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regulations, sign language interpreters are paid for the period of time spent

in the Court only and not for the time spent in waiting before the

proceeding starts, which can last for hours. The remuneration for the

interpreters, therefore, does not reflect the actual time spent and has

become a disincentive for them to give service at the Court. The lack of a

sign language interpreter could negatively affect the interest of persons

with disabilities in court proceedings.

22. Recommendation: The State should make appropriate accommodations

in legal proceedings for persons with disabilities. Special assistance should be

given to persons with disabilities who are the aggrieved or witnesses to

facilitate their access to justice. A specialist or psychologist should be

provided to persons with mental disability during a statement taking. A

legal representative should also be provided when necessary. The DEP has

a program to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities in

acquiring a lawyer worth not more than 5,000 baht per person. However,

such assistance is usually not adequate and excludes certain cases such as

those relating to family and inheritance disputes. In case where the

assistance is insufficient, persons with disabilities should be able to request

for additional financial support from the Disabilities Fund. For a person

with mental disability who commits an offence due to an inability to

control his or her own behavior, an alternative to punitive measures such

as behavioral rehabilitation program should be used.