REFORMING THE FORENSIC MEDICINE SYSTEM OF THE ROYAL THAI POLICE TOWARD A REGIONAL SERVICE MODEL TO ENHANCE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to 1) Examine structural and procedural problems and constraints in the forensic medicine services of the Royal Thai Police; 2) Analyze a central mechanism for governing forensic evidence standards in support of regional forensic medicine services; and 3) Analyze reform directions for the forensic medicine services of the Royal Thai Police toward a regional service model to enhance efficiency, equity, and trust in the justice system. Data were collected through documentary research and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 key informants selected through purposive sampling, comprising two policymakers, ten policy implementers, five experts and academics, and seven stakeholders. Data were analyzed using content analysis, classification, and thematic linkage, while trustworthiness was established through data and theory triangulation. The findings revealed that 1) The system was characterized by an imbalance between centrally concentrated structures and capacities and missions dispersed throughout the country, affecting personnel, resources, operational timeliness, investigative support, information connectivity, and equitable access to services; 2) The central mechanism should integrate an organization responsible for standards governance, practice standards, quality control, information systems, personnel development, inter-agency collaboration, enhancement of evidence reliability, and support for regional services; and 3) Reform should distribute missions, resources, and service capacities to regional areas while retaining central standards and quality oversight. This approach should maintain a coherent relationship between central governance and regional service delivery, enabling regional units to respond effectively to local service needs while operating under common standards. The proposed reform is guided by the principles of “distribute capacity, maintain one standard, connect through networks, and advance in phases.” Implementation should begin with pilot areas, followed by evaluation, refinement, and nationwide expansion. The proposed reform is intended to improve overall operational efficiency, equitable access to services, evidence reliability, and the credibility of the justice process nationwide.