the severity and nature of certain crimes. The judiciary contends that the existence of capital punishment serves not only as a deterrent but also as a vital component of justice for heinous acts.

 

The NHRC's proposal, presented at a seminar marking World Day Against the Death Penalty, suggested a phased approach to abolishing the death penalty.

 

This plan included four strategic steps: refraining from instituting the death penalty in new laws, amending existing statutes to offer courts alternative sentencing options, reviewing the proportionality of current capital punishment laws, and ultimately, purging the death penalty from all legal codes.

 

Despite the NHRC's efforts, the Thai government remains resolute. Their position reflects a broader societal debate on the balance between human rights and crime deterrence. While human rights advocates and various civil sectors back the NHRC's push for legislative reform, the government prioritises public security and justice.

 

For context, Thailand has not carried out an execution since 2018, and it has been periodically pressured by international human rights organisations to re-evaluate its stance on the death penalty.

 

Such entities argue that capital punishment is an irreversible act that has proven to be ineffective as a crime deterrent. Furthermore, they emphasise the importance of aligning with global human rights standards, particularly as Thailand is a key player in international discussions and the ASEAN community.

 

At present, the cost of preserving the death penalty lies not only in potential human rights fallout but also in the broader implications for Thailand’s international reputation.

 

With ongoing debates and human rights organisations keeping a watchful eye, Thailand's retention of capital punishment will continue to spark dialogue, both domestically and abroad, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

 

[ikke1959]

I vote for keeping capital punishment especially for coupmakers and criminals that are murdering as an example kids in a school or just kill people for 3rd or 4th time.. Better than keep them in prison which cost more than an 1 time action.. But this is not only for Thailand, it should be all over the world, serial killers, endless costs of lawyers and cases going to court every time again, while it is almost always very proven that they did it.. And as it can happen that maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare

[Karma80]

59 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

I vote for keeping capital punishment especially for coupmakers and criminals that are murdering as an example kids in a school or just kill people for 3rd or 4th time.. Better than keep them in prison which cost more than an 1 time action.. But this is not only for Thailand, it should be all over the world, serial killers, endless costs of lawyers and cases going to court every time again, while it is almost always very proven that they did it.. And as it can happen that maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare

Thailand has one of the most corrupt police and justice systems in the world, backed up by a political system which is mired in equal amounts of corruption, all sitting on a platform of extreme societal inequality. And you're somehow cool with letting a few innocent people die?

Have a look at the offences you can be sentenced to death for in Thailand. It might surprise you as being quite easy and with a slip of the tongue.

[mfd101]

Certainly Thailand needs the death penalty for leaders of military coups or attempted coups.

 

I'll believe the pollies are serious when they have that on the statute books and actually carry it out.

[johnnybangkok]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

I vote for keeping capital punishment especially for coupmakers and criminals that are murdering as an example kids in a school or just kill people for 3rd or 4th time.. Better than keep them in prison which cost more than an 1 time action.. But this is not only for Thailand, it should be all over the world, serial killers, endless costs of lawyers and cases going to court every time again, while it is almost always very proven that they did it.. And as it can happen that maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare

I'm glad you are so flippant about 'maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare.' In the US alone 'Since 1973, 200 for­mer death-row pris­on­ers have been exon­er­at­ed of all charges relat­ed to the wrong­ful con­vic­tions that had put them on death row.  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/innocence

 

If you yourself or a member of your family was wrongfully executed, I don't think you would be quite as cavalier about this. 

[Frankie baby]

The pros & cons of the death penalty will go on and on. Each country has its own individual circumstances (and for good reason).

But theirs enough real scum on this this planet to justify keeping this law and enforcing it as necessary. Thailand as made the correct decision for once.   

[jesimps]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Death Penalty News

 

In a firm stance against recent appeals for the abolition of the death penalty, Thailand's cabinet has unanimously decided to retain capital punishment in its legal system. This decision emerged after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advocated for a gradual end to this severe form of punishment, citing its abolition in many other nations as an impetus for change.

 

The cabinet, however, remained unconvinced by these arguments, with Deputy Government Spokesman Kharom Polpornklang affirming the need for the death penalty.

 

The cabinet's decision aligns with views from the judiciary, which stress the necessity of such measures due to the severity and nature of certain crimes. The judiciary contends that the existence of capital punishment serves not only as a deterrent but also as a vital component of justice for heinous acts.

 

The NHRC's proposal, presented at a seminar marking World Day Against the Death Penalty, suggested a phased approach to abolishing the death penalty.

 

This plan included four strategic steps: refraining from instituting the death penalty in new laws, amending existing statutes to offer courts alternative sentencing options, reviewing the proportionality of current capital punishment laws, and ultimately, purging the death penalty from all legal codes.

 

Despite the NHRC's efforts, the Thai government remains resolute. Their position reflects a broader societal debate on the balance between human rights and crime deterrence. While human rights advocates and various civil sectors back the NHRC's push for legislative reform, the government prioritises public security and justice.

 

For context, Thailand has not carried out an execution since 2018, and it has been periodically pressured by international human rights organisations to re-evaluate its stance on the death penalty.

 

Such entities argue that capital punishment is an irreversible act that has proven to be ineffective as a crime deterrent. Furthermore, they emphasise the importance of aligning with global human rights standards, particularly as Thailand is a key player in international discussions and the ASEAN community.

 

At present, the cost of preserving the death penalty lies not only in potential human rights fallout but also in the broader implications for Thailand’s international reputation.

 

With ongoing debates and human rights organisations keeping a watchful eye, Thailand's retention of capital punishment will continue to spark dialogue, both domestically and abroad, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

 

Good! Well done!! A life for a life, sounds like a fair swap to me. If only they'd carry it out, still, the threat is there.

[BarBoy]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

the government prioritises public security and justice.

come on now,

 

it's not April fools day yet, is it??

[Bannoi]

Thailands death penalty is and always has been only for Minions HI-SO's are exempt or pardoned.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The cabinet, however, remained unconvinced by these arguments, with Deputy Government Spokesman Kharom Polpornklang affirming the need for the death penalty.

For the most heinous crimes.. I agree, keep it.

[ikke1959]

2 hours ago, johnnybangkok said:

I'm glad you are so flippant about 'maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare.' In the US alone 'Since 1973, 200 for­mer death-row pris­on­ers have been exon­er­at­ed of all charges relat­ed to the wrong­ful con­vic­tions that had put them on death row.  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/innocence

 

If you yourself or a member of your family was wrongfully executed, I don't think you would be quite as cavalier about this. 

America yeah.. figures from 1973,, but now we are living 50 years further and DNA and more effective investigations are normal and can be done the change now is smaller...... But there are many other cases that are for sure that the capital punishment could be performed... But lawyers always try to find ways to get the culprits free even for a mistake in the papers.....It will costs dearly... But maybe instead of put them in jail for their crimes give them some hard labour and than if proven unguilty they can be paid for the work they have done...

[Reddavy]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Death Penalty News

 

In a firm stance against recent appeals for the abolition of the death penalty, Thailand's cabinet has unanimously decided to retain capital punishment in its legal system. This decision emerged after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advocated for a gradual end to this severe form of punishment, citing its abolition in many other nations as an impetus for change.

 

The cabinet, however, remained unconvinced by these arguments, with Deputy Government Spokesman Kharom Polpornklang affirming the need for the death penalty.

 

The cabinet's decision aligns with views from the judiciary, which stress the necessity of such measures due to the severity and nature of certain crimes. The judiciary contends that the existence of capital punishment serves not only as a deterrent but also as a vital component of justice for heinous acts.

 

The NHRC's proposal, presented at a seminar marking World Day Against the Death Penalty, suggested a phased approach to abolishing the death penalty.

 

This plan included four strategic steps: refraining from instituting the death penalty in new laws, amending existing statutes to offer courts alternative sentencing options, reviewing the proportionality of current capital punishment laws, and ultimately, purging the death penalty from all legal codes.

 

Despite the NHRC's efforts, the Thai government remains resolute. Their position reflects a broader societal debate on the balance between human rights and crime deterrence. While human rights advocates and various civil sectors back the NHRC's push for legislative reform, the government prioritises public security and justice.

 

For context, Thailand has not carried out an execution since 2018, and it has been periodically pressured by international human rights organisations to re-evaluate its stance on the death penalty.

 

Such entities argue that capital punishment is an irreversible act that has proven to be ineffective as a crime deterrent. Furthermore, they emphasise the importance of aligning with global human rights standards, particularly as Thailand is a key player in international discussions and the ASEAN community.

 

At present, the cost of preserving the death penalty lies not only in potential human rights fallout but also in the broader implications for Thailand’s international reputation.

 

With ongoing debates and human rights organisations keeping a watchful eye, Thailand's retention of capital punishment will continue to spark dialogue, both domestically and abroad, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

 

I wish the UK would adopt this policy with all the crap that is arriving via the the channel in dingy’s 🤷🏼

[shackleton]

Totally agree on Thailand keeping the death penalty its their choice 

I still believe the UK should have kept it as well  for certain serious crimes 

No deterrent for people who get life sentences and the Woke left  do Gooders 

Want to them do less time 😱

[Homburg]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

..citing its abolition in many other nations as an impetus for change

 

An observer of the effects of abolition in those other countries where, since abolition, killings have risen, and continue to rise, might think the opposite.

 

 

What those who push for abolition omit from their arguments is that an effective deterrent against killings saves lives.

 

Well done Thailand. Keep the deterrent.

[arick]

Good Buddhist kill people but won't kill something suffering and dying. 

[arick]

32 minutes ago, shackleton said:

Totally agree on Thailand keeping the death penalty its their choice 

I still believe the UK should have kept it as well  for certain serious crimes 

No deterrent for people who get life sentences and the Woke left  do Gooders 

Want to them do less time 😱

If you would have kept capital punishment I think the property around SE1 and Tower bridge wouldn't have been so expensive because of the smell.

[kingstonkid]

The death penalty is a detterent and should be on the books BUT take a look at the crimes that we have had recently that should have been deathrow.  Cyanide Annie for one.  Major drug lords for another.  

 

Itf the drug lords are left in prison they a can still run their organizations from within the wals.  The simple solution is to have the death penalty and actually use it for these crimes.

 

I agree that a person could be innocent, but in the cases mentioned, there is little doubt.  The bottom line is that people in this country and those visiting are warned about the laws on drugs.  

 

I kind of like Indonesia and their system. Anyone want to know google Bali 9.

[sambum]

Not carried out an execution since 2018, and they still want to keep it as an option?

[UWEB]

Death penalty is State Murder.

[john donson]

if it is proven beyond doubt, serial rapists, child molesters, killers, major drug dealers, ... but sadly hardly executed

[Luuk Chaai]

7 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I vote for keeping capital punishment especially for coupmakers and criminals that are murdering as an example kids in a school or just kill people for 3rd or 4th time.. Better than keep them in prison which cost more than an 1 time action.. But this is not only for Thailand, it should be all over the world, serial killers, endless costs of lawyers and cases going to court every time again, while it is almost always very proven that they did it.. And as it can happen that maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare

Add to that list .........        Drug dealers ( hard drugs .. like Meth-Ya. Pills and crystals/Heroin/Cocaine )

 Murderers especially cop killers, (includes running them down in your fancy car ) Rapists

[jcmj]

Just think of all of the husbands, wives and children killing each other and the people that run over people and leave, just turn themselves in to try to get their sentence reduced. They should not pass go and be a burden on the system. I believe that murders, serial sex abusers, and the likes should be once removed from the system. Just imagine if it was your family. For those don’t want it maybe you can pay towards their room and board. The other option may be once the guilty verdict is reached with no doubt in the evidence, the family should decide to either let them continue to live in prison and possibly get out, or be put to the chair immediately. 

[Grumbles]

If the person is irrefutably proven guilty of a serious crime, e.g. murder, child rapists, drug dealing, I'm 100% for it.

Some of the benefits if carried out, would be:

1). No chance of reoffending.

2). No carrying on running crime empires from jail.

3). Less overcrowding of prisons.

4). Money saved on feeding, security & medical expenses.

 

[lordgrinz]

Don't scrap it yet, I am still waiting for Prayut, Prawit, and their cronies to swing from the gallows.

[johnnybangkok]

56 minutes ago, Grumbles said:

If the person is irrefutably proven guilty of a serious crime, e.g. murder, child rapists, drug dealing, I'm 100% for it.

Some of the benefits if carried out, would be:

1). No chance of reoffending.

2). No carrying on running crime empires from jail.

3). Less overcrowding of prisons.

4). Money saved on feeding, security & medical expenses.

 

So many think the cost savings on 'feeding, security & medical expenses' when in reality it is exactly the opposite.

 

'The death penal­ty is far more expen­sive than a sys­tem uti­liz­ing life-with­out-parole sen­tences as an alter­na­tive pun­ish­ment. Some of the rea­sons for the high cost of the death penal­ty are the longer tri­als and appeals required when a person’s life is on the line, the need for more lawyers and experts on both sides of the case, and the rel­a­tive rar­i­ty of exe­cu­tions. Most cas­es in which the death penal­ty is sought do not end up with the death penal­ty being imposed. And once a death sen­tence is imposed, the most like­ly out­come of the case is that the con­vic­tion or death sen­tence will be over­turned in the courts. Most defen­dants who are sen­tenced to death essen­tial­ly end up spend­ing life in prison, but at a high­ly inflat­ed cost because the death penal­ty was involved in the process.'   https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/costs

[ikke1959]

22 hours ago, johnnybangkok said:

I'm glad you are so flippant about 'maybe a innocent is being executed, but that will be very rare.' In the US alone 'Since 1973, 200 for­mer death-row pris­on­ers have been exon­er­at­ed of all charges relat­ed to the wrong­ful con­vic­tions that had put them on death row.  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/innocence

 

If you yourself or a member of your family was wrongfully executed, I don't think you would be quite as cavalier about this. 

In Wisconsin a girl with 2 guns ....killed a student and a teacher.... Have merci with her if she gets the capital punishment?? Guilty no mercy.... How do you think the families of the victims will feel??  Lives ruined as long as they live... No mercy or excuses for this kind of behavior, although 15 year 

[johnnybangkok]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

In Wisconsin a girl with 2 guns ....killed a student and a teacher.... Have merci with her if she gets the capital punishment?? Guilty no mercy.... How do you think the families of the victims will feel??  Lives ruined as long as they live... No mercy or excuses for this kind of behavior, although 15 year 

I understand the emotions involved in these matters but the death penalty isn't justice - it's revenge and retribution. No government should be carrying out revenge against their own citizens.