The fight against sexual harassment and assault is gaining significant momentum in Thailand’s political landscape. The situation was thrust into the limelight following the expulsion of Move Forward Party Members Wuttiphong Thonglour and Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit on grounds of alleged sexual improprieties. This dramatic turn of events sparked an outcry for stricter regulations within the political sphere. Leading the charge is the esteemed Friends of Women Foundation, backed by a consortium of renowned non-profit organizations.
Standing firm alongside the Friends of Women Foundation are the Alliance Anti Traffic Thailand, the Foundation for Child Developers, the Raks Thai Foundation, the Student Christian Center, and a widespread women’s network spanning four major regions of Thailand. This concerted call for change comes as the world recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women slated for November 25.
The driving force behind this move, Director Thanawadee Thajeen of the Friends of Women Foundation, laid out the startling fact that data amassed from the Public Health Ministry’s One Stop Crisis Centre had revealed nearly 15,000 women and children fell prey to violence each year. The severity of these attacks ranges drastically, with around 300 individuals annually suffering dire consequences including severe injuries, disabilities, or even death.
Ms. Thanawadee underscored that an alarming number of victims opt for silence as their course of action, primarily because the perpetrator is often a family member or a person of influence in society, such as politicians. With this uncomfortable truth in the spotlight, she stressed the need for regulatory bodies like the EC, parliament, and political parties to tighten the screening process for MP candidates. This bolstered scrutiny would weed out potential candidates demonstrating any form of sexually inappropriate behavior or conduct.
The belief is that those elected to political office ought to embody a specific code of conduct, especially where sexual ethics are concerned. Ms. Thanawadee insisted that these ethics should be embedded in all political party agendas and frameworks. She envisions an environment where executive panels and members of political parties are free of any criminal history or allegations pertaining to sexual violence, domestic violence, abetting illegal abortions, abandonment of family responsibilities, denial of child support, or sexual exploitation.
Moreover, in the event of an infraction, political parties must set up thorough investigative committees. A minimum of two-thirds of the committee members must be representatives of organizations advocating for the rights and welfare of women and children. This requirement ensures a fair and impartial investigation and guarantees justice for possible victims of such offenses.
Towards this end, offenders should face punishments as stipulated by legal procedures and party regulations, maintained Ms. Thanawadee. As a corollary, political parties should also take proactive measures to enlighten the public about the rights of children and women. That includes prevention and awareness campaigns concerning domestic violence, sexual exploitation and sexual misconduct in all its forms.
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