In support of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
UN WOMEN Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand

The Execution of the Manual on Guidance for Relevant Authority under the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550 (2007)

              The Office of the Attorney General (OAG), as a principal law administrative body in the criminal justice system, has a vital role in enforcing relevant laws. The OAG thus established a committee to execute a manual on guidance for relevant authorities in protecting the victims of domestic violence under the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550 (2007). This is performed in accordance with Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s initiative.  Being a public prosecutor, Her Royal Highness recognizes the obstacles associated with the enforcement of the Act in practice as well as problems the victims have encountered during the legal proceedings. Her Royal Highness hence acknowledges that guidance for relevant competent authorities in every part of the criminal justice system on the implementation of the Act should be conducted. The aim of which is to enable the Act to accomplish its objectives, that is to rehabilitate the perpetrators as well as protecting the victims of domestic violence. The procedure and practices involved in the legal proceedings for this type of cases differ from those of other criminal offences, due to the fact that the proceedings shall also enable the perpetrators to be rehabilitated, prevent any further wrongdoings and to maintain positive relationship within the family. The OAG has so far held 4 workshops to gather comments from relevant organizations for amending and improving the manual. The last workshop will be held during the second week of November, it is anticipated that the manual can be finalized before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in November 2010.