Page 49 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Article 7

“Thailand has made significant legal progress in

terms of establishing legal mechanisms for the

protection of women against violence”

Commentary Mr. Sithisakdi Vanachakij

Mr. Sithisakdi Vanachakij, Chairman of the Victims Protection Act (2007), which calls for
Justice of Appeal Court of Law, believes that respect for human dignity in full equality
this case typifies many of the current regardless of gender. He points out that the
domestic violence cases in Thailand as most Act recognizes certain sensitivities around the
often, the women are afraid to bring the story issue of domestic violence, and accordingly,
of their plight out in the open. According to the government is to provide protection for
Mr. Vanachakij, Thai society should work to the victims. The law also prescribes that
change the public perception that a husband during a victim’s interview, the interrogating
has complete power over the life and body of police officer must provide support to the
his wife. victim by offering the service of psychiatrists,
psychologists, social service officers or any
He notes that currently, there are many person whose presence is requested by the
national and international organizations victim. It is worth noting, however, that the
working in Thailand to overcome these Act chiefly concerns therapy for the victim
stigmas and campaign for women’s rights. rather than punishment for offenders, which
While much work still needs to be done, he some criticize as being too lenient.
points out that in the past decade, Thailand
has made significant legal progress in terms Mr. Vanachakij also says that discrimination in
of establishing legal mechanisms for the domestic violence cases can occur at various
protection of women against violence. As an levels in society, including within the police
example, he cites the Domestic Violence force. He points out that police officers from

Our Voices are Heard in Thailand 37