Epilepsy and the Law - A View from Thailand
Chaichon Locharernkul MD*
Affiliation : * Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (CCEP) under the Patronage of HRH Princess Chulabhorn, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Background : Patients with epilepsy often suffer social injustice in many societies.
Objective : This is a review of current laws dealing with epilepsy and the consequences of this complex disease.
Materials and Methods : The author looked at reported unjust legal and social acts resulting from epileptic
seizures and their results.
Results : The author found that accusation of criminal acts, accidents while driving, and job loss are relatively
common experiences for epileptics. Such events reflect lack of public understanding. There is inadequate
legislation to protect epileptics. Most disturbing areas are ictal behavior misinterpreted as crime, driving
while experiencing a seizure, and social discrimination. There is no law dealing with epilepsy in Thailand
while considerable progress in this field has been made in Western countries.
Conclusion : Epilepsy patients are inadequately protected by Thai law. There is an urgent need for education
and campaigns for their rights focused on the public, the legal profession, and the health care professionals.
Keywords : Epilepsy, Seizure, Law, Justice, Seizure-related behavior, Crime, Driving, Social discrimination, Thailand
