FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Rule of law, dharma key to resolving three big problems in Thai society

Rule of law, dharma key to resolving three big problems in Thai society

Three important issues in Thai society today were tackled at the Thailand Institute of Justice Public Forum 2017 on “Rule of Law and Sustainable Development” held in Bangkok on Monday.

Guest speakers and panelists presented findings and analyses of land encroachment and agricultural development in the provinces; the unfair debt situation faced by the poor; and disruptive technologies versus traditional taxi services. 
Problems arising from these issues may be easy to solve if the rule of law, or law that is just and with dharma for all, exists and is applied. For example, many of those now being accused of encroaching on public land have been living in the areas since long before the relevant law came into effect. Meanwhile many poor people in debt have no access to banking services and are trapped permanently in their plight by loan sharks. Also, new forms of application-based taxi services are not covered by current laws. 
As the Latin saying goes, summum jus summa injuria (extreme justice is extreme injustice).    
Natapanu Nopakun
Thailand Institute of Justice Fellow  

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