Nine Civic Groups Push for Death Penalty in Serious Murder Cases

Nine volunteer networks led by Tantakun Jit Isara, chairman of the Santiprachadhamma Club, submitted a letter at Parliament on August 3 to Lt. Gen. Vichai Sangkhapraiphat, advisor to the House Speaker, along with party officials Chris Botrananthorn and Angsana Niamvanichkul. The coalition of nine civic groups—including One Foundation, Saiymai Tong Sarot, Good Organization Foundation, People for People Group, and several others—called for the government to strictly enforce capital punishment in cases of aggravated homicide, especially where offenders have a history of repeat crimes. Tantakun stated that decisive action must be taken against murderers and sexual offenders, with capital punishment applied and sentencing reductions, pardons, and early releases reviewed. He emphasized that strict enforcement of the 2022 law preventing repeat sexual and violent offenses must be strengthened. He noted that recent brutal killings, including the murder of two Russian sisters and Thai nationals, have damaged Thailand's safety reputation among citizens and tourists. Tantakun called for comprehensive justice reform from investigation through imprisonment and rehabilitation to ensure capital punishment is applied and Article 52 loopholes—which allow sentence reductions from one-third to life imprisonment or reductions to 25-50 years—are closed. He argued that multiple sentence reductions ultimately result in criminals serving only a few years, making Thai law enforcement a 'paper tiger' that criminals no longer fear. He added that the civic network supports capital punishment for heinous crimes and serious drug offenses, and believes the entire justice system must be reformed to protect the lives and safety of Thai citizens and foreign visitors alike.