According to a survey last year, 1 in 6 Thai women in heterosexual relationships reported experiencing intimate partner violence. In another survey, 42% said they’d been forced into sexual acts with their boyfriends or husbands.
In Thailand, domestic violence is often viewed as a private matter and something that those outside the household shouldn’t interfere with. This stops many Thai women from receiving the assistance they need. For foreigners, the language barrier and unfamiliarity with local authorities can make matters even more difficult.
The aim of this post is to make it easier for victims of abuse to reach out, and to let them know where to turn when it’s time to do so. Here’s a list of Bangkok-based foundations that specialize in these kinds of cases, offering legal guidance, financial assistance, therapy and advice.
7 Organizations Providing Counselling, Legal Assistance and Guidance to Women in Thailand
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence of any kind, these organizations can help you.
1. One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC)
The One Stop Crisis Center was launched by the Thai government in 2013 to combat violence against women. It consists of 22,000 crisis centres spread all over the country, 1,300 mobile units to reach out to communities, and a 24-hour hotline. The organization provides counselling, medical treatment and legal support.
Hotline (24 hours): 1300
2. Foundation for Women (FFW)
The Foundation for Women is an NGO providing hotline services, shelter, case referral, emergency financial assistance and legal support to women in Bangkok who are victims of violence, exploitation, abuse and trafficking.
Tel: (66) 2 433 5149 Fax: (66) 2 434 6774
Email: info@womenthai.org
3. The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP)
The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation provides telephone counselling services to those who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, volunteer lawyers provide legal advice and case referrals. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, social workers and survivors of abuse provide counselling.
Visit the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation Facebook page.
WMP, 50/6 Ratchadaphisek Road 42-44, Chan Kasem, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Tel: 0 2513 2889 from 9:00-17:00 daily (closed on public holidays)
Emergency contact number: 087 326 6820 Fax: 0 2513 2856
E-mail: info@wmp.or.th
4. Dr. Saovanee Noppaprach
Dr. Saovanee (or Dr. Bigg) is a counselling psychologist who specializes in critical incident stress management. She partners with the UN to provide services on a fee-levying basis. She also conducts private practice on Saturdays at Psychological Services International. Dr. Bigg is bilingual and offers services in both English and Thai language.
PSI Psychological Services International, 9/2 Sukhumvit Soi 43, Bangkok, 10110
Email: saovaneen@gmail.com.
5. Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand
Rainbow Sky Association provides health services, counselling, hotlines and legal support for Thailand’s LGBTI+ community.
Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand No. 1 and 3, Soi Ramkhamhaeng 97/2, Ramkhamhaeng Rd, Bangkapi, Bangkok. 10240
Tel: 02-731-6532-3 ext 202 Fax: 02-731-6534
6. Friends of Women Foundation
At Friends of Women Foundation, social workers and lawyers offer support for women escaping domestic violence.
386/61-62 Ratchadapisek 42, Ratchada Road Latyao, Jatuchak, Bangkok, 10900
Tel: 02 513 1001 Fax: 02 513 1929
7. SHero Thailand
SHero is founded by Busayapa ‘Best’ Srisompong. Best is a laywer, a human rights advocate, and a survivor of domestic violence. Having experienced the flawed legal system while pursuing her own case, she is now dedicated to providing support for fellow survivors. She provides pro-bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence, as well as counselling for emotional support.
You can contact SHero Thailand via their website or their Facebook page.
Update, 2022: SHero has now launched a Line official account, through which Best and her team provide free legal counsel for gender-based violence cases. While the rich menu is currently only in Thai, you can message them in English to receive assistance from English-speaking lawyers.
You can reach the SHero team by adding the Line account ID @SHerothailand, or clicking https://lin.ee/HNOno3B.
8. Childline Thailand Foundation
If a victim is under 18 years of age, their case must be handled as a child protection case under Thai law. Those looking for help can call 1387 and ask for childline. You can also visit the Childline Thailand Foundation Facebook page and Twitter profile @saidek1387.
8. Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights Foundation (CPCR)
Another resource for cases involving children is the Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights Foundation, which can be reached via their Facebook page or the following phone numbers:
Tel: 0-2412-1196
0-2412-0739,
0-2864-1421
979 Charansanitwong 12 Road, Wat Tha Phra, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
email: cpcrheadoffice1981@emma310888
9. Counselling Center for Victims and Families
If you’re seeking legal advice and assistance in order to protect victims and/or witnesses from an abuser, you can contact the Counselling Center for Victims and Families on the following phone numbers:
Tel: 02-2725202 ext. 1207 or 0805535970
10. Social Equality Promotion Foundation
The Social Equality Promotion Foundation provides assistance for those who are experiencing sexual violenc, family violence, or any form of discrimination. They help survivors get access to justice by connecting them to social workers and pro-bono lawyers. You can contact them via the มูลนิธิส่งเสริมความเสมอภาคทางสังคม Facebook page or phone.
Tel: +66 2-047-2086
11. Counsellors for Justice
Counsellors for Justice provides free counselling services for survivors of gender-based violence. They can be reached only by email at:
Email: counsellorsforjustice@gmail.com
Cover photo: Bankok Rising, a feminist group of local and expat women who raise funds and awareness to combat violence against women. Each year, they put on a production of The Vagina Monologues, donating the proceeds to Baan Phak Phing, a shelter for women and girls who have experienced abuse in Chiang Mai.
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