Comparison of Criminal Sentences Against Drug Dealers in ASEAN Countries

Abstract

Differences in criminal sentencing among ASEAN countries result from various factors, including colonial history, cultural influences, different legal systems (such as Civil Law and Common Law), and each country's unique priorities and social values. These cultural and social values influence which crimes are considered as serious and what punishments are considered appropriate. Such disparities in penalties can create challenges for managing cross-border crimes and harmonizing laws across the region. A deeper understanding of the differences in criminal penalties for drug traffickers within ASEAN countries is crucial. This research uses a normative juridical approach to describe and analyze the differences in imprisonment practices in Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Thailand. The findings indicate that the penalties for drug trafficking differ by country. Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore still impose the death penalty for drug offenses, whereas Cambodia does not.