Comparative Study of Unnatural Death Investigation Laws between Thailand, Singapore, and Japan

Abstract

In Thailand, when the person is found dead with an unnatural death or during the custody of officials,             a death investigation must be performed. If the autopsy and the death investigation system are not acheived with standard protocol, societal doubts will arise from the practice, leading to the second autopsy. To resolve this issue, a comparative study of the unnatural death investigation laws between Thailand, Singapore and Japan was focused in order to apply for public trust on the investigation process in Thailand. The results showed that the purposes of death investigation in all three countries are to find the cause and manner of death       as well as whom, where, and when information involving the death. The main purpose in Thailand is followed to the criminal law and to maintain public order. However, the main officials for autopsy and death investigation,  the legislative branch, the excutive as well as the legislation and management are varied among different countries. There are some similarities in legal procedures between Japan and Thailand (according to the analysis of five major cities). In Singapore, the death investigation is designated for specific agency. These findings reveal different death investigation systems that can be developed and extended to the judicial process.            The death investigation law should be individually drafted. In addition, there should be a specific organization or intermediary for the death investigation. This can further enhance the judicial process standardization in Thailand.