Paper Title
Mandatory Measures for Juvenile Offenders Under Thai Law

Abstract
This article has an objective to examine the mandatory measures for juvenile offenders under Thai law. The study finds that Thailand’s approach aligns with international principles, emphasizing the integrated rehabilitation and correction of children and juveniles who commit criminal offenses. Under Thai law, children under the age of 12 are not subject to criminal penalties. For those aged between 12 and 15, courts may impose appropriate measures, such as admonishment, behavioral conditions, or referral to rehabilitation programs, without criminal punishment. For offenders aged from more than fifteen but below eighteen, the court has discretionary power to determine whether criminal penalties are appropriate. Whereas under the laws of England and Wales, juvenile offenders aged between ten to seventeen may face criminal penalties at the discretion of youth courts or be sent to specialized juvenile centers, emphasizing a balance between rehabilitation and punishment. Hence, to enhance the effectiveness of measures for juvenile offenders in Thailand, including deterrence and the prevention of recidivism, it is recommended that Thai juvenile and family courts be empowered to impose criminal penalties on juvenile offenders aged fourteen but below fifteen who commit serious crimes or offenses that pose a threat to national security. Keywords - juveniles, offenses, rehabilitation, serious crimes