Cabinet approves draft law on enforced disappearances

The draft will now be examined by the Juridical Council before being put to the vote in the House of the Representatives.
The new law is designed to meet international legal standards on enforced disappearance, preventing torture and abduction, supporting victims and aiding prosecution.
Currently, Thailand has no law imposing clear punishment, preventive measures and treatment for cases of torture and enforced disappearance.
The draft is intended to curb enforced disappearance committed by state officials, improve the justice system and fortify human rights in the country.
It will be put to a public hearing on December 4-31 via www.lawamendment.go.th and www.rlpd.go.th www.humanrightscenter.go.th.
Public meetings to consider the enactment of the draft law will be organised in all five regions of the country and be attended by representatives of the government, civil society, international organisations, academics, and victims of torture and enforced disappearance.
The United Nations has highlighted 86 high-profile cases of enforced disappearances in Thailand. Wanchalearm, who was abducted by unknown assailants in Phnom Penh early this month, is one of at least nine Thai political activists who have disappeared abroad since the 2014 coup. Two later turned up dead in the Mekong River.