Women in prison in Thailand: implementation of the UN Bangkok Rules in the Thai criminal justice system

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Noncustodial Measures for Women Offenders, or “the Bangkok Rules”, constitute the first international instrument designed to provide detailed and specific guidance for States on the treatment of women prisoners and their children. As a country that played a key role in the drafting, development and adoption of the Bangkok Rules by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2010, Thailand is fully committed to their implementation not only in Thai correctional facilities and prisons, but also internationally. In lieu of initial successes, this chapter will discuss some of the outstanding challenges that the Thai Government has recognized it must remedy.

Section 2 of the chapter offers an overview of Thailands activity in terms of developing its human rights frameworks, both domestically and internationally. Section 3, based on official statistics, provides a profile of Thailands female offender population, to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the types of crimes committed and the key reasons why women commit them. Section 4 focuses on the Thai Government's efforts to implement the Bangkok Rules in selected Thai prisons throughout the country. The chapter concludes by offering recommendations on actions that the Thai Government is considering.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Throughout the years, the Thai Government has demonstrated strong support for UN efforts to promote human rights globally. Thailand ratified seven out of the nine key UN human rights treaties and international instruments, such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In addition the Thai Government proudly allows Bangkok to serve as home to many UN regional Offices.

Regarding its activity at the regional level, Thailand is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and attaches great importance to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in the ASEAN Community. Thailand has been steadfast in its ongoing role promoting human rights in the ASEAN. For example, it was a key player in the drafting and ultimate adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.