Safeguarding Vulnerable Victims Under the Criminal Procedure Code

Vulnerable people are individuals who may be at higher risk of harm or exploitation due to numerous variables such as age, physical or mental health, economic status or other factors that impact their ability to protect themselves. As a result, they need extra safeguarding or protection measures, particularly when they are the victims of crime. The protection of vulnerable victims is a fundamental principle of international human rights law and criminal justice systems worldwide. Therefore, several international legal instruments establish guidelines and obligations for states to protect the vulnerable. Thailand’s criminal justice system recognises such vulnerability and has enacted certain rules and measures to safeguard vulnerable victims, uphold their rights, and enable them actively to engage in, and fulfil, their roles within the criminal justice system. However, the current main regulation regarding the protection of victims of crime, the Criminal Procedure Code of Thailand B.E. 2477 (1934), has some limitations. This article aims to examine whether Thailand’s Criminal Procedure Code meets international standards for protecting the rights of vulnerable victims. It examines the legislative framework, regulations, and practical implementation of victim protection measures and analyses shortcomings in, and issues with, Thailand’s Criminal Procedure Code by comparing its laws and practices to international human rights standards. Analysis identifies areas where Thailand corresponds with worldwide best practice and where adjustments are required to ensure the protection of vulnerable victims. The article concludes with proposals aimed at enhancing the protection of vulnerable victims under the Criminal Procedure Code and ensuring that their rights are effectively protected within Thailand’s criminal justice system.