MPs and current Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin have voiced support of a law that would require the chemical castration of convicted rapists.
The push for legislation requiring castration of those who commit sexual crimes was first floated by Democrat MP for Samut Songkhram Rangsima Rodrasmi in the House of Representatives.
She argued that castrating sex offenders would play a big role in reducing sex crimes in Thailand.
Justice Minister Somsak backed the idea and stated that if the majority of Thais support the idea, then they will move forward with drafting formal legislation requiring the castration–chemical or surgical–of convicted sex criminals.
The idea of castrating rapists gained traction after convicted serial killer and sex offender Somkid Pumpuang (pictured above) murdered a 51-year-old woman after receiving an early release from prison for good behavior.
Somsak also argued that legal measures must be put in place to monitor and track rapists and sexual abusers after their release from jail–including sex offender registry lists and forcing them to stay in restricted areas for three to 10 years after being released.
Castration has irked many advocates for sexual abuse victims who say that it doesn’t solve the root causes that lead to sexual violence, considering it only attempts to solve the problem after a rape has already occurred.
Chadej Chaowilai, director of the Women’s and Men’s Progressive Movement Foundation, also said that one huge problem is that the legal definition of rape has been narrowed in recent years:
“For instance, when a rapist uses his finger, he is charged with committing obscenity, not rape. The new legal definition of rape also excludes the LGBTQ group.”
Chadej argued that gender inequalities in the justice system, the lack of women in police forces, and male chauvinism in Thai culture also contribute to the prevalence of sexual abuse in society.
Thailand criminal defense attorneys state that castration laws also run the risk of violating the rights and dignity of prisoners.
And that doesn’t even mention that some serving sentences for sexual crimes could be wrongly convicted.
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