PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW ON AUTOPSIES

Abstract

Autopsy law of Thailand has been promulgated since October 1, 1935. Although the law has been amended numerous times, it still contains antiquated provisions that are inconsistent with international autopsy standards, lack correlation, and do not address practical practice. Consequently, the purpose of this academic article is to examine the principle of autopsy legislation in Thailand and other nations by comparing them to the worldwide legal standard in order to find a way to apply it to the Thai context. The study uncovered a problem in the Criminal Procedure Code, wherein Section 150 Paragraph 1 does not specify the authorities and responsibilities of the court and the public prosecutor to participate in the examination of the autopsy procedure during criminal investigations involving the unnatural death of a person. This clause specified only one instance in which the public prosecutor has the authority to review the autopsy procedure: extrajudicial killing. The autopsy is actually more than simply an element of the inquiry or prosecution; it is a preliminary procedure that may lead to subsequent inquiries and a security measure to ensure that justice is served.