On November 25, 2024, the Thai Network Against Gender-Based Violence convened a discussion at the Mandarin Sea conference room in Bangkok’s Mandarin Hotel to address gaps in the legal framework and support systems for victims of domestic and sexual violence. The event brought together legal experts, activists, and civil society organizations to share experiences and propose policy improvements.
Busayapa Srisompong, a gender-based violence lawyer and founder of SHero Thailand, highlighted structural challenges hindering effective justice for victims. While Thailand’s Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act provides a legal framework, implementation remains inadequate due to limited resources, lack of trained personnel, and prevailing patriarchal norms. She pointed out that societal attitudes, such as the belief in keeping family issues private, deter victims—predominantly women—from seeking justice. Mediation, often prioritized in legal proceedings, is unsuitable for many cases, potentially placing victims at further risk.
“Over 90% of victims are pressured to settle and are often blamed for the violence,” Busayapa stated, citing systemic delays and insensitivity among justice personnel. Remote victims face even greater barriers due to economic and logistical constraints, perpetuating cycles of abuse. She called for enhanced training for officials, victim-sensitive justice procedures, and the establishment of dedicated funds to support those in remote or challenging circumstances.
Additionally, Busayapa proposed structural reforms, including specialized police units for domestic violence cases, enhanced welfare and resources for justice personnel, and a victim assistance fund covering emergency expenses, medical care, and shelter. She emphasized the need for clearer laws empowering courts and investigators to take protective actions.
Usa Lertsrisanthad, director of the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, which operates a long-standing emergency shelter, noted a troubling pattern: many domestic violence survivors endure repeated abuse before seeking help, with 69% of married victims reporting prolonged mistreatment. Usa revealed barriers to state services, especially for marginalized groups like HIV-positive women or migrant workers. The shelter provides 24-hour support, immediate assessments, and rehabilitation services, including vocational training, to help victims regain independence.
Furthermore, Usa urged the government to allocate funds for welfare programs such as single-mother support and to address perpetrators’ behavior through strict penalties and rehabilitation measures. “Changing offenders’ behavior is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence,” she stressed.
Dr. Waraporn Chaemsanit, an advisor on gender and health equity, underscored the urgency of revising Thailand’s Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act, currently under review by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. While proposed amendments include extending protections to same-sex couples, critics argue the draft still prioritizes reconciliation over victim safety. To address these gaps, the network announced plans to draft a citizen-led bill and collect 10,000 signatures to present to lawmakers.
The network also advocated for interagency coordination mechanisms and a comprehensive victim assistance fund for both immediate and long-term support. “The legal amendments must ensure robust protections and effective services for survivors,” Dr. Waraporn concluded.
