On March 22, 2025, significant steps forward in human rights protection were made as Thailand officially enacted a new regulation under its Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. This regulation provides comprehensive compensation assistance for individuals affected by torture and related human rights abuses. According to Miss Naosao Em-or, the Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the regulation has come into effect following its approval by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Enforced Disappearance.
The regulation applies to four distinct groups of victims and is seen as a groundbreaking shift in the provision of assistance for human rights abuses in Thailand. The four groups identified for assistance include: victims of torture, victims of cruel or inhumane treatment, victims of enforced disappearance, and the immediate family members of those who have gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
Compensation amounts are tiered based on the nature of the abuse suffered. Victims of torture are eligible for the maximum compensation of 500,000 baht, while those subjected to cruel inhuman treatment may receive between 100,000 and 250,000 baht, depending on the severity of their case. The immediate family members of enforced disappearances are also eligible for 500,000 baht as compensation, while partners and descendants of victims who were in consensual relationships without official marriage certificates can receive 100,000 baht. This new financial relief aims to acknowledge the past injustices faced by victims and their families.
Em-or emphasized that this regulation not only focuses on financial compensation but also establishes a broader framework for support to victims. This includes legal and social assistance, as well as formal apologies to the victims from relevant authorities, thus ensuring repairs to their dignity. Moreover, the process for applying for this assistance is designed to be swift, with no requirement for victims to wait for the outcome of any legal proceedings. Em-or stated, “This is a new chapter in addressing the rehabilitation and recovery of human rights victims in Thailand.”
The establishment of this regulation signifies a commitment to adhering to international human rights standards, underscoring Thailand's intention to transform its approach to past abuses. The compensation process is managed by a specialized subcommittee within the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, which will include representatives from various governmental and legal entities to ensure fair and transparent decision-making.
In addition to the financial compensation and support mechanisms outlined, the law stipulates that discussions will occur during a meeting to establish the precise procedures for implementing this new framework. This initial kick-off meeting is expected to take place on March 26, 2025, bringing together a team of experts including representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Public Health, and other involved agencies. It aims to finalize the operational guidelines for the program and to discuss the relevant criteria for assistance.
As the implementation of the Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act begins, human rights advocates in Thailand are expressing cautious optimism regarding its potential impact. The past has cast a long shadow over many survivors who have faced police brutality and political violence. Therefore, this legislation could represent a meaningful shift for those seeking justice and recognition of their suffering.
Ultimately, the adoption of this regulation may be pivotal in redefining how Thailand approaches issues of human rights violations, marking a proactive step towards accountability and healing, as it endeavors to reconcile with its troubled past while promoting a future grounded in justice and human dignity.
