On June 10, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft Child Protection Act B.E. ..., which will repeal and replace the existing Child Protection Act B.E. 2003 to better align with current circumstances and constitutional principles, as proposed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The new legislation establishes clearer fundamental rights for children, including the right to survival and protection from all forms of violence without discrimination. It defines duties for parents to care for, educate, and develop children while protecting them from physical and mental harm, alongside state agencies' responsibility to support parental duties.
The Act creates a three-tier committee structure: the National Child Protection Committee for policy recommendations, and Bangkok and Provincial Child Protection Committees for oversight of local administrative organizations and state agencies in child protection implementation.
Key enhancements include establishing provincial and Bangkok child protection assemblies for policy input, expanding local government roles in planning, budgeting, and maintaining child databases, and appointing child protection officers. The legislation introduces new protection measures for at-risk children, including those born through reproductive technology, with provisions for rehabilitation and mental/physical health care.
Additional provisions include clearer school and student responsibilities for screening and protection, non-confrontational court proceedings for child cases, updated criteria for child care facilities, and establishment of a "Child Protection Promotion Fund" within the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to finance protection activities and assistance programs.