Thailand Proposes New Domestic Violence Protection Law
Thailand is proposing a revised domestic violence protection law to replace the outdated 2007 act and provide clearer protections for victims and guidance for officials handling cases.
On September 17, Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikom Soamklang revealed that he has been tasked by the cabinet to present a revised draft law on domestic violence protection to Parliament to modernize safeguards for victims and clarify operational procedures for officials. The current 2007 Domestic Violence Protection Act no longer aligns with modern social conditions and lacks clarity in protecting the rights of victims and affected family members, as well as guidance for officials.
The draft law is structured in five sections: (1) domestic violence offences, including defining the crime and protecting good-faith reporters from civil, criminal, and administrative liability; (2) victim protection, establishing official duties and authority to enter incident locations, arrange medical examinations, secure safe shelter, and file complaints, with case managers to expedite assistance; (3) court procedures, including restrictions on public disclosure to protect privacy equally, clear jurisdictional rules for overlapping offences, and court-ordered violence prevention plans; (4) inter-agency coordination on shared responsibilities, budget management, and data collection; and (5) criminal penalties, including enhanced sentences for offences against children or repeat offences within three years, and penalties for anyone publishing identifying information about victims or perpetrators except under permitted exceptions.
Minister Nikom stressed that the new law will establish appropriate mechanisms and processes suited to current conditions, enabling more effective prevention and intervention in domestic violence cases while reducing associated economic, health, education, and social problems.
