Anutin warns of systemic justice flaws

PM says payouts show deep problems

PUBLISHED : 7 May 2026 at 06:41

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

WRITER: Post Reporters

- Small

- Medium

- Large

- 8

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has acknowledged persistent flaws in the justice system, saying billions of baht paid to compensate innocent people should be seen as "a shame" rather than an achievement.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while presiding over the opening of a national event titled "24 Years of Fast, Inclusive and Fair Assistance to Innocent Victims -- Delayed Justice Is Injustice".

Mr Anutin, also the interior minister, said any country seeking stability and unity must be grounded in justice and the rule of law, with effective safeguards to protect people who become victims within legal proceedings, particularly those who are innocent.

He said some individuals wrongly entangled in criminal cases suffer violations of their rights, harm, reputational damage, loss of liberty and even loss of life, stressing that such cases must not be overlooked.

"The government must play a key role in protecting the rights of innocent people and addressing shortcomings in the justice system," he said.

Since the enactment of the Compensation for Victims and Defendants in Criminal Cases Act in 2001, more than 145,000 people have received assistance totalling over 8 billion baht.

More than 1,000 foreign nationals have also been compensated, receiving around 47 million baht.

Mr Anutin said the figures reflect a systemic problem, with innocent people forced to fight cases and endure hardship despite not committing any wrongdoing.

"This is not an achievement but a source of shame," he said, adding the situation raises fundamental questions about how justice is delivered.

Recalling his time studying in the United States, he cited a pledge emphasising "justice for all", saying the principle must apply equally to everyone regardless of status.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting innocent citizens and improving assistance mechanisms, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law to prevent further miscarriages of justice.

Those who fail to deliver justice, he added, should face strict punishment.

Mr Anutin also linked judicial reform to Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), saying stronger legal standards would help bolster public confidence and enhance the country's international credibility.

"The government is committed to improving the system to ensure timely, fair and inclusive justice in line with international standards," Mr Anutin said.

Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.

- KEYWORDS

- Anutin charnvirakul

- Thailand justice system

- Judicial reform

- Rule of law

- Criminal case compensation

- Human rights protection

- Thailand oecd bid