DSI Participates in ‘2 Years of Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act: KEY to JUSTICE’ event

DSI Participates in ‘2 Years of Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act: KEY to JUSTICE’ event

On Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and Mr. Angsuket Visuthvatanasak, Director of the Justice Enhancement Affairs Bureau, along with officers from the Justice Enhancement Affairs Bureau, attended the event '2 Years of Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act: KEY to JUSTICE.' The ceremony was presided over by Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, and Ms. Cynthia Veliko, Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) South-East Asia Regional Office, delivered a lecture on perspectives and expectations for the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022). The event was attended by Mr. Triyarith Temahivong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry, Miss Aimon Siangyai, Director General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection (DRLP), senior executives from agencies under the Ministry of Justice, government officials, and representatives from relevant organizations at the Meeting Room 10-09 (Auditorium), 10^th Floor, Ministry of Justice Building.

On this occasion, the Minister of Justice visited the exhibition 'Tunnel of Justice: Key of Justice,' where the DSI presented the results of its investigations under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022), in the case of "Uncle Piak" who was subjected to torture in a criminal case. The Minister also viewed presentations on the work of the Committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance, which is the main mechanism driving the implementation of this Act. Furthermore, he delivered a special address emphasizing the commitment to advancing the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022) over the past two years, covering prevention, suppression, and remediation to achieve true justice. A key part of his speech stated that Thailand has been praised by many countries for its progress on human rights, particularly through the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022), which has led to Thailand being recognized as a country that respects human rights, upholds democratic principles, and strengthens the rule of law. A crucial aspect of the rule of law is that laws must be applied above all individuals, which is a dynamic that we must continue to develop. This law serves as a "key to justice," where justice is highly abstract but extremely important because it fosters a sense of community or social and national cohesion. A country lacking justice, not only for those denied it but also for rulers who fail to provide it, will face difficulties. Today, Thailand has a law that protects its citizens, with the hope that everyone will receive justice under this law. The challenge is that while we have a good law, what gives the law its power are the practitioners, law enforcement officers, and judges who must uphold justice according to this law. The ultimate goal is to truly protect the safety of the people.