PM reveals compensation of 8 billion baht for wrongfully convicted since 2001, vows to close justice system gaps
The Prime Minister announced 8 billion baht in compensation paid to over 145,000 wrongfully convicted people since 2001, pledging to strengthen justice system safeguards to prevent future miscarriages of justice.
On May 6, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Impact Forum in Muang Thonburi, Prime Minister Anupong Paojinda and Justice Minister presided over a national event titled "24 Years of Rapid, Comprehensive, and Fair Assistance to Innocent Victims: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied," attended by Justice Minister Rutpol Naowarat, Justice Permanent Secretary Pongswat Nilaiyotin, and international representatives.
The Prime Minister stated that any nation's stability must be built on justice and rule of law, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting innocent people caught in the judicial system, whether as victims, accused, or defendants. Protection extends equally to all groups, including foreign nationals in Thailand, based on human dignity and universal human rights principles.
The government adheres to rule of law principles ensuring equal application of laws, protecting rights and freedoms in democracy, fair law enforcement, and legal reforms to reduce unnecessary obstacles. Modern information technology systems are being implemented to improve government efficiency and public services.
Innocent people involved in criminal cases may face violations, injuries, reputation damage, loss of freedom, and even death, causing severe life impact for them and their families. The Prime Minister stated this is a serious matter requiring government intervention to protect innocent people's rights, establish safety policies, and close justice system gaps to prevent wrongful convictions.
Since the 2001 Victim and Defendant Compensation Act, the government has assisted over 145,000 innocent victims with approximately 8 billion baht in compensation, plus over 1,000 foreign nationals receiving 47 million baht. The PM emphasized this reflects not success but shame—that the justice system fails to convict actual offenders while punishing innocent people who suffer legal battles and hardship.
