Thai Criminal Code adds clauses to tackle child pornography

[webfact]

Criminal Code adds clauses to tackle child pornography
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- STARTING from tomorrow, the Criminal Code will cover three more types of crimes - all of which are related to child pornography.

The new offences are possession of child pornography, sharing of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography.

The additions to the Criminal Code are in line with the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Thailand ratified in 1992.

Surasit Sangviroatjanapat, a chief judge of the Office of the President of the Supreme Court, recently explained that the additional clauses in the Criminal Code would take effect from December 8 because the amended version of the law was promulgated in the Royal Gazette since September 8.

According to him, while it is easy for people in general to understand that the distribution of child pornography is wrong, some people may not get a clear idea of what possession of child-pornography is.

"The possession will be interpreted in the same way as the person having illicit drug in possession," Surasit said.

He said social-media users would not be convicted of child-pornography possession simply because someone else sent the offending files to them.

However, he warned that if social-media users downloaded the files into their devices, they would face legal action.

"Recording it shows the recipients also intend to possess the pornographic stuff," he explained.

Surasit said that to avoid legal trouble, people should neither keep nor forward pornographic files.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Criminal-Code-adds-clauses-to-tackle-child-pornogr-30274440.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-07

[ukrules]

Wasn't this already a crime in Thailand ?

At what age does someone become an adult ?

[fritzzz25]

Looks like hundreds of DVD vendors should be locked up immediately.

[aussieinthailand]

Yeah here's a clause they should put in, try prosecuting the bloody venders at the markets/street stalls that flog this stuff and the bib that just let it go on for a cut...

[4evermaat]

Wasn't this already a crime in Thailand ?

At what age does someone become an adult ?

This is actually a good question from a statutory point of view. I thought a woman (or man) can have consensual sex (statutorily) at the age of 15 . I would assume that a private naked picture would be the same. Perhaps if it is for adult entertainment, the minimum legal age will be higher?

Edited December 7, 2015 by 4evermaat

[LannaGuy]

Yeah here's a clause they should put in, try prosecuting the bloody venders at the markets/street stalls that flog this stuff and the bib that just let it go on for a cut...

I agree but I have not seen ANY since a few years now (pre-junta) and I visit pattaya and bkk often

[arrowsdawdle]

Looks like hundreds of DVD vendors should be locked up immediately.

Looks like a slap in the culture and deservedly so.

[arrowsdawdle]

Let's see, it's 8 a.m. in New York and 1929 in Thailand.

[Rocceao]

The additions to the Criminal Code are in line with the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Thailand ratified in 1992.

It is sad and a shame that they have been aware of this since 1989, but took three years to be ratified, yet no serious boots on the ground action to police it, enforce it or stop it, Child pornography is alive and well in Thailand.

[Emster23]

They could make Thai criminal code the size of Library of Congress and it would make no difference. Enforcement of laws is what is lacking.

[DennisF]

Yeah here's a clause they should put in, try prosecuting the bloody venders at the markets/street stalls that flog this stuff and the bib that just let it go on for a cut...

I agree but I have not seen ANY since a few years now (pre-junta) and I visit pattaya and bkk often

Beach road in Pattaya has at least 3 that I saw last time I was there ( about 2 months)

Openly selling the disgusting filth.

These new laws are a step in the right direction, enforcement we can only hope for.

[Jonmarleesco]

'The new offences are possession of child pornography, sharing of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography.' These are new offences? For which the TCC needs clauses added? Well, I suppose that would explain the RTP's sitting on its collective arse when it came to dealing with the blatant display of this stuff on Sukhumvit. So now they have no excuse.

[Jonmarleesco]

'Surasit Sangviroatjanapat ... recently explained that ... while it is easy for people in general to understand that the distribution of child pornography is wrong, some people may not get a clear idea of what possession of child-pornography is.' Er, come again.

[orchidlady]

Guess they will have to explain in detail to the MPs (whenever the new house is elected) so they won't embarrass the country looking at it during house sessions as hppened previously.