A proposal for a new bill that would ban the use of canes in schools is set to be submitted to the Thai House for approval by a committee. If the bill is passed, Thailand will join the ranks of countries in the ASEAN region that have outlawed corporal punishment, becoming the second country to do so.
According to Weeraphat Khantha, the committee’s spokesman, the current law permits parental figures to use caning as a form of punishment for their children. This law, which has been in place for 89 years in the form of a Civil Procedure Code, has been under scrutiny due to the high rates of physical abuse suffered by children aged 1-14 at the hands of their parents, as reported by the Thailand office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in 2022.
In an effort to promote more positive methods of child-rearing, the committee is advocating for an amendment to the existing law. The goal of this amendment is to create a more nurturing environment within households, which will ultimately benefit the development of children and improve domestic relationships.
Mr. Weeraphat emphasized that the proposed change aims to foster better relationships between parents and children while reducing the trauma experienced by children. If the amendment is approved by the House, Thailand will join the small group of countries globally – the 68th to be exact – that have implemented a no-caning law. This move is expected to set a positive precedent in the ASEAN region and beyond.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of corporal punishment on children’s well-being and development. Studies have shown that physical discipline can lead to long-lasting psychological effects and hinder a child’s ability to thrive. By enacting laws that prohibit the use of canes in schools and homes, countries can create safer and more supportive environments for children to grow and learn.
It is crucial for societies to prioritize the protection and welfare of children, as they are the future leaders and caregivers of tomorrow. By promoting positive and non-violent methods of discipline, we can ensure that children are raised in environments that nurture their potential and allow them to flourish. The proposed bill in Thailand is a step in the right direction towards creating a more compassionate and child-friendly society.
