Euthanasia in Thailand (4)

Public and cultural attitudes towards euthanasia

Thai attitudes to euthanasia and end-of-life care are complex, a combination of traditional values and changing awareness. In the past, talking about death was taboo and inauspicious. Families and patients often avoided talking until critical times, resulting in the majority of people not recognizing life wills or palliative care. A 2019 survey by TDRI found that over 75% of Thais did not know palliative care and almost 80% had never heard of life wills. These ignorance made full treatment the default of the system, and some families viewed stopping treatment as immoral or ungrateful.

In recent years, however, attitudes have begun to change. Campaigns and media have made people more open. A nationwide online poll in late 2024 found that 84.7% agreed that terminally ill people should have the right to make a life will, with Gen X age group and above having the highest rate (exceeding 90%). Many indicated wanting to leave peacefully at home or in Hospiz, without suffering excessive treatment.

As for aggressive euthanasia and assisted suicide, there is no large survey, but social trends have found that many people still feel uncomfortable with having doctors end their lives directly. Buddhism's influence has led to hesitation and a primary non-killing. Even in some cases, such as the story of Mr. Vishnu, Arunacus, who went to euthanasia in Switzerland, will provoke sympathy, but there is a voice of opposition for religious reasons.

Comparative Analysis: Thailand's Position with Foreign Countries

Thailand has a proactive euthanasia stance, but it allows for the denial of life-stretching treatment, similar to most Asian countries such as India and South Korea, that proactively prohibit euthanasia but accept the cessation of treatment, while many Western countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Australia, some US states and Switzerland give way to euthanasia or assisted suicide under strict conditions.

East and Southeast Asian countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines all prohibit aggressive euthanasia and assisted suicide, focusing primarily on palliative care. Thailand is considered more advanced than many countries in the region with clear life will laws since 2007.

Thailand is cautious, with a focus on dying with dignity through rejection of excessive treatment and non-violent care. This position is consistent with religious and cultural values. Despite the global trend towards more euthanasia, in Thailand, change should be gradual.

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