DNA Database in Thailand

Abstract

Nowadays Thailand has not yet established a DNA database at the national level, but only the DNA database that is stored by the Central Institute of Forensic Science in which the individual DNA data is accumulated to benefit in solving crimes, verifying missing persons as well as certifying parenthood. Meanwhile, a number of ASEAN member countries have set up DNA databases at the national level along with having legislation concerning guidelines specifically in establishing the DNA databases, for instance, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei.

The main purposes of doing the research on DNA database in Thailand are as follows: 1. To become guidelines in considering the setting up of DNA Database in Thailand; 2. To study about management on  human rights and individual rights concerning the establishment of DNA Database; 3. To become guidelines in promoting cooperation within ASEAN Community to deal with recently organized crimes and increasing criminal tendency in the future which would reduce problems concerning lack of data in searching for the perpetrators in criminal cases in the ASEAN Community. This is a quality research using mainly literature review since Thailand has not yet set up the national DNA Database, therefore, it is necessary to study the format, procedures, as well as problems and obstacles from the prototype countries that have established the DNA Database and succeeded in its process such as the United Kingdom and the United States, in comparison with the ASEAN Community countries (AC). The format of this research is set to explore information on the ASEAN Community countries, ASEAN +3 and ASEAN +6 that have established DNA databases at the national level including the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea and India.  

Due to the social environment along with free flow of people and rapid spread of news at this era, Thailand should expedite  its adaptation in dealing with social problems that may occur from free flow movement, for instance, cross-border labor, immigration labor, cross-border organized crimes along with domestic crimes in other countries with shared connections. Without preparation and arrangement, it could lead to increasing problems of national security within the ASEAN countries. Consequently, Thailand as a potential state to develop as a regional logistic hub, it is essential to establish the National DNA Database. Furthermore, as for the ASEAN Community themselves, National DNA Databases should provide similar operations in order to connect and exchange data in the same manner proceeded in the European Union (EU), resulting in the ASEAN countries to have contemporary databases and capabilities to contend with crimes as well as threats from other countries that may occur in the future.