Parliament Pressed to Fast-Track Domestic Violence Protection Act

Bangkok: The Network Against Domestic Violence has intensified its call for Parliament to expedite the drafting of the Domestic Violence Protection Act. The group met with Koravee Prisnanantakul, Chief Government Whip, urging prompt action and advocating for coalition government parties to support the citizen-initiated draft of the law. Their aim is to enhance public participation in amending the legislation to ensure comprehensive protection for victims. According to Thai News Agency, the Network Against Gender-Based Violence in Thailand engaged with Mr. Koravee Prisnanantakul, Chairman of the House of Representatives Coordination Committee and a key figure in the Bhumjaithai Party. They submitted a formal request for the House to prioritize the civil society-backed draft of the Domestic Violence Protection Act in its initial reading. The network emphasized the importance of coalition government MPs, particularly from the Bhumjaithai Party, backing the draft to allow it to proceed to the House's ad hoc comm ittee. This move is intended to bolster the representation of civil society in the committee, thereby enhancing the law's effectiveness in combating domestic violence. Seventeen Bhumjaithai Party MPs were present to receive the request. Dr. Waraporn Chaemsanit, coordinator of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence in Thailand, highlighted that the network has formulated a People's Version of the Domestic Violence Protection Act, supported by 23,989 petition signatures. The draft was submitted to the House of Representatives at the end of 2025 and placed on the agenda in May 2026. Currently, both the Cabinet and various political entities have introduced similar drafts, prompting the network to urge swift legislative action. "The existing Domestic Violence Protection Act of 2007 is inadequate as it emphasizes mediation over victim safety and prosecuting offenders," Dr. Chaemsanit stated. "This approach traps victims in cycles of violence without genuine state assistance. Amending the Act to improve protec tion and prevent violence is imperative." The legislative process has faced delays at different stages. Presently, multiple drafts on domestic violence, including the civil society's version, are before the House. The network calls on the government whip to advance these drafts for consideration. They urge MPs, especially from the Bhumjaithai Party, to endorse the civil society's draft, facilitating its passage and enabling civil society's involvement in refining the law in the ad hoc committee, ensuring alignment with international standards and effective victim protection. Ms. Angkhana Inthasa, Director of the Foundation for Gender Equality, noted the escalating severity of domestic violence, citing 1,021 news reports in 2025, with 37.51% involving homicide. She stressed that violence often starts mildly but escalates without early intervention. The foundation advocates for a robust legal framework to prevent such escalation and address domestic violence effectively. Mr. Koravee Prisnanantakul, after rec eiving the letter, affirmed the government's commitment to addressing domestic violence. He acknowledged the law's presence on the House agenda and the consensus among political parties on its urgency. The government whips are preparing to prioritize this legislation for prompt consideration, aligning with efforts by the executive branch and the Bhumjaithai Party to protect citizens' rights and promote familial peace. "We recognize the necessity of legislative measures to safeguard family rights and reduce violence," Mr. Prisnanantakul stated. "The collaboration with civil society networks advocating for societal benefits is commendable. As the government's chief whip, I will ensure this matter is prioritized in discussions with other whips for swift House deliberation."