The long-awaited anti-torture law is set to take effect next month. However, the Royal Thai Police is requesting a delay in its enforcement, citing a lack of readiness. The government must reject this request as it is a last-ditch effort to preserve the police's often violent interrogation tactics and culture of impunity.
Power abuse by security forces is prevalent in the country, which is why it took more than a decade of legislative efforts to pass the Anti-torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. The law was announced in the Royal Gazette on Oct 24, with enforcement set to begin on Feb 22 after a 120-day grace period.
