Bangkok: The Cabinet has given its in-principle approval to a draft ministerial regulation aimed at establishing clear criteria, methods, and rates for compensating victims and defendants involved in criminal cases. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Justice, has been forwarded to the Office of the Council of State for further review and action.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Justice, in consultation with the Budget Bureau and the Office of the Judiciary, has crafted the draft Ministerial Regulation. This regulation seeks to update the compensation framework set by the Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2546, aligning it with the contemporary economic climate. The proposed changes aim to ensure that compensation rates and processes for victims and defendants are both adequate and efficient, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and easing the burden on individuals seeking justice.
The regulation outlines several key principles, such as how compensation is to be determined based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. It also specifies compensation for victims in the event of death, increasing the maximum amount to 300,000 baht, and revises compensation rates for non-fatal injuries, including medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
For defendants, the regulation suggests criteria for compensation based on the hardship endured due to legal proceedings. It maintains some existing rates while suggesting increases in others, such as raising the maximum compensation in the event of a defendant's death during legal proceedings to 300,000 baht.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that the new regulation will not impose a financial burden on the state, as it aligns with the Fiscal Discipline Act of 2018. The regulation is designed to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals involved in the justice system, ensuring they receive fair and timely assistance. It reflects the state's commitment to upholding human rights and providing a system that is accessible and equitable for all.