"Bhumjaithai" Pushes Criminal Code Reform Ending Jail Time for Unpaid Fines in Favor of "Public Service"

At the Parliament, Mr. Korrawee Prissananantakul, Ang Thong MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and Government Whip Chairman, along with party MPs, submitted a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives (via Ms. Mallika Jirapunvanich, 1st Deputy Speaker of the House). The proposal aims to amend the Criminal Code to address a critical issue: when impoverished individuals are prosecuted and fined by the court but lack the funds to pay, they are currently forced into detention in lieu of that fine.

Mr. Supachai Jaismut, a Party-list MP and legal expert for the Bhumjaithai Party, explained that while criminal penalties range from detention and imprisonment to fines and the death penalty, a major social disparity exists. Currently, if a defendant cannot afford a court-ordered fine, the law mandates they be detained at a rate of 500 Baht per day.

Mr. Supachai stated that this practice results in many low-income individuals losing their liberty simply due to poverty. To resolve this, the Bhumjaithai Party proposes amending two sections of the Criminal Code to allow for community service as an alternative to detention. He expressed confidence that other political parties would support the bill, suggesting it could potentially be passed through three consecutive readings or managed by an extraordinary committee to expedite the process.

Meanwhile, Mr. Korrawee emphasized that this legislation is vital as it directly impacts citizens' lives. He noted that during yesterday's parliamentary session regarding justice reforms, many members discussed the issue of prison overcrowding. This proposed amendment, he argued, would serve as a direct solution to reduce prison populations and ensure fairer treatment for the poor.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong