UNICEF Praises Thailand’s Ban on Corporal Punishment of Children
BANGKOK, 25 March 2025 – UNICEF Thailand has applauded the passage of a historic amendment banning all forms of corporal and psychological punishment of children, marking a major milestone in child protection laws in Thailand.
The amendment to Section 1567 of the Civil and Commercial Code officially prohibits violent discipline in homes, schools, juvenile facilities, residential care centers, and daycare centers, making Thailand the 68th country globally to enforce such protections.
A Step Towards Ending Violence Against Children
The legislation, published in the Royal Gazette on 24 March 2025, aligns with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing that children’s best interests must be prioritized in all decisions affecting them.
Although the use of violent discipline in Thai households has declined over the past decade, UNICEF data from the 2022 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey shows that 54% of children under 14 still experience physical or psychological punishment, down from 75% in 2015.
Encouraging Positive Parenting
While celebrating this achievement, UNICEF is calling on the Thai government to further support parents and caregivers in adopting non-violent discipline practices. Studies show that legal bans on corporal punishment are most effective when combined with educational initiatives to help parents transition to positive parenting techniques.
UNICEF Thailand remains committed to collaborating with the government, civil society, and communities to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse against children, ensuring a safer future for every child in Thailand.
