Bangkok: MP Shane has put forward a draft Domestic Violence Act, highlighting a victim-centered approach and offering rapid protection within 72 hours. According to Thai News Agency, the legislation, proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, addresses what has been described as a multi-billion baht economic crisis, underscoring that domestic violence is no longer a private matter. The bill aims to prioritize victim-centered action, ensuring swift protection within 72 hours and strictly prohibiting mediation in cases involving sexual and child abuse.
Today at the Parliament, Professor Dr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in his role as a Member of Parliament from the Pheu Thai Party, introduced the "Draft Act on Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence, Amendment No. ... B.E. ......" for consideration by the House of Representatives. He criticized the current law for its outdated provisions and lack of an effective risk assessment mechanism, which emphasizes compromise over victim safety. Professor Dr. Yotsanu stressed that the proposed draft law aims to provide more effective protection for victims, focusing on their safety and adhering to universal human rights principles. He called for the law to be modernized with clearer procedures.
During discussions, Professor Dr. Yotsanun referred to an OECD report indicating that crime and justice process costs in Thailand reach 973 billion baht, or 5.6% of GDP. Over half of this economic burden falls on victims and their families, with domestic violence and sexual abuse causing economic losses of 279 billion baht annually. Professor Dr. Yotsanun noted that official statistics underreport the issue, emphasizing that many incidents go unreported due to shame and fear.
The proposed law seeks to expand the definition of violence to include "economic violence" and "sexual violence." It also establishes a rapid protection system, mandating the appointment of a "Case Manager" within 72 hours to allow victims to be placed in a safe area without waiting for litigation to begin.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan explained the benefits of the system, stating that appointing a case manager within 72 hours prevents victims from having to repeat their stories. The draft law also introduces risk level classifications (low, medium, high) to issue appropriate welfare protection orders and aims to eliminate coercive compromise by prohibiting mediation in serious cases.
Finally, the draft law designates the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security as the core agency for establishing a national database system for data-driven policy solutions, marking a significant shift in Thai society's perspective on domestic violence as an economic and social crisis.