Bangkok: Thailand is preparing to introduce a bill in parliament that would prohibit physical punishment of children, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to parenting and child welfare. If passed, Thailand would become the 68th country globally and the second in the ASEAN region to adopt such a law.
According to Thai News Agency, the Special Committee on the Consideration of the Draft Act to Amend the Civil and Commercial Code, led by Mr. Sanphasit Kumpraphan and spokesman Mr. Wiraphat Khantha, has finalized its review of the proposed legislation. The committee plans to submit a report to the House of Representatives, recommending amendments to Section 1567(2) of the code. This section currently permits parents to punish their children as deemed appropriate for teaching purposes. The committee advocates for a shift toward positive parenting, which it argues will benefit children more effectively. The law, originally enacted in 1935, has not been updated in nearly nine decades regarding pare
ntal rights and duties.
The proposed amendments are motivated by data from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) and findings from UNICEF Thailand. These sources indicate that in 2022, over half of children aged 1 to 14 were disciplined using violent methods, with 38.6 percent subjected to physical punishment. The committee aims to foster public awareness about building healthier relationships with children, emphasizing love and understanding over fear and distrust. Currently, 67 countries have laws prohibiting physical violence against children. Should Thailand enact this amendment, it would symbolize a decisive move toward ending child violence and align with global standards on child rights and welfare.
Source: Thai News Agency