Bangkok: The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has expressed its disagreement with the Senate over the recent amendment to the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act. The PDRC argues that the changes affect the rights of suspects or defendants who are wrongly accused in criminal cases, potentially hindering their ability to receive fair compensation. In response, the committee has suggested the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to review and amend the bill to ensure it aligns with the original intent of the law.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party and former Vice Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, emphasized concerns about the amendments in an interview. He pointed out that the draft Act on Compensation for Victims, approved by the Senate and returned to the House of Representatives for consideration on July 2, 2026, contains amendments that have significant implications. These changes could undermine the fundamental principle of providing redress to suspects or defendants who were detained or imprisoned but later cleared of charges. Mr. Nattawut argued that altering the wording or increasing the burden of proof contradicts the draft's original intent passed by the House of Representatives.
The Senate's approved bill modifies four out of 16 sections, including Section 7, which amends Section 6/1 to require compensation to be based on a "reasonable belief" that the accused did not commit a crime. Section 9 introduces Section 19/1, which removes clauses for immediate compensation following a prosecutor's dismissal or court acquittal. Other sections, such as 19/2, 10, and 20, have also been amended, and the timeframe for submitting claims has been adjusted, differing from the original House draft.
Mr. Nattawut expressed concern over the increased burden of proof on suspects or defendants who have been acquitted. He stated that while the Senate's amendment might seem well-intentioned, it unfairly shifts the focus from redress to proof, exacerbating the situation for those unjustly detained. He emphasized addressing errors at the outset of the justice system instead of burdening those who need compensation.
Moreover, Mr. Nattawut highlighted the broader impacts of detention or imprisonment on individuals, such as job loss, income reduction, health issues, and damage to self-worth and family well-being. He stated that both the House of Representatives and the Senate agree on the principle of state redress for the unjustly accused. However, the Senate's decision to adjust compensation payments, even with a cap of 500 baht per day, directly affects these individuals' rights.
Despite the Senate's amendments aiming to extend compensation coverage, the People's Party believes these changes alter essential details and affect citizens' rights. Given the public's lack of confidence in the justice system and the need to protect people's rights truly, Mr. Nattawut concluded that opposing the bill in the House and forming a joint committee would best reflect the law's spirit.