Report Thai Rights Groups Criticise Domestic Violence Law Reform as Insufficient

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Thai rights organisations are voicing strong opposition to the government's proposed Domestic Violence Protection Act amendments, arguing they prioritise family unity over safeguarding victims amid an escalating abuse crisis. The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP) highlights the law's inadequacies, pointing out that reported cases surged from 372 in 2021 to 1,086 in 2023 while numerous incidents remain unreported, according to the UNODC.

 

Cases like Wassana Aromptip’s illustrate the grim reality. After being brutally attacked by her husband, who has a history of drug use and violence, she received little assistance from law enforcement. Her husband faced no legal consequences beyond a mediated agreement requiring him to consent to divorce should he reoffend.

 

Current practice under the 2007 Act emphasises mediation, often pressuring victims back into abusive environments. WMP director Jaded Chouwilai criticises this approach, noting that victims are frequently compelled to endure further abuse due to a focus on preserving family ties.

 

Volunteer Nanthiya Phumsuwan shared her harrowing experiences of domestic violence, revealing that police intervention typically arises only after prolonged physical abuse. Motivated by her ordeal, she now assists other victims through WMP.

 

The proposed law revisions aim to enhance the legal framework by broadening the definition of domestic violence to include sexual, health, mental harm, and defamation. Yet, it still stresses family cohesion over victims' safety and fails to address the rehabilitation of perpetrators.

 

Varaporn Charmsanit and the Coalition against Gender-based Violence Thailand (CaGBV) advocate for an alternative approach prioritising victim protection. A petition endorsing their plan has garnered over 15,000 signatures.

 

Their proposed amendment focuses on robust victim protection, extending legal safeguards to unmarried couples and elevating domestic violence penalties to match those in criminal law. Key features include mandatory follow-ups, empowering officials to relocate victims, and appointing case managers to ensure sustained support.

 

This victim-centred amendment seeks to abolish out-of-court settlements and impose harsher punishments on repeat offenders, counting past settled incidents in sentencing.

 

Despite legal strides, societal attitudes pose ongoing challenges. Jaded Chouwilai points to a pervasive reluctance to intervene in spousal disputes, often regarded as private matters. Angkana Inthasa of WMP underscores the need for education on rights and guidance out of abusive relationships, as many women feel trapped by societal beliefs and fears.

 

Addressing the root causes of domestic violence in Thailand necessitates both legal reforms and a cultural shift in perceptions of gender roles and familial dynamics. Rights groups contend that legal advancements must be coupled with societal education to empower victims and prevent abuse.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-30

 

 

[ikke1959]

The RTP is not enforcing any law if they don't can profit from it. Easy to understand. One high ranked officer even said a few years back that the RTP don't know the laws, so how can they enforce them?

[WEBBYB808]

Any man that hits a female is a coward and should feel a loss of face!

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, WEBBYB808 said:

Any man that hits a female is a coward and should feel a loss of face!

You've never been attached to a monster.

[portisaacozzy]

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The RTP is not enforcing any law if they don't can profit from it. Easy to understand. One high ranked officer even said a few years back that the RTP don't know the laws, so how can they enforce them?

 

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The RTP is not enforcing any law if they don't can profit from it. Easy to understand. One high ranked officer even said a few years back that the RTP don't know the laws, so how can they enforce them?

men making laws for men beating up women and law being enforced by men. 

[Andycoops]

Thailand is in the dark ages when it comes to victims of any crime or misdemeanor, everything is about saving face and not in prosecution of offenders which is to be avoided at the expense of victims.

 

A sad inditement of policy and thinking in the 21C when little or no sympathy or compassion for victims is expressed or delivered by the authorities generally.