Juvenile Laws at Thailand
Thailand's juvenile justice system is designed to balance accountability with rehabilitation, emphasizing restorative justice and the protection of children's rights.
⚖️ Legal Framework
Criminal Code Amendments: In May 2022, Thailand raised the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years old unconditionally, and up to 15 years with conditions. Children under 12 are legally immune from criminal penalties, while those aged 12 to 15 may face measures such as warnings, parental guidance, or placement in care facilities.
Juvenile and Family Court Procedures: Established under the Juvenile and Family Court and Juvenile and Family Case Procedure Act BE 2553 (2010), these courts handle cases involving children (under 15) and youths (15 to 18), focusing on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.
🧒 Age of Criminal Responsibility
Under 12 Years: Children under 12 are presumed incapable of criminal responsibility and are exempt from criminal penalties Interventions focus on education and rehabilitation
12 to 15 Years: Minors in this age group can be held criminally responsible but are subject to a justice system adapted to their status as adolescents, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration Courts may impose measures such as warnings, parental guidance, or placement in care facilities
15 to 18 Years: Youths aged 15 to 18 are held criminally responsible and may face criminal penalties However, the justice system applies measures tailored to their age and development, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration Penalties may be reduced, and alternative measures like training, education, or psychiatric treatment can be ordered
🏛️ Juvenile Justice Procedures
Diversionary Measures Thailand promotes alternatives to formal judicial proceedings, such as diversion orders, which aim to redirect minors from the criminal justice system towards restorative justice processe.
Educational and Rehabilitative Measures These include non-institutional sanctions like probation, community service, and mandatory attendance at educational programs, focusing on the minor's reintegration into societ.
Specialized Courts and Training Dedicated juvenile courts and trained professionals handle cases involving minors, ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted in a child-friendly manne.
Recent incidents, such as the tragic shooting at Bangkok's Siam Paragon shopping mall in October 2023 involving a 14-year-old gunman, have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current juvenile justice policie. In response, the Royal Thai Police proposed in February 2024 reducing the age threshold for legal immunity from 15 to 14, aiming to address the increasing number of juvenile offense.
Thailand's juvenile justice system continues to evolve, striving to balance societal safety with the rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders, while aligning with international standards for children's right.
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