Amornthap Phonrasuek

LEGISLATIVE ACTION FOR EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATION IN TRACKING OF MISSING PERSONS IN THAILAND : A WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Tracking a missing person is of paramount importance owing to the fact that once a person goes missing there are various risks and dangers that they face depending on the circumstances and the individual’s vulnerability. These are including lack of access to necessary food or medication, risk of personal harm, encountering dangerous situation, or becoming a victim of human trafficking. Therefore, once a missing person is reported, immediate actions by investigating agencies should be initiated with effective facilitation by legal procedures and authorities without delay. In Thailand, common patterns and categories of disappearance are including voluntary disappearance, mental health or cognitive impairment, abductions and kidnappings, runaways, human trafficking, natural disasters, accidents, criminal activity, among others. Irrespective of disappearing reasons, the investigation process will be greatly improved and more effective when it is supported by facilitative law enforcement and clearly stated, standardized operating procedure. Legislative action in accordance with the international standards is therefore critically needed to accelerate the process while a clear and precise standard investigating procedure will greatly improve the effectiveness and outcome of this time-sensitive matter.

Keywords: Legislative action, legal drive, Missing persons, Tracking of missing persons