The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is now working to amend the anti-domestic violence law, saying that Thai society has become more fragile and prone to household abuse.
Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said that one of the main agendas of the ministry's monthly meeting on Monday was the amendment of the Victims of Domestic Violence Protection Act, BE 2550.
He explained that the draft was based on data received by the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC).
According to HuSEC, financial struggle, family feuds and domestic violence are among the top three topics most reported each month.
Mr Varawut said that the poor economic situation, mixed with other factors, contributed to more reports of violence, with victims ranging from toddlers to the elderly.
With the problem in mind, the ministry is now expediting the amendment to support domestic stability, he said.
According to him, the amended law is expected to protect all in the family regardless of gender and help sustain strong households.
A strong family would safeguard individuals from developing many social problems, he said.
It can help mitigate the issue of violent minors, homeless people, and beggars, he said.
The draft has passed the central hearing and is now under amendment committee review. It will be proposed to the cabinet in September before being published in the Royal Gazette later, Mr Varawut said.