Community Justice Centre Launched in Cha-Am

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Community Justice Centre Launched in Cha-Am

CHA AM:-- A Centre for Community Justice has been established for the first time in Cha-Am, in response to the national strategic plan of Thailand which aims to create social equality, justice and opportunity under legal systems to tackle social inequality in the country.

According to the national strategic plan, a Centre of Community Justice has to be set up throughout Thailand.

To successfully do so, the Provincial Court will select a local committee in each sub-district. The major tasks for the Centre are fivefold: 1. Prevention and safeguarding against crime; 2. Receiving and filing complaints made community members; 3. Dealing with conflicts in the community; 4. Enhancing social and community power; 5. Creating good human resources for Thai society.

On 16th June, the main structure was organised by an Advisory Board that consists of the Mayor of Cha-Am, public officers of Cha-Am Municipality, representatives of the Phetchaburi Provincial Court and a Board of Committee members.

The Board includes local people from different communities in Cha-Am and Members of the Cha-Am Municipal Council. The secretary is a legal advisor to the Cha-Am Municipality. The Centre is supervised by the Phetchaburi District Justice Centre.

The local Centre for Community Justice will carry out the following tasks: Developing, administrating and coordinating tasks assigned by the head office and cooperating with other Justice Centres in smaller local communities. Formulating and completing plans and projects to carry out its role and responsibilities. Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of justice issues of local people. Creating a database that helps the development of the Centre at the subdistrict level.

Following and evaluating all the projects proposed. Appointing and designating subcommittee members or teams to complete projects; Giving basic legal advice to local people and finding ways for conflict resolution. Receiving complaints from local people and forwarding them to concerned authorities. Providing basic help or informing public authorities about complaints and cases in relation to children, women, seniors, human trafficking and domestic violence.

-- Hua Hin Today 2014-07-07