Grounds for Divorce: A Case Study on Gaslighting
Keywords:
Gaslighting, Emotional or Psychological Abuse, Grounds for DivorceAbstract
The objective of this study was to examine the act of gaslighting between spouses as a potential ground for divorce under Section 1516 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. The research focused on the challenges related to the definition of gaslighting, the interpretive scope of divorce grounds in Thai law concerning such conduct, the process of proving gaslighting behavior as a ground for divorce, and the legal remedies available to victims after divorce. The study employed documentary research method, analyzing the Thai legal provisions in comparison with relevant legal theories, statutes, and judicial precedents from the United Kingdom and Singapore. The analysis sought to derive conclusions and propose a Thai legal reform.
The findings indicated that the current grounds for divorce under Section 1516 of the Civil and Commercial Code did not adequately encompass cases of gaslighting. This is because gaslighting involves psychological and emotional abuse, which may not always manifest through overt or severe acts, thus failing to align with the existing legal criteria. The study recommends amending the Civil and Commercial Code to explicitly recognize gaslighting as a valid ground for a divorce. Furthermore, it proposes the inclusion of legal entitlements for the affected spouse to receive psychological rehabilitation compensation from the liable party.
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