Juvenile Justice in Singapore: Comparative Notes to Thailand (Part 2)

Abstract

The proceedings in Singapore Juvenile Court and Thai Juvenile and Family Court have many similarities, such as the arrest review, the essential consideration of individual information in the trial, the separated place, and the authorized person in the trial. Those all measures are to maintain the best interest of child, as well as to protect the welfare and future of the child and juvenile. However, the proceeding in Thai juvenile and Family Court faces some obstacles. The fine in which the child or juvenile must be paid by themselves, and the use of some words which may be labeled and result in the changeable behavior.

The study finds that in Singapore, the payments of fines, damages or price, may be imposed on their parents or guardian. This is a way that makes the close person take responsibility and damages directly. This also demonstrates the actual fine or damage payer.  Moreover, in Singapore proceeding, the words of “conviction” and “sentence” are prohibited by the law. This can decrease mental impact and recidivism.

This article suggests that the law of Thailand should be amended taking parents or guardians to be the payer, as well as prohibiting words affecting feelings, mental health, and recidivism.