China News Service, July 14 (Reuters) - Thailand's upper house of parliament on the 11th local time passed a bill under which sex offenders can choose to undergo "chemical castration" to get a reduced sentence.
According to the bill, sex offenders who are considered at risk of reoffending can choose to control their testosterone levels with drugs to suppress their sex drive. This application must be approved by two professional doctors, and offenders who receive injections can get a corresponding reduction in sentences.
Criminals who have been "chemically castrated" will be monitored for 10 years and wear electronic shackles after they are released from prison.
The British "Mirror" pointed out that this bill aims to reduce sex crimes.
Of the 16,413 sex offenders released between 2013 and 2020, 4,848 reoffended, according to the Thai Correctional Service.
The bill, which had previously been passed in Thailand's lower house of parliament, was passed in the upper house with 145 votes in favor and 2 abstentions. It now needs another vote before it is approved by the royal family.
If approved, Thailand would be subject to chemical castration along with some countries including Poland, South Korea, Russia, Estonia and the United States (in some states).