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Published on February 28, 2008

"We have seen more women coming forward about this," the association's chairwoman Suthinee Metheeprapha said.

Legislation entitling wives to compensation from husbands' mistresses took effect last year.

"Compensation can range from Bt10,000 to Bt1 million," Suthinee said.

She added that com-pensation varied, depending on the social status of the parties involved.

In a bid to protect women's rights, the association yesterday called on the Social Development and Human Secu-

rity Ministry to ensure enforcement of laws, including the compensation legislation.

"At present, the process

is too complicated, especially when lovers are

civil servants," Suthinee said.

She added that lawsuits could be used to "shame" women who had extramarital affairs.

According to Suthinee, about 60 per cent of women coming to her association wanted legal help with divorce.

"They complain of physical abuse, extrama-rital affairs or the discovery that their husbands are homosexual," Suthinee said.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng pledged to promote the well-being of families.

Puangchompoo Prasert

The Nation