Government Calls for Action Against Violence Towards Women and Children
On Monday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called for public support to intensify efforts to combat violence against women and children in Thailand. Her remarks coincide with the ongoing National Violence Elimination Against Children and Women Month, an initiative established in 1999 to align with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25.
This year’s campaign, themed Act Now to End Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasizes tackling domestic violence, fostering empathy, and increasing awareness of legal protections available to victims. Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted that domestic violence—both physical and emotional—remains a pressing issue, with social inaction often perpetuating the problem. She urged the public to view it as a societal concern rather than a private matter, emphasizing the critical role of families as the foundation of security and strength.
Authorities encouraged victims and witnesses of abuse to report incidents via the police or the Social Assistance Centre 1300 Hotline. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRC) issued a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It urged the government to implement protocols outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, particularly advocating for domestic violence to be recognized as a national priority.
The NHRC also called for legislative reforms to bolster protections for victims, especially for women from marginalized communities, such as those with disabilities or from minority ethnic groups, who face heightened risks. It further stressed the importance of safeguarding female activists from harassment.
Recent data from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation revealed that over 30,000 women annually report rights violations, including physical assaults and emotional abuse. The government’s campaign aims to address these troubling figures by fostering greater public awareness and promoting intervention strategies.
The campaign launch was marked by statements from key officials, including the NHRC and ThaiHealth, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action to curb violence in all its forms.
