Panel focuses on criminal law reforms

A panel studying judicial issues will submit a comprehensive package on police reforms — particularly regarding criminal law — to the government for consideration.

National reform committee spokesman Manit Suksomjit said the reform package covers three areas: powers and duties; enforcement of criminal laws and criminal investigation system; and human resources management.

He said the panel chaired by Gen Boonsang Niempradit has also made a list of laws that need to be amended and set a timeframe for legal amendments.

He said the proposal is to streamline police work and establish a management system that would ensure independence and transparency.

Mr Manit said the committee also came up with an 11-point proposal for improvement and development of forensic work as a key instrument in solving crimes.

Part of the proposal calls for closer collaboration between the police Office of Forensic Science, the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency.

It also suggests the government allocates funds for procurement of necessary tools for forensic workers. A budget of 3.6 billion baht is estimated for procurement programmes during 2019-2021.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister ACM Prajin Juntong held a meeting with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to follow up on its implementation of policy guidelines to streamline the agency’s operations.

ACM Prajin said he wanted to get updates on high-profile cases being handled by the DSI and to evaluate the department’s handling of cases and challenges.

Among high-profile cases were human trafficking related to Victoria’s Secret Massage parlour, public fraud related to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative loan scandal, and money laundering in the infamous Krungthai Bank loan fiasco.

DSI chief Paisit Wongmuang said the meeting was to follow up on the DSI’s implementation of the minister’s policy guidelines to streamline the agency’s operations.

The three guidelines involve the department’s handling of cases, criteria for deciding which cases should be accepted by the DSI, and the agency’s efficiency.

He said the meeting focused on the DSI’s handling of cases to ensure swift and transparent administration of justice.

The meeting was also attended by several senior officials including justice permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-at.