The seminar was organised by the Phuket Provincial Prosecutor’s Office together with the Phuket branch of the Baan Sri Chumphaban Foundation, entitled “Equality between genders to end violence against women, children, and LGBTQ+.”
The core focus of the event was to raise awareness among all sectors of the community as to the causes and escalation of violent behaviour towards the three groups, whilst striving to eradicate it from society. Human trafficking was also a key component.
Over 100 people were in attendance to hear from experts from the likes of the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office; Vajira Phuket Hospital (OSCC Center), Phuket Provincial Juvenile and Family Court Associate Judge; and the Cook Event Company Limited, as well as the organisers themselves.
Piyawat Phonchaiya, Director-General of the Labour Case Office Region 8, presided over the opening of the seminar, held in a conference room on the 2nd floor of the Phuket Attorney General’s Office.
Mr Piyawat was joined by Phuket Attorney General Itthichot Kulrattanachot and members of the Network for the Protection and Protection of Women and Children, and representatives from the Phuket Family Institute.
Mr Piyawat extended his appreciation for all the work done by those associated with the event, emphasising that support, assistance, prevention and protection were all key pillars in contributing to strengthening the system to safeguard families and local communities.
He further explained that initiatives similar to Wednesday’s seminar are crucial for raising awareness among the general public to be alert and mindful of the typical symptoms and behaviour that often results in violence against women, children and the LGBTQ+ community.
Mr Piyawat further lauded the merits of the seminar as an effective means of continuing to promote gender equality, where the creation of equal opportunities and the elimination of sexism and violence can help contribute to a healthier and more sustainable society.
He pointed out that the unfair discrimination of individuals on the basis of gender creates major obstacles that hinders the promotion of gender equality, stating that it is something that needs to be completely eliminated from society, adding “it is against human rights principles, legal principles, and general moral principles.”
Attorney General Itthichot echoed Mr Piyawat’s comments, adding that the fine work being done among all the associated groups is invaluable to achieving the ultimate objectives.
“All areas of society must continue to be vigilant and safeguard against violence towards women, children and the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.
“Eradicating violent behaviour and exploitation that results in acts such as human trafficking is paramount,” he added. “Likewise, gender equality where opportunities are available to all, regardless of their gender or sexual preference. Everyone must receive equal rights according to the basic principles of human rights and both direct and indirect discrimination must be stopped.”
Mr Itthichot further explained that public support networks serve as an integral mechanism in the community to monitor, prevent and solve family problems at the local level and help prevent domestic violence against women and children.
Such support networks are typically made up of officials and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, the public sector, as well as leaders and community watchdog groups.
The seminar took place as the Cabinet endorsed a bill to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, granting same-sex couples equal legal rights in marriage and replacing gender-specific terms in the civil code with gender-neutral ones.