by the Government of Thailand

“ The domestic violence problems are of delicate and complicated nature, involve many intimate persons, and have special characteristics which distinguish them from the cases of causing bodily harm in general. These problems cannot be dealt with perfectly by the criminal measures under the Criminal Code which are intended to penalise the offenders, rather than to reform them or protect the domestic violence victims. For these reasons, the establishment of a law on protection of domestic violence victims would be more appropriate than the enforcement of the criminal measures. ”

“ Under such law, the exceptional forms, methods and processes of criminal prosecution could also be adopted, with a view to enabling the offenders to reform themselves, preventing them from relapsing into offences, maintaining good relations amongst families, and entitling the children, juveniles and family members to the State-provided protection from the acts of violence and unfair treatments. ”

“ In the event that the court holds a person committing an act of domestic violence guilty of the offence under section 4, the court may, instead of sentencing him to any penalty, apply certain measures of reformation, treatment or correction to him, may direct him to pay an amount of relief money, carry out community service or refrain from the acts giving rise to domestic violence, or may place him under a peace bond, subject to the procedure and period of time determined by the court. ”