Pheu Thai Opens Forum to Push Domestic Violence Protection Act on May 10; Chayiga Stresses It's Not Just a Marriage Issue
Pheu Thai party launches a forum on May 10 to advance domestic violence protection legislation, with officials stressing the issue extends beyond marriages to affect national development and the economy.
The Pheu Thai party is launching a forum to advance the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act (Pheu Thai version) on May 10. Chayiga Wongnapachan, deputy prime minister's office advisor and minister of higher education, science, research and innovation, emphasized that domestic violence is not merely a marital matter but a national issue requiring support to help survivors rebuild their lives. The Movie Talk & Special Forum will include film screenings, discussion exchanges, and advocacy to ensure legal protections reach every home with mechanisms preventing anyone from having to fight alone. The event takes place on May 10 at 1:00 PM in the multipurpose hall on the first floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.
Violence against women is not simply a family or social problem but a human rights crisis and global economic issue demanding serious attention from all nations. According to UN Women reports, one in three women globally have experienced violence, with 27% of women aged 15-49 reporting physical or sexual abuse by intimate partners. Thailand, despite continuous economic and social development, has 44% of women reporting intimate partner violence, indicating the problem remains deeply rooted in Thai society.
Violence also carries enormous economic costs. The United Nations Population Fund Thailand (UNFPA Thailand) reports that violence against women cost Thailand approximately 1.81% of GDP annually in 2018 through lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and social welfare burdens.
Chayiga stressed that domestic violence is not merely "a couple's matter" but a national issue requiring "victim-centered" approaches with timely assistance and rehabilitation measures. This includes providing psychological support and economic opportunities enabling survivors to recover, become self-sufficient, and contribute to national economic development. Advancing the Pheu Thai domestic violence protection bill remains a major priority.
