Fines more effective than jail: TDRI

“Only 16 per cent of fined convicts have repeated their offences, while half of the jailed convicts have committed the crimes again,” TDRI vice president Somkiat Tangkitvanich said, citing a study done in Germany.
Speaking at an academic seminar held by the Office of Justice Affairs, Somkiat recommended that fines be imposed more actively. Prison sentences should be reserved for grave offences.
In Germany, courts levied fines in cases involving drugs, drunken driving and embezzlement.
“Thefts and burglary are punished by a jail term there,” Somkiat said.
Fines should be applied based on the convict’s income to ensure that wealthier offenders do not enjoy any advantages, he said. Somkiat complained that fines levied by Thai courts are generally too low.
“Fine amounts should increase in line with inflation,” he said.
In Thai prisons, the number of inmates has jumped significantly, from 160,000 in 2008 to 250,000 today.
“Locking up convicts means the government must pay for their food and more. And after they complete their jail term, they find it hard to enter the labour market,” Somkiat said. “Many countries now use fines rather than jail terms. Fines have also proved effective in deterring crimes.”
Somkiat also recommended the use of community service as punishment.
Speaking at the same seminar, Justice Ministry deputy permanent secretary Chanchao Chaiyanukit said relevant authorities should listen to the voice of people in reforming the justice system.
“If people want to see harsher punishment, we will have to increase penalties and build more prisons,” he said.