The question about the right of a sick person to end his life, particularly in cases whereby the patient falls into a state of irreversible coma or has long suffered from an incurable disease, is a controversial issue. Under the Thai law, euthanasia is illegal in almost all circumstances. It is a murder under the criminal law and a tort under the civil law. Yet, it is known that passive euthanasia is clandestinely practiced in Thailand.
Even though the current Thai law and Buddhism still prohibit euthanasia, there is a growing call, by virtue of the patient’s rights to self-determination, from the legal and medical professionals as well as from the dying patients and families to legalize this practice to a certain extent. A proposed law which seeks to legalize passive voluntary euthanasia has, however, raised many questions and doubts concerning the conditions of its implementation.
The fact that society is growing more tolerant toward certain types of euthanasia implies that dying may be preferred to living without quality of life. However, it does not mean that euthanasia is the only viable option of last resort. In fact, a gentler alternative, namely palliative cares which respect the dignity of the dying patient may prove to be a preferable option of the future. The official recognition and the adoption of legal framework for the palliative care system is, therefore, a great challenge for the new health care system and the respect of dying person’s dignity in Thai law.