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

The Attorney General of Thailand gave interview on the campaign to end violence against women on a television show “Debt owed to our motherland”

The Attorney General of Thailand, Mr. Chulasingh Vasantasingh, gave interview on the television talk show “Debt owed to our motherland” broadcasted on True Vision subscribed television channel on September 7, 2010. The topic discussed in the show that day was on how to stop violence against women in the family and society. Mr. Vasantasingh was interviewed on the roles of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), as a principal law administrative body, in preventing such violence used towards women. He answered by explaining that law plays crucial roles on the issue, in making any violence used towards women in family or society unlawful, especially now that Thailand has enacted the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550 (2007). Nevertheless, he emphasizes the fact that law alone cannot achieve its desired objectives without educating the public on the existence and application of the law. Besides, raising awareness on the issue is of great necessity, as the issue exists in sociological context. The OAG has assigned the Office of People’s Rights Protection and Legal Aid to be the main responsible authority in educating the public on relevant legal issues as well as addressing the magnitude of the problems in order to raise public awareness. In addition, Thailand has a great honor in having Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha who is the goodwill Ambassador of the UN WOMEN’s Say No to Violence against Women Project in Thailand, which aims to raise awareness on the prevalence of violence used towards women. Her Royal Highness has assigned the OAG to carry out 100,000 activities to serve the purpose of UN WOMEN campaign.  Throughout this year of 2010, it is expected that activities totaling 100,000 in favor of the project will continue until November 25, 2010 which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

            The Attorney General further demonstrated some examples of activities which have been carried out in support of Her Royal Highness initiative. These include training of law to the public given by public prosecutors and legal assistants of the Office of People’s Rights Protection and Legal Aids throughout the country, parades and exhibition, speech contest by students, students’ role play as well as pledge by the public not to use any acts of violence towards women. It is anticipated that the target of 100,000 will be accomplished but the OAG will actively carry on with the activities despite having reached that target. Mr. Vasantasingh concluded that the issue of violence against women and girls has far reaching consequences, harming families and communities. In order to deal effectively with the problems, the awareness raising through this kind of activities is essential. He encouraged everyone to join the network on ending violence against women created by the OAG, and be part of the nation’s effort to end violence towards women.