Bangkok: "Justice delayed is injustice," Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared, emphasizing the rule of law and the need for the state to protect its citizens. This statement was made at a national event titled "24 Years of Swift, Comprehensive, and Fair Assistance to Innocent Victims: Because Justice Delayed is Justice Denied," where Anutin presided over the opening ceremony.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, revealed that the Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at leading the event, underscoring the importance of justice and the rule of law for national stability and harmony. The government's commitment to the justice system includes protecting and assisting victims without discrimination, ensuring equal treatment for all, including foreigners residing in Thailand, under the principles of human dignity and universal human rights.
In his address, the Prime Minister referred to the policy statement delivered to Parliament on April 9, 2026, affirming the government's dedication to the rule of law, fair enforcement, and the protection of rights and freedoms within a democratic system. He highlighted plans to accelerate legal reforms, reduce public burdens, and utilize technology to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of government operations.
The Prime Minister emphasized the plight of innocent individuals caught in criminal cases, facing potential violations of rights, reputation damage, and loss of freedom or life. He stressed that the state must not overlook these crises and has a duty to protect, assist, and rectify gaps in the justice system to prevent wrongful accusations and scapegoating-a mission consistently prioritized by the Thai government.
Since 2001, under the Act on Compensation for Victims and Reimbursement of Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases, the government has supported over 145,879 innocent people with more than 8.119 billion baht. Assistance for over 1,036 foreigners, totaling over 47 million baht, has been provided since 2023. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to stand by innocent citizens and prevent new victims from emerging.
Anutin instructed all agencies to follow three core principles: speed, comprehensiveness, and fairness. Assistance should be immediate, equal, and transparent, ensuring no one is left behind. He urged civil servants to work proactively, alleviating public suffering, particularly for those victimized by the justice system, to prevent exacerbating their losses.
Provincial governors were tasked with ensuring justice and alleviating public suffering, expediting legal proceedings in a "swift, transparent, and fair" manner to guarantee equitable, comprehensive, and prompt assistance.
The Prime Minister remarked that supporting justice system victims is not merely about redress but reflects the justice process's quality and state accountability. It impacts the country's international image, important for applications like OECD membership, where rule of law and consistent enforcement are investor considerations. Therefore, the government aims to upgrade assistance systems to meet international standards, enhancing confidence among the public and global community.
The event concluded with the Prime Minister symbolically turning a clock to "noon," representing the justice system's speed and impartiality. He also provided financial assistance to four victims under the relevant Act, demonstrating the government's commitment to justice and victim support.