Article 7 “Thailand has made significant legal progress in terms of establishing legal mechanisms for the protection of women against violence” Commentary Mr. Sithisakdi Vanachakij, Chairman of the Justice of Appeal Court of Law, believes that this case typifies many of the current domestic violence cases in Thailand as most often, the women are afraid to bring the story of their plight out in the open. According to Mr. Vanachakij, Thai society should work to change the public perception that a husband has complete power over the life and body of his wife. He notes that currently, there are many national and international organizations working in Thailand to overcome these stigmas and campaign for women’s rights. While much work still needs to be done, he points out that in the past decade, Thailand has made significant legal progress in terms of establishing legal mechanisms for the protection of women against violence. As an example, he cites the Domestic Violence Mr. Sithisakdi Vanachakij Victims Protection Act (2007), which calls for respect for human dignity in full equality regardless of gender. He points out that the Act recognizes certain sensitivities around the issue of domestic violence, and accordingly, the government is to provide protection for the victims. The law also prescribes that during a victim’s interview, the interrogating police officer must provide support to the victim by offering the service of psychiatrists, psychologists, social service officers or any person whose presence is requested by the victim. It is worth noting, however, that the Act chiefly concerns therapy for the victim rather than punishment for offenders, which some criticize as being too lenient. Mr. Vanachakij also says that discrimination in domestic violence cases can occur at various levels in society, including within the police force. He points out that police officers from Our Voices are Heard in Thailand 37