Anti-Violence Network Urges Parliament to Fast-Track Domestic Protection Bill

Over 30 members of Thailand's Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Network met with Kraivir Parisnanantkul, deputy House Speaker and Bhumjaithai party executive, on September 7 at parliament in Bangkok to submit a formal request. They urged the House of Representatives to expedite consideration of a civilian-drafted Domestic Violence Protection Bill at its initial principle stage, and called on coalition party MPs—especially Bhumjaithai, the largest government coalition party—to vote in favor so it can proceed to a special committee with civilian representatives included. The network drafted the bill with input from nearly 24,000 citizens and submitted it to parliament in late 2024; it was added to the parliamentary agenda in May 2025. Multiple government and political party versions have also been introduced. Dr. Varaphon Chamsonit, the network's coordinator, noted that the current 2007 Domestic Violence Protection Act is ineffective because it prioritizes reconciliation over victim safety and serious prosecution, trapping survivors in cycles of abuse. She stressed that updating the law is urgent, and that parliamentary delays have been extensive. She appealed to Deputy Speaker and coalition MPs to advance the bill quickly and support the civilian version so the public can participate in committee deliberations, ensuring the resulting law meets international standards and genuinely protects domestic violence survivors. Angkhana Intsaya, director of the Women and Men Step Forward Foundation, warned that domestic violence in Thailand is worsening in both frequency and severity, citing 1,021 reported incidents in 2025—many involving homicide.