Thailand Maintains Capital Punishment Amid Calls for Abolition

Thailand's cabinet has rejected a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to gradually abolish the death penalty, citing its necessity for justice and crime deterrence. The NHRC’s phased plan included alternatives to capital punishment and alignment with global human rights standards. Despite pressure from international organisations and the fact that Thailand has not conducted executions since 2018, the government maintains its stance, prioritising public security and justice. The decision underscores ongoing debates about human rights, justice, and Thailand's international reputation within the ASEAN community.

There are many crimes, which in my view warrant capital punishment, the most obvious one being murder

 

I see no reason to abolishing capital punishment, when there is absolute proof of guilt, such as CCTV, multiple witnesses and the like.

 

However, the only alternative is surely whole life imprisonment, which sadly most countries pay lip service to.

 

10/15/20 years and applications are generally approved for parole. The murderer is free to enjoy the rest of his/her life (usually with social security benefits) yet the victim has nothing more.