Currently, Thai laws provide immunity to criminals younger than seven years old only.

"We should rather focus on rehabilitating the children," Probation Department director general Wanchai Roujanawong said at an academic seminar on how to develop the justice system for children and youths.

The Office of Justice Affairs, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, as well as UNICEF Thailand jointly held the seminar, attended by more than 1,000 officials and children.

HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha chaired the opening ceremony.

Wanchai said children under 12 years of age should receive rehabilitation in line with the Children's Protection Act BE2546. Legal punishment against children would dim their chances of living happily and finding proper jobs in society in the future.

Somchai Charoen-amnuaysook, deputy director at the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups, shared the view. He said several countries had already imposed laws that rehabilitate - not punish - children aged below 12 for criminal offences. Dr Kitiya Pornsajja, representative of UNICEF Thailand, said academic information showed that children aged below 12 could not yet distinguish what was right or wrong.

She proposed rehabilitation be designed and given to young offenders based on their age.

"Furthermore, relevant parties should take measures to prevent children from committing offences," Kitiya said.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said restorative justice should be available to young offenders to allow children to return to society following rehabilitation.

"Some provisions of laws must be amended," he said.

Anan Paengnoy

The Nation