Bangkok: The Security Committee has submitted two draft laws aimed at amending the criminal procedure, with hopes of refining the Thai justice process. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the committee on national security, Thai border affairs, national strategy, and national reform, presented the drafts to Mr. Pichet Chueamuangphan, the first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The proposed amendments are intended to foster collaboration between prosecutors and police to address issues related to scapegoating.
According to Thai News Agency, the primary focus of the draft laws is to bolster the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms. If enacted, both prosecutors and police will jointly prepare case files, a practice already adopted by several countries. Rangsiman highlighted a prevailing issue in Thailand, where police prepare files independently, leading to potential rejections by prosecutors. This existing approach sometimes compromises citizens' rights, as prosecutors who did not partake in the initial file preparation may face challenges in gathering evidence or understanding case details. Rangsiman believes that early collaboration will enhance the justice process, ultimately benefiting the Thai populace, and potentially leading to a significant reform in the country's judicial system.
Rangsiman emphasized that this reform aims to eliminate complaints about weak case files being sent to prosecutors or missing evidence. The bipartisan support for the draft underscores a collective agreement on the necessity of the law. Efforts are underway to coordinate with the Coordinating Committee (Whip) of both parties to expedite its inclusion in the parliamentary agenda.
Pol. Col. Wirut Sirisawadibut, Secretary-General of the Institute for Justice Reform (IJR) and advisor to the committee, noted that the draft seeks to amend approximately 5-6 critical sections of the Criminal Procedure Code related to investigations. If passed, this law would address the issue of scapegoats and other prosecutorial and judicial challenges. The proposed changes would shift the determination of right or wrong from the courts to the investigative stage. Public prosecutors, especially in significant cases like murder, would be required to inspect crime scenes, ensuring comprehensive investigations and addressing issues such as police reluctance to accept reports.
In response to concerns about maintaining a balance between police and prosecutors, Rangsiman argued that the existing system has demonstrated real problems. He advocates for a method that involves all parties from the onset, reducing opportunities for corruption by ensuring all stakeholders have equal access to evidence and facts. This approach, he believes, will lead to a more transparent and fair justice process.
Rangsiman concluded by stressing that while the proposed law is significant and garnering widespread interest, it is crucial to address its details meticulously. The amendment stands as a pivotal change in the justice process, devoid of political bias, and he urges for support from all parliamentary factions.