Parliament to Vote on Domestic Violence Protection Bill Sept 23
Parliament will vote September 23 on a revised Domestic Violence Protection Act that treats abuse as a non-bailable offense and establishes a national database to track family violence as a societal problem rather than a private matter.
Chaya Sinthupai, deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party and MP for Roi Et, announced on September 22 that parliament will continue legislative consideration the following day. The draft Domestic Violence Protection Act, submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Yasachon Wongsuwasd, will be the focus, with parliament conducting broad discussion reflecting the view that domestic violence is a major societal problem, not merely a private family matter. The vote on receiving the bill in principle is scheduled for September 23, with the Pheu Thai Party presenting it as the primary draft and prioritizing victim safety and protection.
Sinthupai explained that the new bill represents a structural overhaul of the 2007 law, making domestic violence a non-bailable offense and centering victim safety. It expands the definition of domestic violence, clarifies victim identification, and proposes that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security establish a national database to inform policy on family violence as a societal and economic issue rather than a personal matter.
Sinthupai also addressed farmer concerns about proposed amendments to the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1999, assuring that the ministry and ruling party MPs will carefully review any changes to ensure they do not harm farmers' traditional seed-saving rights or livelihoods. Parliament will also consider several other bills soon, including legislation on maritime labor and securities markets.
