I.Introduction
1.Thailand ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on August 9, 1985, and it came into force on September 8, 1985. Since its ratification, Thailand has submitted a total of five reports. The most recent report prepared by the Thai government is the 6th–7th combined report. This report represents Thailand’s progress in implementing CEDAW from 2011 to 2023.
Overview of progress and challenges
2.Thailand has complied with the Convention and has followed the recommendations of the committee to continuously eliminate discrimination against women. Between 2011 and 2023, Thailand has made progress in legislating and formulating policies to promote gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, in line with the Convention to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 5: Gender Equality. The progress includes:
•Provision in the Constitution to take into account necessities and needs with respect to gender, amongst other, in allocating the budget. The guidelines for gender-responsive budgeting were created to raise awareness and understanding among relevant personnel in government agencies, both at the policy and operational levels. This has led to budget planning that requires all agencies to consider the gender dimensions in their budgeting and initiatives from the top to the local levels;
•Developing the National Women’s Development Strategy for 2017–2021 and 2023–2027 to serve as a framework for promoting the status and enhancing the capabilities of women in Thailand;
•Enacting the Gender Equality Act B.E. 2558 (2015) to protect individuals from discrimination based on gender, including the establishment of a gender equality promotion fund to provide assistance, compensation, or relief to those who have suffered from unfair gender-based discrimination. This has also supported projects that contribute to the implementation of the Gender Equality Act of 2015;
•Enacting the Family Development Promotion and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) to promote and improve family institutions and protect the well-being of individuals within families;
•Developing measures and guidelines related to women in support of peace and security from 2017 to 2024 to align with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS);
•Improving mechanism for gender equality, as per the Cabinet resolution on March 31, 2015, which requires 139 government agencies to establish the mechanism for promoting gender equality in their operations, including the appointment of ministry permanent secretaries responsible for gender equality promotion.
The process of report preparation
3.Thailand has prepared this report in accordance with the guidelines on the form and content of reports under the international human rights treaties, which were created by the state party to the United Nations in 2008 (Compilation of Guidelines on the Form and Content of Reports to be Submitted by State Parties to the International Human Rights Treaties 2008). A subcommittee was established to implement the treaty on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and to prepare this report. Government agencies, civil society organizations and non‑governmental organizations (NGOs) provide assistance by giving information on their relevant activities. Additionally, interviews were conducted with United Nations agencies, including UN Women, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Data were also collected from local female political representatives, migrant women, and women in conflict areas to compile a comprehensive report, which received approval from relevant agencies and the cabinet.
II.Replies to the list of issues prior to reporting (CEDAW/C/THA/QPR/8)
General
4.The female population in Thailand totals 33,816,156 people in 2022, accounting for 51.19 per cent of the total population. This can be divided into four age groups as follows: age group 0–14 years: 5,091,074 people, representing 15.05 per cent; age group 15–59 years: 21,514,173 people, representing 63.63 per cent; and age group 60 years and above: 7,210,909 people, representing 21.32 per cent.
5.The statistics for registered disabled females across the country amount to a total of 1,045,609 people in 2022, accounting for 47.87 per cent of the population registered as disabled nationwide. Among them, there are 338,030 disabled and poor females.
6.The number of ethnic groups in Thailand totals 112,662 people in 2022, with the top five being: Tai Yai: 48,336 people, Karen: 21,033 people, Mon: 8,625 people, Tai Lue: 7,744 people, and Lahu: 6,844 people. Additionally, there are 20,080 people from other ethnicities.
7.In 2022 The female population distribution by region is as follows: Eastern Northeastern Region: 21,826,920 people, Northern Region: 12,010,024 people, Central Region: 8,921,537 people, Southern Region: 9,492,267 people, and Bangkok Metropolitan Region: 5,527,994 people.
8.Thailand has made significant progress in promoting the rights and gender equality between women and men, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5.1. This is a result of the Thai government’s measures and mechanisms to continuously promote women’s rights and status, allowing all women in the country to access and exercise their human rights as stipulated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in 2017 and international human rights laws, e.g., measures for protection of women and girls from domestic violence, Sexual Harassment, rehabilitation of human trafficking victims, the establishment of the Women and Children Coordination Centres in the southern border provinces, promotion of the right to education, ensuring equal access to 12 years of compulsory education for all children, and creating opportunities for those who have not previously been part of the education system due to various issues. Additionally, there are measures to promote women’s economic roles, both within and outside the formal labour system, ensuring their being protected by labour laws and basic rights. The establishment of funds to improve women’s roles in the workforce, enabling women to have careers and incomes, and promoting various women’s groups nationwide to build their self-sufficiency and stability. Women are increasingly taking on political roles at the national and local levels and have a greater presence in state administration. Efforts to create inclusivity and promote the potential of women in political roles continue, both through government programs and NGOs, such as training courses for women interested in political candidacy. In the area of public health, the government has implemented policies to ensure comprehensive access to healthcare services for the entire population, including measures to provide healthcare services to vulnerable women, such as female workers in the informal sector and registered foreign female workers in Thailand.
9.Thailand has developed a data management system that allows problem-solving to be more targeted towards the intended groups and enables the design of policies and projects to address specific needs or conditions, e.g., the target-oriented human development policy known as the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform (TPMAP), which serves as the primary database to assist and improve life quality for vulnerable populations of all genders and ages in five dimensions, namely: health, education, livelihood, income and access to government welfare. In doing so, it utilizes essential basic data (JPT) from the Community Development Department and data on state welfare registrants from the Ministry of Finance to corroborate and provide the most comprehensive data coverage. Thailand has also developed systems to aid women, such as the country’s Electronic Database System for Anti-Human Trafficking (E-AHT) for trafficking cases and victim assistance and the violence information system at www.violence.in.th, which includes data on violence against children, women and domestic violence cases, among others.
Women’s rights and gender equality in relation to the pandemic, recovery effort and global crisis
10.In 2021–2022 Thailand has a total of 4,233,596 COVID-19 cases, categorized as follows: 1,827,076 cases among females, accounting for 43.16 per cent; 2,172,165 cases among males, representing 51.31 per cent; and 234,355 cases with unspecified gender, making up 5.54 per cent. The Thai government has offered free COVID-19 vaccinations to the public, giving priority to those with high risk and underlying health conditions. A total of 147,632,750 doses have been administered. Vaccines have also been allocated to vulnerable populations and foreign workers residing in Thailand.
11.Thailand has made earnest efforts to address and prevent the spread of the pandemic through continual public communication. Academic materials have been developed and disseminated. The Department of Disease Control 1422 hotline (available in six languages) has been established. The public health sector has a coordinated system that includes national, regional, provincial, district and local levels, consisting of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), doctors, nurses, and health support personnel, such as cleaning staff and food preparers, who are primarily female. They are essential components of the public health system and provide vital health information to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the country.
12.Thailand has a primary healthcare system, which includes over 1,040,000 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) across the country, as well as an additional 15,000 volunteer health workers in Bangkok. Of these volunteers, 80 per cent are female. These volunteers carry out fieldwork by visiting families at homes to identify at-risk groups and guide them through the screening process and getting the sick to the treatment. They also provide education on self-protection measures, including the proper use of face masks, handwashing, personal hygiene and the importance of social distancing. They emphasize the importance of using medications and monitoring for COVID-19 outbreaks. Furthermore, they report relevant information to relevant authorities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, female VHVs have developed a training program called ‘Caregiver,’ which has 102,893 individuals. This program is designed to care for bedridden elderly individuals in their homes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, female VHVs have developed a training program called ‘Caregiver,’ which has trained 102,893 individuals.
13.The Thai government has implemented relief and assistance measures for those affected by COVID-19, including:
•Healthcare: The government provides free medical treatment for COVID-19 without discrimination and ensures access to essential healthcare services based on individual health needs, age, and benefit entitlement. Priorities have also been given to those vulnerable with high health risks;
•Education: Various learning methods, including online and at-home learning (ON-AIR and ONLINE) using multimedia, technology and internet networks were put in place. Educational institutions coordinate with parents to plan ON-AIR or ONLINE (through applications) learning to allow students to learn from home;
•Labour: Employers have assigned pregnant female employees to work from home or in low-risk environments to reduce exposure. Pregnant employees are temporarily allowed to be off from work while receiving compensation without deducting leave days, and their employment tenure continues. Assistance is given to those under the social welfare system, e.g., decrease of the social welfare deduction, the increase of benefit of being unemployed during the pandemics, the measure to control restricted areas (Bubble and Seal) and Factory Sandbox project;
•Legal Services: Seven communication channels for citizens of all genders and ages nationwide were set up. People can communicate (1) through the Office of the Attorney General’s website, (2) via email, (3) through the Line application, (4) via FaceTime for IOS users, (5) through Facebook, (6) using Cisco Webex Meeting, and (7) a hotline at 1157;
•Social Welfare: Measures include financial aid for vulnerable groups, loans from the fund from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (emergency cases), provision of survival bags and food, and baby formula for children by various agencies. Homeless shelters have been set up to assist vulnerable populations to provide safety for people living in public open spaces, the homeless, and those in difficult situations. YouTube channels “DOE Easy Job” and “Global Career Center” have promoted self-employment and occupational training;
•Energy: Relief measures include reducing electricity rates for all users (inclusive of value-added tax), refunding electricity usage deposits, lowering the price of natural gas (NGV) for public transportation vehicles, and extending the reservation period for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) at the rate of 1 per cent for an additional six months.
Legislative and institutional framework
14.The legal documents of Thailand have been analysed involving the analysis of the content of laws currently in force related to gender rights between women, men and individuals who identify themselves differently from their sex at birth. This analysis considers various research documents, academic articles, and rulings by relevant organizations. Reports submitted to the legal subcommittee under the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality reveal that there are laws with certain provisions that imply prejudicial treatment based on gender. Three such laws are the Civil and Commercial Code, the Penal Code, and the Nationality Act of 1965.
15.Thailand has made progress in the development of laws and to amend laws that imply unfair treatment based on gender. There are three drafts of such laws:
•(1) (Draft) Gender Recognition Act, B.E. .... This law provides for gender recognition if a person has valid reasons and medical certification. It is currently under study and consideration for legal improvement by the legal committee within the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality;
•(2) (Draft) Civil Partnership Act, B.E. .... and (3) (Draft) Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code (Version ...) (draft Act on equal marriage) Both drafts recognize relationships of cohabitation as a family between individuals of the same gender who provide support for each other and maintain relationships as do other married couples. On 21 December 2023, the Parliament has approved four drafts of The Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act (No.) B.E. … (Draft Acts on equal marriage) in their first readings.
16.Thailand has conducted an evaluation of the implementation of the Gender Equality Act of 2015. There is a proposal to abolish the exceptions on gender discrimination in article 17, paragraph 2, which allows for discrimination based on religious principles or national security reasons. The intention is to align the definition of “discrimination based on gender” with international standards, covering issues related to gender-based violence and sexual harassment. The Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Council of State, and the Committee to Promote Gender Equality have acknowledged the results of the performance evaluation. The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development will appoint a committee to consider the amendment to improve the Gender Equality Act of 2015 and to align it with the evaluation results in the future.
Access to justice
17.In Thailand, there is a regulation regarding the Committee on Justice Fund that deals with the criteria, methods, and conditions for assisting the public in pursuing legal cases, established in 2016. Article 8 stipulates that officials should provide expedited and special assistance to children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities or those in vulnerable situations. The public can access these services through Justice Service Links (Justice Care), the Provincial Justice Office in each province, community justice centres (http://jfo.moj.go.th), or the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page, the Justice Fund, the Justice Fund Mobile Application “Justice Care,” and the Ministry of Justice hotline at 1111 (press 77). In 2022, the Justice Fund helped a total of 4,463 individuals, amounting to 293,405,274.54 Thai baht.
18.Thailand has developed measures and guidelines on women in the promotion of peace and security, measure 3 of which focuses on enhancing the capabilities of women in conflict situations to understand the rights of women, the rights of children, human rights, and humanitarian principles. Continuous training has been provided to empower women particularly in southern border provinces with knowledge about promoting rights and human rights, conflict mitigation techniques, and disseminating information related to rights and legal remedies for victims whose rights are violated. Counselling services are provided to the public under the project titled “Justice brings Happiness.”
19.From 2017 to 2023, it was found that female victims filed in the fair process requesting compensation under Damages for the Injured Person and Compensation and Expenses for the Accused in Criminal Cases Act B.E. 2544 at the Provincial Justice Office in the three southern border provinces, and at the Rights and Liberties Protection Department with total of 1,106 cases.
20.The Ministry of Justice, through the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, has arranged for a legal advisor to be available at the justice clinic. There have also been provisions for legal advisory rooms related to gender, women, human trafficking, and prostitution. Office of International People’s Rights Protection provides help to female Thai citizens living abroad or marrying foreigners by providing consultation and legal protection. The law stipulates that the service be provided free of charge.
21.The regulations of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department adopted regulating concerning appropriate treatment of witnesses in criminal cases are being prepared from 2021. The regulations ensure that officers act towards witnesses impartially, without discrimination based on race, language, gender, age, disability, physical or mental health condition, religious beliefs, customs, and cultural backgrounds, and in consideration of the case, as well as ensure that officers look after the safety of witnesses and are gender sensitive and mindful of gender or gender identity of the witnesses.
22.From the information on government personnel in 2018, there were 38,558 female civil servants who work in justice system/or are in justice system and law enforcement officers in various roles, and in 2021, there were 41,085, an increase of 1,873 individuals, which is equivalent to 12.23 per cent. They consist of 20,955 police officers, accounting for 9.54 per cent; 1,212 public prosecutors, accounting for 28.73 per cent; 1,734 judges, accounting for 33.63 per cent; and 17,184 employees in independent organizations under the constitution, accounting for 71.13 per cent. From the data on the status of female police officers in the Royal Thai Police in 2023, there were female police officers in the following positions: 7 deputy commissioners, 18 commanders, 146 deputy commanders, 432 superintendents, 1,501 deputy superintendents, and 2,637 inspectors. This total number is 4,741, which accounts for 17.5 per cent.
23.The Department for Women’s Affairs and Family Development has informed all government agencies of the Gender Equality Act of 2015 to foster an understanding of the important aspects of the law and efforts to promote gender equality. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General has provided training courses for specialists in child and women’s issues in accordance with the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act of 2007, aiming to enhance the competence of personnel in safeguarding the rights of children and women. This training is offered to both officials in charge of interrogation to ensure knowledge, skills and expertise in handling cases related to the protection of children and women or assisting children and women.
24.The strategy for combating corruption is outlined in the national strategy and country reform plan, emphasizing (1) corruption prevention, including nurturing ethical values among individuals, especially children and youth, and preventing corrupt practices within systems, such as promoting information disclosure, reporting and auditing, improving state service delivery systems, and utilizing new innovations to effectively prevent corruption; and (2) swift and efficient corruption suppression, including rapid investigation, legal proceedings and penalties, with state agencies directly responsible for preventing and combating corruption, such as Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), an independent organization under the constitution, and the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the main government agency responsible for preventing and addressing corruption issues. In addition, anti-corruption and misconduct courts have been established at both central and regional levels, totalling nine, as per the Anti‑Corruption and Misconduct Cases Act of 2016. Various proactive measures by other agencies have also been implemented to address issues, including the development of a state expenditure information system and public disclosure on webpages and applications such as “Where Does My Tax Go,” among others.
25.In Thailand, legal recognition is provided specifically for the use within the Muslim community in the southern border provinces as part of the state’s justice system under special Islamic law, especially in matters related to family and gender relations. Muslim women in the southern border provinces encounter various challenges under Islamic law concerning family matters. This has resulted in the cooperation among various sectors, including the government, academia, religious organizations, and civil society to set up the “Women’s Empowerment and Counselling Centre” at the central Islamic office of each province. Volunteers in this centre are all female, so as to ensure security for victims seeking help. The centre coordinates with local and religious leaders and works in coordination with government agencies, local leaders, religious leaders, and provincial-level multidisciplinary teams. The centre’s responsibilities include providing consultation and assistance in cases involving general violence, domestic violence, sexual abuse, marriage, divorce proceedings, inheritance disputes, property and assets, child support, and relief and rehabilitation. Moreover, they disseminated educational materials to educate officials and the public about Islamic law and women’s rights. They also work on the development of legal mechanisms, regulations, protective measures and improving the quality of life for children and women. Religious organizations have also periodically conducted meetings/seminars for religious leaders to build understanding of women’s rights and the resolution of family violence.
26.The Ministry of Justice has issued a regulation regarding the payment of fees to sign language interpreters and sign language interpreters provided by the court in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code, Section 13, and Section 13 bis, 1996 (B.E. 2539). In addition, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, has produced a sign language interpreter manual for use in the judicial process to train personnel involved in the judicial process.
27.In the fiscal year 2022, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department initiated the work of interpreters in the process of justice, facilitating access to the justice process for individuals who cannot communicate in the Thai language. There were 281 listed female interpreters, constituting 67.71 per cent. In the fiscal year 2023, there were 101 listed female interpreters, constituting 33.11 per cent.
28.The Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance of 2022 established a committee for the prevention and suppression of torture and enforced disappearance The committee consists of 17 members, 11 ex officio members and six cabinet appointed experts. Among the six, one is a woman and a psychiatrist.
29.Between 2015-2021, Thailand had 68 incarcerated women receiving a death sentence from drug-related offenses, homicides, and related weapon offenses. During this period, the Department of Corrections did not impose the death penalty on any female prisoners. Instead, their cases were reviewed for clemency each year. Thailand last carried out the death penalty in 2018 (a male offender) for the heinous murder of others for financial gain, after not having carried out executions for nine years prior to that.
30.The court must rely on the provisions of the law as the primary basis for judgment and the determination of penalties; for example, when considering mitigating circumstances and reducing penalties, such as actions taken in self-defence or under duress, it must be in accordance with the Penal Code. Furthermore, the Family Development Promotion and Protection Act of 2019, Article 36(3), stipulates that acts of domestic violence that constitute criminal offenses, committed as a result of repeated violence against one, resulting in severe physical or psychological harm, and a complaint has been filed for the court’s consideration in a criminal case, the court may impose a penalty less than what is prescribed by law for the offense. Efforts have been made to amend laws related to the protection of those subjected to domestic violence to have practical effects.
31.The Office of the Attorney General has arranged for the appointment and registration of volunteer lawyers under the regulations of the Office of the Attorney General regarding the protection of rights and legal assistance to the public in 2019. This is to provide legal assistance to disadvantaged people who have not received justice or have a justifiable reason to receive assistance in legal consultation, litigation and resolving legal disputes. The Office of the Attorney General has also enhanced the capabilities of registered volunteer public defenders through additional training sessions held once a year.
Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)
32.Thailand has adopted measures and guidelines on women in the promotion of peace and security. (2017 to 2024) to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). This is done by adopting a framework that considers the situation of women and children through the fundamental principles of human security and human rights that emphasize human dignity, freedom from violence and protection from all forms of abuse. It emphasizes that relevant agencies use gender mainstreaming as a guideline in integrating gender perspectives into policies on peace and security. This includes the elimination of violence against women and children in conflict situations, as well as promoting the participation of women in conflict resolution processes.
33.The Southern Border Provincial Administrative Centre (SBPAC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and civil society, established a Coordination Centre for Children and Women in Southern Border Provinces in 2019. This initiative is driven by seven key objectives: (1) access to justice and reconciliation processes; (2) violence against children and women; (3) children, women, and peace and security; (4) the well-being of children and women; (5) access to government services for children and women; (6) participation in decision-making at all levels; and (7) acceptance and gender equality.
34.Southern Border Provinces Administration Act, B.E. 2553 (2010), issued a regulation of the Strategic Committee for the Development of the Southern Border Provinces, concerning assistance and compensation to those who have suffered harm and been affected by the actions of state officials in the incidents of unrest in the southern border provinces. Between 2011 and 2023, assistance and compensation were provided to 12,325 affected civilians. Moreover, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has financially supported those affected and their families, including monthly disability allowances, monthly child allowances, charitable aid, and assistance for families with deceased and injured members. In 2020, 6,289 individuals received assistance, and in 2021, 6,862 individuals received assistance.
35.Sample collections of genetic material in Thailand comply with the regulations of the Internal Security Operations Command concerning the procedures for handling individuals under suspicion, as stipulated in Article 15 bis of the Martial Law Act of 1914 (B.E. 2457), Clause 8. This is used as scientific evidence to ensure fairness for individuals suspected of not committing any wrongdoing and to accurately identify the true perpetrators. Collection of genetic material from the public is based on individual consent, and individuals have the right to refuse genetic material testing without legal consequences.
36.Thailand has issued measures and guidelines on the promotion of women of peace and security. to serve as a framework for operations in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. This resolution focuses on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and consists of five key measures which are measure 1: prevention; measure 2: protection and recovery; measure 3: capacity building; measure 4: empowerment and participation of the public sector, private sector, civil society, and women; and measure 5: promotion of mechanism and implementation. Currently, Thailand has been working on a (draft) National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
37.The national policies and plans on national security in the years 2015–2019 and 2019–2022 aimed to open opportunities for women to participate in the peace process, particularly in the efforts to restore peace in the southern border provinces. The Cabinet appointed a female Deputy Government Spokesperson as a special government representative to address the issues in the southern border provinces and facilitate coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, with a particular focus on enhancing the role of women in the southern border provinces.
38.In 2020, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) initiated a project to engage civil society in creating a peaceful space, involving discussions between the Provincial Peace Talk Committee for the southern border provinces to elicit suggestions from the representatives of nine groups of people. Women’s groups were among the participants, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security provided negotiation skills training for women leaders in the three southern border provinces.
National machinery for the advancement of women
39.Thailand’s national machinery for promoting advancement and rights of women consists of National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women under the Office of the Prime Minister, as stipulated by the regulation on the promotion of national women’s coordination in 2008, and the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality under the Gender Equality Promotion Act of 2015. The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development serves as the national-level coordinating agency responsible for setting policies, developing measures, mechanisms, and guidelines to promote and support gender equality, empower women, and protect women’s rights. It also coordinates relevant government and private sector agencies to work together to promote gender equality and empower women on a case-by-case basis, both domestically and internationally.
40.The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development has organized internal working groups within the Division of Gender Equality Promotion to specifically focus on the core tasks of the organization (line functions). These working groups include Measures and Mechanisms Group, Promotion and Development Group, Rights Protection and Advocacy Group, Secretariat of the National Committees on Gender Equality Group Secretariat of the Committee on Unfair Gender Discrimination Complaints Group, Gender Equality Promotion Fund Management Group, the coordination centre for preventing and addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence at work. This division of tasks is based on specialization and job specification, ensuring that those responsible have a clear understanding of their assigned missions and duties in accordance with the law.
41.Thailand has undergone the integration of gender issues into the mechanisms of national development at all levels, including:
•The 20-Year National Strategy (B.E. 2561–2580) emphasizes the importance of women in every dimension and focuses on: (1) developing and enhancing the potential of women as human resources for the nation, providing opportunities for women to access development opportunities; (2) creating social opportunities and gender equality by ensuring fairness for women, protecting them from violence in all forms; (3) promoting the involvement of all sectors, including the government, private sector and civil society, in enhancing the status of women; (4) shifting societal attitudes towards gender equality as a desirable value for development and quality living in society; and (5) supporting women as leaders and strong contributors to development at all levels;
•The 12th (B.E. 2560–2564) and 13th (B.E. 2566–2570) National Economic and Social Development Plans emphasize strengthening the human capital of women. This involves supporting women in accessing economic opportunities and resources equally and empowering them to have a greater say in decision-making and management. It includes changing attitudes towards gender equality and creating conditions and mechanisms to enhance women’s potential;
•The First Phase of the Women’s Development Action Plan B.E. 2563–2565 (2020–2022) and Women’s Development Plan B.E.2566–2570 (2023–2027) translate the gender strategy into action. The plan includes six main pillars which are: (1) developing women’s human capital, (2) eliminating violence against women, (3) promoting women’s participation in decision-making, (4) public communication to promote social awareness, values and belief systems that support gender equality, (5) creating management tools to empower and promote gender equality, and (6) enhancing the core capacity of the national women’s development mechanism;
•Thailand has established various mechanisms include:
•The parliamentary-level mechanism, with committees such as the Standing Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Ethnic Groups, and LGBT People (in the House of Representatives) and the Committee on Social Development and Human Security, Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Vulnerable Groups (in the Senate);
•The national-level mechanism, which consists of National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women with the Department of Women and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security being the core coordinator;
•The central, provincial and network organization mechanism, where government agencies at the ministry/department level are tasked with driving women’s and gender equality initiatives. Each ministry, department or office is required to appoint a Deputy Permanent Secretary or Deputy Director-General as the Chief Gender Equality Officer (CGEO) and designate units at the bureau/department level as Gender Focal Points (GFPs). Currently, there are 139 CGEOs and GFPs across government agencies. The budgeting process also takes gender dimensions into account (Gender Responsive Budgeting [GRB]) as a key tool for gender mainstreaming, ensuring the equitable distribution of resources to the public according to their specific needs and requirements, promoting fairness, reducing social disparities and creating gender equality;
•The regional mechanism, including Family Development Centres in communities which are civil society organizations responsible for promoting and developing families and safeguarding the well-being of individuals within families.
Gender-based stereotypes
42.Thailand places great emphasis on the improvement and promotion of gender sensitivity and attitudes through national and local mechanisms. Under the Strategic Plan 1 of Women’s Development Plan under the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012–2016) regarding the promotion of attitudes and acceptance of gender equality, 44 projects have been established across the northern, northeastern, and central regions of Thailand to implement and promote gender sensitivity and gender equality initiatives. The Women’s Development Plan Phase 1 (2020–2022) and Women’s Development Plan (2023–2027) aim at supporting and strengthening the collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, communities and civil society for the facilitation and advancement of gender equality, women’s progress, elimination of violence against women, attitude, value and mindset change, and gender-based stereotypes.
43.The project “The Elimination of Gender Stereotypes and Sexist Language in Education Materials in Primary and Secondary Levels in ASEAN Countries” aims to create awareness regarding gender equality issues, stereotyping and bias that affect girls and women within families, schools, and workplaces. The project also addresses issues of harassment and sexual violence. Modern media in the form of infographics, animations and short films were produced for dissemination, all with English subtitles. Additionally, a sourcebook titled “Gender Equality in Education: An ASEAN Sourcebook” has been developed as a knowledge resource on gender equality issues, particularly within schools. It serves as a guide for teachers, administrators, parents and community members, as well as civil society organizations working in the field of education and promoting gender equality. The sourcebook presents the results of studies on gender disparities in schools and the problems of sexual violence against girls and women, offering tools for addressing these gender inequality issues.
44.Educational institutions that offer “Gender Studies” have organized learning activities aimed at instilling attitudes regarding gender equality in students. These activities include academic seminars on gender studies and gender identity, as well as promoting women’s rights and gender equality through courses such as “Gender Economics.” There have also been various initiatives aiming at developing research and knowledge, generating academic articles, publications, and textbooks. These materials are designed to educate people in society about cultural biases, foster an understanding of diversity in lifestyles, and promote the appreciation of cultural diversity within society, with a particular focus in gender. The ultimate goals are to eliminate both systemic and personal biases, and to promote an inclusive and tolerant attitude towards all individuals, leading to the eradication of harmful stereotypes and a more egalitarian society.
45.The draft act on the Protection and Promotion of the Way of Life of Ethnic Groups B.E. ... aims to protect and recognize the fundamental rights of ethnic groups. They must receive protection and not be subjected to hatred, discrimination, or unfair treatment. This demonstrates a commitment to raising awareness and emphasizing acceptance and respect for the cultural diversity of ethnic groups. It is also crucial for the formulation of policies and principles that concentrate on establishing systemic mechanisms for the protection of ethnic groups that enhance self-sufficiency and empowerment of ethnic groups to suit their way of life, needs, social circumstances, and ethnic issues.
46.In 2022, the Coordination Centre for Children and Women in Southern Border Provinces collaborated with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women or UN Women in providing training for female Muslim leaders in the southern border provinces of Thailand. The training aimed to equip these leaders with knowledge and awareness about hate speech on social media and to expand their networks within the local communities and among women.
Gender-based violence against women
47.Thailand has made significant progress in taking continuous measures to eliminate violence against women and promote gender equality. These efforts involve close collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, with a focus on legal action, prevention, protection and assistance, as well as rehabilitation. The key initiatives include:
Legal measures
•Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2017 (B.E. 2560) contains provisions on the protection of Thai citizens from violence in Articles 4, 27, 71 and 128. Particularly in Article 71, it specifies the protection of children, women, elderly people and the marginalized from violence, unjust treatment, as well as rehabilitation and assistance to those affected. Also, when allocating budgets, the Thai government considers the diverse needs and circumstances which vary depending on gender, age. and individual conditions. These factors are taken into consideration to ensure fairness to all;
•Gender Equality Act B.E. 2558 (2015) aims at establishing measures to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on gender and preventing discrimination between genders. It promotes and enforces gender equality, including three key mechanisms:
•Gender Equality Promotion Committee is responsible for advocating for and establishing policies and measures to eliminate gender-based discrimination;
•Committee on Unfair Gender Discrimination Complaints receives and reviews complaints from individuals who have experienced unfair treatment due to their gender. The WorLorPor committee has the authority to issue orders to both government and private sector agencies to provide remedies and compensation for damages. It also has the power to refer cases to the Ombudsman’s Office for further adjudication in the Constitutional Court;
•Gender Equality Promotion Fund serves as a mechanism to compensate and provide remedies to individuals who have experienced gender-based unfair treatment, as determined by the Committee on Unfair Gender Discrimination Complaints. The fund also supports projects or activities that promote protection and prevention of gender-based discrimination;
•Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550 (2007) is the primary law that provides protection and assistance to individuals who have experienced domestic violence. This law emphasizes comprehensive protection for individuals within the family and grants authorities, including law enforcement officials, the power to issue temporary protective measures and provide relief to those who have been subjected to domestic violence;
•Juvenile and Family Court and Procedure Act B.E. 2553 (2010) deals with the establishment of juvenile and family courts and the procedures for handling juvenile and family cases. It specifies that victims of domestic violence or prosecutors are able to file petitions with the court to seek protection for the victims;
•Measures to Prevent Recidivism of Sexual and Violent Crimes Act B.E. 2565 (2022) establishes measures to prevent recidivism of sex and violent crime offenders. These measures include rehabilitation programs, post-release supervision of offenders, and the possibility of imposing post-release detention if there are reasons to believe that an offender may reoffend. The court may issue emergency detention measures as well.
Prevention, Protection and Assistance overstatement
•Community Family Development Centres serve as key mechanisms for monitoring, preventing, and addressing issues of domestic violence, with 7,194 centres across 878 districts nationwide. These centres play a pivotal role in strengthening families and working towards reducing instances of violence;
•Sub-district Community Centres for Prevention of Domestic Violence is a grassroots-level civil society organization operating at the sub-district or Tambon level in Thailand. It consists of a multidisciplinary team and community representatives from various sectors, all of whom play a role in protecting and assisting domestic violence victims. Their responsibilities include precautionary and preventive measures, rehabilitation, and development, receiving domestic violence reports, as well as promoting local public participation in managing domestic violence issues;
•The establishment of mechanisms at the community level is emphasized to prevent, monitor, and address violence against women. The project “the creation of safe spaces for women” is an example of proactive strategy. Another example is field visits to families with a domestic violence history or tendency to use violence. These are collaborative efforts among the local communities, interdisciplinary teams, private organizations, and families;
•Office of Legal Protection and Public Assistance under Office of the Attorney General is situated in the Public Prosecutor Office in each province, totalling 117 offices. Its primary focus is providing legal knowledge and protecting the rights of individuals, with a particular emphasis on preventing and addressing violence against children and women.
Rehabilitation Measures
•One Stop Crisis Centre under the Ministry of Public Health has been created to provide assistance to women and children in crisis situations resulting from violence. The centre is a coordinated effort of interdisciplinary teams both within and outside hospitals which offers immediate and holistic support to the victims. The centre is responsible for receiving reports, screening, diagnosing, providing medical care, promoting disease prevention, ensuring safety, assessing mental health, offering legal advice. and referring cases to relevant social welfare agencies. In addition, the centre provides counselling, psychological support, home visits and follow-up evaluations to help individuals in crisis situations;
•The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security provides a 24-hour Hotline Service 1300 for incident reports and assistance;
•Provincial and community multidisciplinary teams have a role in assessing the physical, mental and social welfare aspects of the affected individuals in order to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery process.
48.The Women’s Development Plan Phase 1 (B.E. 2020–2022) consists of three strategies: changing the attitudes of Thai people towards gender equality, building partnerships with the media, and instilling cultural values and attitudes in children and youth. In addition, the Gender Equality Promotion Fund, which is responsible for raising awareness and understanding of gender equality among the public, has organized activities such as seminars, media campaigns and support for projects from civil society organizations to secure funding from the fund for gender equality advocacy.
49.The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has appointed a working group to monitor and follow up on all types of media that may be inappropriate for promoting gender equality. The monitoring guidelines were established in order to promote desirable attitudes. A memorandum of understanding on “Content Supervision in Broadcasting and Telecommunication on Fundamental Rights of Children, Youth, Women, Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, and Persons with Gender Diversity” was signed among the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Culture, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission, Moral Centre and the Siam Society under Royal Patronage.
50.The Family Protection and Development Act B.E. 2562 (2019) defines “domestic violence” and clarifies it to include acts that encompass criminal offenses.
51.From the above concepts, Perpetrators of domestic violence are subject to legal penalties under criminal law, and these penalties are more severe than those stipulated in the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act of 2007. Importantly, there are provisions for the protection and rehabilitation of victims who have been subjected to repeated, severe psychological harm to the extent that they themselves become perpetrators of domestic violence. Moreover, a monitoring system has been established, with the “Family Promotion and Protection Centre” tasked with tracking progress to ensure that the intervention efforts are concrete and effective.
52.The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development has appointed a committee to draft legislation on the protection of domestic violence victims in order to amend and develop the domestic violence victims protection act (Draft) B.E. …. Currently, public feedback is being filtered through the central legal system, and a committee has been established to amend the Family Development and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and related laws. This process is currently in the meeting stage of the appointed committee.
53.The enforcement of laws against sexual violence within the family is governed by Article 276 of the Thai Criminal Code. This article states that anyone who commits sexual violence against another person by coercing them through threats or the use of force, and where the victim is unable to resist or is made to believe that they are someone else, shall be subject to imprisonment ranging from 4 to 20 years and a fine ranging from 80,000 to 400,000 baht. If a sexual violence is committed between spouses, and both spouses wish to continue living together as husband and wife, the court may impose a lesser penalty or impose conditions to control the behaviour of the offender, as deemed appropriate. In cases where one spouse has been sentenced to imprisonment by the court, and one of the spouses wishes to divorce while the other does not, the spouse seeking divorce can notify the court of their intent. Upon receiving this notification, the court will instruct the public prosecutor to initiate divorce proceedings. According to Article 277, anyone who commits sexual assault on a minor under the age of 15, who is not their spouse, and regardless of the minor’s consent, shall be subject to imprisonment for a term ranging from 5 to 20 years and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 baht. In cases of sexual assault on one’s own child, the penalty shall be increased by one-third. According to Article 285, if the offense involves rape, incest, sexual assault or any other sexual offense committed against one’s own child, sibling, relative, adopted child, person under legal guardianship, person under parental care, ward, or any other person under one’s authority, the offender shall be subject to a more severe penalty than one-third.
54.The provision of essential services and support for victims of gender-based violence is as stipulated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Article 71. This includes services and assistance provided by both government agencies and civil society organizations that operate continuously as follows: (1) the One Stop Crisis Centre under the Ministry of Public Health. These centres are located in various healthcare facilities, including 829 central hospitals, general hospitals and community hospitals, as well as 9,750 sub-district hospitals, and 32 other hospitals under various government departments, totalling 10,611 facilities nationwide; (2) Social Assistance Centre under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (Hotline 1300); (3) Children and Family Homes are available in every province; (4) Family Violence Prevention Operations Centre, Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Institutions; (5) other non-profit organizations (6) Community Family Development Centres located throughout the country; and (7) there are various channels providing assistance through other agencies, such as the police emergency hotline 191 and the Office of the Attorney General hotline 1157. These provide assistance and support to victims of violence, including home visits, medical advice and treatment referrals, legal protection, crisis intervention, temporary shelter arrangements, psychological counselling, notification of victim’s rights, and other forms of assistance like community coordination, family support and vocational promotion.
55.Thailand has amended the Penal Code, 27th edition B.E. 2562 (2019) by revising Article 277(5). This revision involves eliminating the principle that grants the court the authority to consider cases involving minors and families allowing an individual under the age of 18 who commits sexual acts against another consenting child aged over 13 but not exceeding 15 to enter marriage. However, it is still at the discretion of the court to ensure the protection and welfare of the affected child or the perpetrator.
56.According to Islamic principles, the practice of female genital mutilation (khitan) is promoted in return for the receiving of virtue. Those who choose to forgo such practice would not be punished or considered sinful. In practice, if the khitan practice involves efforts to reduce pain, and to treat young children. However, this should be subject to the consideration of a qualified medical professional and discouraged. According to inquiries made to hospital administrators and public health officials in the area, there have been no reports so far of any harm that would require medical treatment. More awareness raising is needed in the area.
57.The act of kidnapping a young girl for the purpose of forced marriage, which is a customary practice among certain ethnic groups in Thailand, is addressed in the Penal Code, Article 317. According to this law, anyone who unlawfully abducts a child under the age of 15 from their parents, guardians or caregivers shall be liable to imprisonment for a term ranging from 3 to 15 years and a fine ranging from 60,000 to 300,000 baht. Women and families can seek legal action against the violators.
Human trafficking and exploitation
58.Thailand has developed its National Referral Mechanism (NRM) based on the existing legal framework and best practices for the Reflection Period. This mechanism aims to enhance cooperation and effectively protect victims of human trafficking and forced labour or services. It places the victims at the centre of the process, following a Victim-Centred Approach. This comprehensive approach includes coordination from the initial reporting stage, screening, identification, separation, and protection of victims. It involves collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and international bodies to ensure efficient and effective victim support and assistance.
59.Preventing women from falling into human trafficking and prostitution involves developing vocational skills for at-risk groups, including female youth, women with limited educational opportunities, unemployed women, informal women labour and women whose families are economically disadvantaged. This effort is carried out by the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, aiming to create economic opportunities and employment, and to prevent women from entering prostitution. There are also programs that offer educational and vocational training to those in the prostitution industry, providing them with alternative career options.
60.Detection and referral is operated with the use of the 3P measures: (1) Prosecution refers to the legal action taken to eliminate and punish human trafficking offenses; (2) Prevention refers to measures related to ensuring the fundamental rights of individuals according to human rights principles; and (3) Protection is the most crucial measure in addressing the issue of human trafficking. Individuals who are victims of human trafficking offenses, investigators or public prosecutors have the right to claim compensation and the right to legal assistance under Article 34 of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act B.E. 2551 (2008). The procedure for identifying individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking or forced labour and referring them to the NRM has been established. The National Anti-Human Trafficking Committee has developed an integrated plan to enhance the efficiency of victim identification, recovery and return into society through assistance measures. There have also been eight centres established nationwide which are tasked with the recovery and reintegration of human trafficking victims into society. Female victims of human trafficking are protected under the Witness Protection Act and additional measures have been put in place to protect their families and close associates. There are safe house measures and an increase in the number of witness protection officers to ensure the protection of witnesses.
61.Under Thailand’s justice process, investigations are conducted by police officers, cases are forwarded to the public prosecutors, and ultimately, the courts render judgments in human trafficking cases. In 2020, the court sentenced 199 individuals for human trafficking offenses. The sentences ranged from less than 1 to over 10 years, and there were fines imposed on individuals and asset seizures. In terms of measures to penalize human traffickers and individuals with roles related to human trafficking, the Thai government has established a committee called the “Sub‑committee for Monitoring Disciplinary Actions and Prosecution Against Government Officials to Avert Involvement in Human Trafficking.” This sub‑committee is responsible for inspecting, supervising, and monitoring actions against government officials. There is also a committee tasked with preventing government officials from becoming involved in human trafficking, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister whose authority is to oversee, supervise and monitor the prosecuting process. Moreover, the Department of Special Investigation established a centre to monitor and investigate government officials under the laws related to human trafficking.
62.The Thai government has made additional amendments to the Regulation of the Office of the Prime Minister on Administrative Measures to Prevent Government Officials’ Involvement in Human Trafficking B.E. 2558 (2015). These amendments include an expansion of the definition of “human trafficking” in Article 3 of the regulation, which now encompasses “violations of the laws related to the prevention and suppression of human trafficking and the act of bringing individuals into the Kingdom without authorization under the immigration laws.” This amendment aims to establish proactive measures to prevent government officials from being involved in bringing individuals into the Kingdom without authorization, which could result in human trafficking.
63.Cooperation at the international, regional, and bilateral levels as follows:
International Cooperation
•The production of a handbook for the repatriation and reintegration of Thai human trafficking victims, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA);
•The Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AATIP) and the Court of Justice jointly organized a workshop to promote cooperation in human trafficking prevention efforts in 2018;
•The meeting between the Department of Special Investigation and the Netherland’s police force took place in 2018 to exchange knowledge about policies and legal frameworks related to human trafficking, as well as to establish cooperation in investigations;
•There was a meeting between the Department of Special Investigation and the Australian Federal Police which aimed to discuss and exchange information regarding issues and challenges related to human trafficking.
Regional Cooperation
•The capacity building project to help the victims of human trafficking in the Mekong sub-region from 2015 to 2019 and the ministerial-level implementation plan for the countries in the Mekong subregion to combat human trafficking phase 4 (2015 to 2018);
•A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Government of Japan was established under Project for Strengthening Regional Network for Combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Mekong Region (2021 to 2024);
•Thailand ratified the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) in 2016;
•The review of the understanding of human trafficking prevention was conducted in collaboration with Lao PDR, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam;
•Thailand signed and ratified the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) on November 21, 2015.
Bilateral Cooperation
•The memorandum of understanding between the Thailand and Lao PDR on combating human trafficking 2017;
•The memorandum of understanding on cooperation in combating human trafficking between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates and another with the People’s Republic of China on cooperation in preventing and combating human trafficking in 2018;
•The bilateral meeting between the Department of Special Investigation and the Philippine’s National Police in 2018;
•The Department of Special Investigation organized a bilateral meeting with Cambodian and Vietnamese police forces to discuss cooperation in investigating and addressing cross-border human trafficking cases;
•The Royal Thai Police organized bilateral meetings with Myanmar and Cambodia to collaborate on the prevention and suppression of human trafficking in 2018.
64.The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996) outlines measures for the protection and professional development for individuals involved in prostitution. It also establishes committees at both national and provincial levels responsible for driving policies related to occupational development and improving the quality of life for those engaged in prostitution. Moreover, the Act aims to prevent women and girls from being involved in prostitution.
65.The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has implemented various projects aimed at skill development for women and families to generate income. These initiatives include projects designed to prevent the risk of being exploited through prostitution in multiple provinces across the country. Examples of such projects include the Family Seedlings project for risk prevention in prostitution, programs to enhance and develop alternative income sources in line with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to prevent human trafficking and deception.
66.The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996) in 2021. The evaluation results suggested that amendments to the said Act needed to be updated to keep pace with the ever-changing situation. There were proposals to ensure the protection of voluntary sex workers, granting them access to basic social welfare benefits.
67.The steps for inspecting a service establishment/business are taken as follows: going into the field together with relevant agencies or officers, coordinating with owners or managers to request cooperation in conducting inspections, examining relevant licenses, employees, customers, and security measures. In cases of inspection of female individuals, female officers should be employed as inspectors, or store employees can be employed to assist in the inspection, with the inspections separated by gender.
68.Collecting evidence for the prosecution of sexual service trafficking cases should not involve law enforcement officers engaging directly with sex service providers. In both apprehension and investigation stages, strict adherence to the law is required. Presenting or depicting sex service providers in a nude or inappropriate manner in any media is strictly prohibited. In all cases, when interrogating or questioning those involved in incidents related to recruiting service providers engaged in sexual services, law enforcement officers should use questions that take into consideration the feelings of victims or witnesses. They should refrain from using leading or threatening questions that might cause distress or fear.
69.The process of protecting woman and girl victims who have been exploited through human trafficking involves the following steps: initial reception for rehabilitation (fact-finding, psychological assessments, rehabilitation evaluations, vocational skill assessments, vocational training recommendations and placement into vocational training programs); protection and assistance (consisting of four social welfare areas, namely medical care, legal support, and education, and occupation); reintegration into society (assessment of the readiness of the family and the victim); and follow-up evaluation (1 and 6 month progress).
Political participation and public life
70.The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017), in Articles 90 and 128, warrants the participation of women in the political process, stipulating that when preparing a party-list election under a party-list system, political parties must ensure that their members are involved in the decision-making process and take into consideration candidates from different regions and ensure gender equality between men and women. This provision is aimed at promoting the active involvement of women in the political landscape and ensuring their equal representation. Furthermore, Article 128 of the Constitution, which pertains to the composition of ordinary committee members of the National Assembly and the Senate, states that when establishing an ordinary committee to consider draft bills of significant concern to children, youth, women, the elderly or persons with disabilities, direct representation must be provided to individuals from these categories or representatives of NGOs working directly with these categories. They must be included as committee members, accounting for no less than one-third of the total committee members. This provision ensures that committees responsible for important legislative matters related to these groups have adequate representation from these sectors. Currently, there are women in various political positions in Thailand: (1) 96 female representatives in the parliament, accounting for 19.2 per cent of the total; (2) 26 female senators, making up 10.4 per cent of the total; (3) 13 female chief executives of provincial administrative organizations, representing 17.10 per cent; (4) 248 female mayors, comprising 10.04 per cent; and (5) 438 female chief executives of subdistrict administrative organization, constituting 9.31 per cent.
71.The recruitment process for female police at the rank of Probationary Sub‑Inspector in the Royal Thai Police Force offers two pathways: (1) applicants can apply for positions when they become available and participate in the recruitment examinations, using their bachelor’s degree; (2) candidates can advance from the rank of police lance corporal. The Royal Thai Police Force has increased the proportion of female investigators recruited from external sources, both civilian women and female government employees with a bachelor's degree in law. They are admitted at a rate of no less than 100 personnel per year. This accelerates the entry of female investigators into the system, addresses the shortage issue of female investigators more quickly, and does not require specific qualifications different from those of female cadets.
Women human rights defenders
72.Thailand has improved and amended its legal procedures for handling criminal cases to ensure the protection of human rights defenders who may face prosecution for their activities in criticizing human rights violations. This includes the addition of Article 161/1, which allows the court to reject a case if it determines that the actions were done with the intent to harass or for other self-benefits. Additionally, Article 165/2 allows for the presentation of evidence to argue that the case lacks merit, reducing the burden on human rights defenders in seeking assets to secure their defence.
73.The 4th National Human Rights Plan B.E. 2562-2565 (2019–2022) places human rights defenders as one of the target groups. Human rights defenders have also been incorporated as a key target group in the 5th National Human Rights Plan B.E. 2566–2570 (2023–2027). The proposed recommendations include establishing a systematic reporting mechanism for incidents of human rights defenders’ violations; accelerating the development of laws and promoting their enforcement to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation and gagging lawsuits; ensuring protection for whistleblowers; and advocating for and expediting the process of becoming parties to international agreements related to protecting individuals from enforced disappearance in the future.
74.The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, Phase 1 (2019–2022) is a national policy framework developed to support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). It serves as a guideline for the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector in regulating, overseeing, and conducting business with responsibility and respect for human rights. The plan outlines key government initiatives, including the legislation on preventing malicious lawsuits and intimidation against whistleblowers and the announcement of the Witness Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003) and its subsequent amendments in 2022. This legislation aims to provide comprehensive protection to individuals who report or provide information about criminal activities. It also involves measures to protect human rights defenders and improve the legal framework and measures to enhance the effectiveness of preventing strategic litigation aimed at deterring public participation. Nevertheless, to ensure continuity in promoting and protecting human rights defenders, the issue of human rights defenders has been included as one of the key priorities in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights Phase 2 (2023–2027). This highlights the importance of joining international covenants regarding the protection of individuals from enforced disappearance and the need to amend laws, regulations and policies related to human rights defenders to align them with international standards. The plan also emphasizes the creation of awareness and understanding about the role of human rights defenders, mechanisms for complaints and grievances, as well as mediation and reconciliation related to human rights defenders’ issues.
75.The “Honouring Women Human Rights Award” aims to honour and inspire women human rights defenders who have shown dedication and sacrifice in their fight for human rights. It serves as a way to recognize their contributions and promote positive role models within society. Through these awards, society can become more aware and collectively learn about the important role of women human rights defenders.
Nationality
76.The Ministry of Interior has undertaken proactive initiatives at the regional level in support for district and provincial missions in remote areas and border villages. In 2020, these efforts resulted in granting Thai citizenship to a significant number of stateless and nationality-less individuals, totalling more than 14,303 people.
77.Convenience in birth registration has been improved in rural and remote areas. The Bureau of Registration Administration has developed systems to facilitate the citizenship application process for applicants. First, an online system has been developed to assist in the preliminary analysis of qualifications for various types of Thai citizenship applications, as well as to enable the acceptance of all types of Thai citizenship applications. Second, an online system has been established to allow the public to independently check the status of their citizenship applications. Finally, a citizenship legal clinic has been established at www.bora.dopa.go.th/nationclinic,and a Call Centre 1548 is available to provide information about the citizenship application process, handle complaints and to answer questions related to citizenship applications for the public.
78.The Thai government places significant importance on birth registration for all individuals (Birth Registration for All). Legally, if a child is born in rural or remote areas, they should be registered regardless of where they were born, whether in a sub‑district health promotion hospital, a community health centre or a private hospital. The respective healthcare facility shall issue a birth certificate, and parents or guardians shall report the birth to the district or local registration office within 15 days. If a child is born outside a healthcare facility, the village headman, or the person in charge of the village registration should document the birth and then submit the evidence to the district or local registration office within 15 days.
79.Thailand has continuously recognized the importance of addressing the issue of stateless and non-citizen individuals, and thus revised and improved the Nationality Act to include stateless population groups. Currently, Thailand enforces the Nationality Act (5th edition) of 2012, which includes provisions for Thai nationals in exile. In 2018, Thailand had 2,441,889 migrants. Furthermore, there have been significant developments in Thailand that have streamlined and expanded the process of applying for Thai citizenship, making it faster and more inclusive:
•Since June 11, 2015, the Ministry of Interior of Thailand has delegated the authority to provincial governors to grant Thai citizenship to descendants of stateless persons born in Thailand;
•On April 20, 2015, the Thai Cabinet approved a resolution assigning the Ministry of Public Health to take responsibility for providing medical care to stateless individuals in groups targeted. The government policies aimed at resolving the status and rights of these groups, as well as those in the process of proving their citizenship. The government committed to allocate annual budgets for this purpose;
•On December 7, 2016, the Thai Cabinet approved a resolution allowing children born in Thailand to migrant parents from all groups to reside in Thailand without facing legal proceedings, regardless of whether their parents entered Thailand legally or not. These children can also apply for Thai citizenship if they meet all the qualifications as specified in the Ministry of Interior’s announcement;
•On October 18, 2016, the Thai Cabinet voted in favour of the proposal from the Committee for the Working of Migrants, allowing stateless individuals who are in the process of determining their legal status to legally work in any type of job.
80.The Ministry of Interior collaborated with UNHCR and private development organizations within the country to facilitate the process of granting Thai citizenship to stateless women and children, particularly those from ethnic minority groups. This collaboration aimed to make the process of applying for Thai citizenship more convenient and efficient. As a result of these efforts, between 2015 and 2018, a total of 45,514 stateless individuals who were born in Thailand were granted Thai citizenship.
81.The process of applying for citizenship conversion in Thailand is governed by the Nationality Act B.E. 2508 (1965) and its subsequent amendments, particularly Articles 9, 10, 11 and 12. In cases where women wish to apply for Thai citizenship, they can do so under Article 9 or Article 10, in complementary with Articles 11 and 12. Similarly, in cases where men seek to apply for citizenship, they can apply under Article 10, in complement with Articles 11 and 12. Notably, both men and women have equal opportunities to grant citizenship to their spouses. This means that women can apply for citizenship conversion under Article 9 or by using the criteria of Article 10 (spouse) with certain exceptions as specified in Article 10. For men, they can apply for citizenship conversion under Article 10 (spouse) and use the criteria of Article 9 (spouse) with certain exceptions as specified in Article 10.
Education
82.Thailand continues to promote access to education for all and has a policy of providing 15 years of free education for all children without discrimination. In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many students dropping out of school, Thailand implemented various measures to track and reintegrate these students into the education system. Additionally, vocational training programs were initiated to create employment opportunities. In 2022, 20,053 students were successfully brought back to school.
83.The Office of Non-formal and Informal Education has promoted and supported educational management for individuals without Thai citizenship or proof of citizenship (aged 6–15 years). In 2019 and 2020, there were 1,039 and 1,022 children, respectively. In addition, for migrant labourers, there were 4,043 in 2019 and 2,857 in 2020. For ethnic minorities (hill tribe people), there were 104 in 2019 and 91 in 2020. There were 1,613 homeless individuals in 2019 and 1,126 in 2020. Lastly, there were 18,478 persons with disabilities in 2019 and 12,077 in 2020. Data on children outside the formal education system are collected to facilitate their return to the formal education system.
84.The Ministry of Education in 2018 has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the United Nations to promote girls’ education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by increasing female enrolment in STEM disciplines beyond traditional ones. Thailand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to utilize the UN’s “Policy Toolkit” to promote gender equality in STEM education. Thailand is leading the way in the STEM and Gender Advancement (SAGA) project, which aims to assess gender gaps in STEM and monitor progress based on key indicators within the framework. The workshops have been conducted to understand the procedures for utilizing the SAGA toolkit.
85.Data from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation in 2018 show that there were 195,686 female students enrolled in science and technology fields, accounting for 45.9 per cent of the total enrolment.
86.The Ministry of Education has undertaken the following actions: (1) reviewed and summarized key performance indicators and core content related to gender-sensitive education in the health education curriculum. This is intended to serve as a guideline for improving textbooks; (2) developed content frameworks for gender-sensitive education to guide publishers and media producers in amending and improving relevant content to align with the same direction; (3) reviewed, amended and improved gender-related content in textbooks for fundamental courses in health and physical education from Grade 1 to Grade 6, both in the Ministry of Education’s version and private publishers’ versions, in accordance with the Gender Equality Act of 2015 and the Prevention and Solution of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2016, Articles 6 and 4; notified all schools about the revision of gender-sensitive education content in textbooks for fundamental health and physical education courses at all levels. Schools are encouraged to use the revised textbooks starting from the 2019 academic year. In this capacity, the Ministry also collaborated with network partners to create a development guide for gender-sensitive education, specifying appropriate teaching and learning content for different age groups.
87.The announcement of the Prevention and Solution of Adolescent Pregnancy Act B.E. 2559 (2016) aimed to prevent and address teenage pregnancy issues. The Ministry of Education also issued a ministerial announcement in 2018 in Item Number 7 which highlighted the following. Schools that have students who become pregnant should not force these students to leave school, except when it is due to a transfer to another educational institution at the student’s request. Moreover, the Ministries of Education, Public Health, and Social Development and Human Security entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly assist pregnant students in continuing their education.
88.Intervention and Assistance include: (1) establishing a flexible and individualized education management system to care for, assist and protect pregnant students, ensuring continuity of education; (2) allowing students to take a leave of absence during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum periods; and (3) providing a counsellor for pregnant students who will work together with parents, guardians or caregivers to offer assistance and understanding regarding coexistence with society.
89.In 2019, the Ministry of Education reviewed and summarized the content and learning objectives related to sex education and gender diversity in basic education textbooks from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Moreover, they developed an online program for the professional development of teachers in sex education. The program consisted of eight learning units, covering the following topics: (1) Sex Education; (2)Perspectives on Gender; (3) Society, Culture and Gender Diversity; (4) Teachers and Sex Communication; (5) Learning Management and Behavioural Change; (6)Inclusive Sex Education Classrooms; (7) Support Systems for Students; and (8)Efficient Schools in Promoting Sex Education. In addition, teachers of health education, physical education, counsellors, and students were trained in sex education and life skills. The program aimed to promote sex education and life skill management in schools, with 10,403 primary schools and 1,542 secondary schools participating in the initiative.
90.The Department of Health has provided contraceptive services, including condom distribution and contraceptive pills, to reduce repeated pregnancies among adolescents under 20 years of age. They have also promoted postpartum and post‑abortion counselling services, as well as comprehensive access to family planning services. There has been a decreasing trend in the percentage of repeat pregnancies among adolescents over the past 3 years, with the current rate standing at 14.4 per cent. This represents 253,958 individuals who have utilized these services.
91.The MOE Safety Centre, which utilizes digital-based management principles, is a standardized safety system in educational institutions designed to assist students and learners when they feel unsafe or wish to report incidents that pose any of the following four types of risks: (1) risks resulting from human violence, (2) risks stemming from accidents, (3) risks related to violations of rights, and (4) risks affecting physical and mental health. The Safety Centre Action (SC-Action) team is responsible for receiving these reports and classifying incidents using the 4W1H framework (Who, What, Where, When, How). They then forward these cases to designated operators to investigate and resolve the reported issues. Individuals who encounter problems or are involved in incidents can report their concerns through the website www.MOEsafetycenter.com, the LINE official account @MOESafetyCenter, the MOE Safety Centre mobile application, and the MOE Safety Centre Call Centre.
Employment
92.In the fiscal year 2023, as of July 31, 2023, the Department of Employment provided job placement services to female labourers. A total of 143,580 individuals were able to secure employment through these services. Additionally, efforts were made to promote employment in vulnerable population groups, including: (1) promoting employment for persons with disabilities, with 1,119 people job placements, consisting of 657 males and 462 females; (2) placement of disabled individuals in the public sector, with 88 individuals job placements, consisting of 40 males and 48 females; (3) promoting employment for elderly individuals in the public sector, with 20 job placements, consisting of 10 males and 10 females; and (4) the “Strength from the People” project facilitated job placement for 997 elderly individuals, consisting of 578 males and 419 females.
93.Department of Labour Protection and Welfare adheres to the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination, which are essential preventive measures, and law enforcement through business establishment inspections. Furthermore, the Department has been fostering knowledge regarding the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees to ensure that employees receive their entitled benefits according to the law, fairly and without discrimination. In the fiscal year 2022, services were provided to offer guidance, recommendations and problem-solving related to labour protection rights. These services were extended to employers, employees, the general public, government agencies and concerned parties through various channels, with a total of 104,775 people served. Moreover, between the fiscal years 2015 to 2021, the Department conducted inspections of female labourers in various establishments nationwide, covering a total of 267,950 establishments and involving 4,550,856 female employees.
94.The Thai government has also developed policies to protect informal female labourers. A strategic plan for the protection of informal labourers was established for 2018–2022, which aimed to ensure the well-being of informal labourers and address current labour market challenges, particularly those working from home, in agriculture and as home-based workers. The Informal Labour Protection Division has established networks for informal labourers to monitor workplace issues, such as safety and working conditions. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for informal labourers.
95.In Thailand, the Social Security System is governed by the Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990), with subsequent amendments including the 2nd edition in 1994 and the 3rd edition in 1999. Additionally, a Royal Decree was issued in 2003 to specify the commencement date for collecting voluntary contributions for providing replacement benefits in case of unemployment. As of 2022, the total number of individuals covered by social security under Articles 33, 39, and 40 of the Act was 24,398,835, with 12,487,243 female recipients.
96.There has been a campaign to raise awareness about the division of household responsibilities between men and women. The Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development and various networks organized a campaign called “Housework is Everyone’s Responsibility, Both Genders Can Do It.” The goal of this campaign is to encourage men to help with household chores and not leave it solely to women. It aims to change the perception that men who do housework are seen as “afraid of their wives.” This campaign has gained momentum in social media with the hashtag #Houseworkchallenge. In addition, public and private organizations, including the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in collaboration with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, have produced short films titled “For Daughters in an Unequal Society” and “Because We Are Equal.” These films aim to create awareness that the responsibility of childcare and household chores should not be solely the responsibility of women. Men taking part in household work is considered appropriate, promoting fairness and fostering good family relationships.
97.The promotion of establishing childcare centres in workplaces is governed by the Thai Constitution B.E. 2560 (2017) under Article 258. According to this article, the State has a duty to provide learning processes for young children for their physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Furthermore, the Child Development Act B.E. 2562 (2019) outlines policies for early childhood care. The provision of childcare centres or child development centres is an integral part of these principles as stipulated by law.
98.The Cabinet has approved the principle of supporting women as an important economic force. This serves as a protection, support, and facilitation of women’s economic participation. It also aims to encourage men’s involvement in childcare and create mechanisms for child development, reducing the burden on working women. This will be achieved through the expansion of services provided by child development centres, extending their hours of operation and aligning them with the working hours in different areas. The focus will be on children under 3 years old.
99.The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has issued regulations in 2017 through the National Child Protection Committee, requiring businesses to provide childcare centres. It also outlines the criteria and responsibilities of childcare providers and the characteristics of childcare centres.
100.The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare plays a role in promoting business establishments to set up childcare centres to help alleviate the burden on employees with children. They support businesses in establishing childcare centres for their employees in industrial estates, construction agencies, and state enterprises. This initiative has been in place since 2007. As of September 30, 2022, there are 102 business establishments that have set up childcare centres, and they are eligible for tax deductions for the expenses incurred. Additionally, there are efforts to provide designated spaces for breastfeeding mothers in workplaces. This is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Public Health, UNICEF, and civil society organizations.
101.The Labour Protection Act (No. 7) B.E. 2562 (2019) Section 53 outlines Equal Pay for Equal Work which requires employers to set wages, overtime pay, holiday work pay and holiday overtime pay at the same rate for male and female employees who perform the same type and quantity of work or work of equal value. Section 59 also designates that female employees are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for a maximum of 45 days during the period of pregnancy. Pregnant employees are also allowed to take leave for pregnancy examinations, which is to be considered as part of maternity leave. One pregnancy is entitled to 98 days of maternity leave. The termination of pregnant employees due to pregnancy is considered a violation of Section 43 under the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998). In such an event, employers must be liable for wage and compensation within 30 days after legal orders. In addition, Thailand has put in place other special measures to protect pregnant employees including prohibition of termination due to pregnancy; prohibition of sexual harassment, intimidation, or causing distress to female employees; restrictions on dangerous and hazardous work, such as mining and working at heights of more than 10 metres; prohibition of work involving explosives or flammable substances; and restrictions on night shifts between 22:00 and 06:00.
102.Thailand has laws that are related to harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace, including: (1) the Penal Code (Amendment) Act (No. 22), B.E. 2558 (2015), Section 379; (2) the Civil Servant Act B.E. 2551 (2008), and the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission concerning actions that constitute sexual harassment or misconduct; (3) the proclamation by the State Enterprise Relations Committee regarding minimum employment conditions that prohibit employers, supervisors or inspectors from engaging in sexual harassment or causing sexual annoyance to employees; and (4) the Labour Protection Act (No. 2) 2008 (B.E. 2551), Section 16.
103.On April 21, 2020, the Thai Cabinet approved a set of measures to prevent and address sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace. These measures include: (1) a declaration of commitment from executives and organizations in a written form; (2) the development of guidelines for prevention and resolution of issues; (3) awareness-raising efforts regarding gender equality among employees; (4) the creation of a safe working environment; (5) the establishment of complaint mechanisms within organizations; (6) procedures for addressing issues internally within organizations both formally and informally; (7) efficient response management in cases of misconduct; (8) confidential investigation processes; (9) protection and support for complainants and witnesses; (10) fair treatment of accused individuals; (11) operation reports; and (12) the establishment of the Centre for the Prevention and Resolution of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (under the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development).
104.The Ministry of Public Health has issued a ministerial announcement regarding the health examination and health insurance for migrant workers. This announcement has enabled migrant workers who are outside the social security system to have annual access to health insurance.
105.The Ministry of Labour coordinates efforts among various government agencies and independent organizations to ensure that there is an investigation and examination of labour rights violations and complaints from both Thai and migrant workers. There is also a Command Centre of Prevention on Labour Trafficking, which provides assistance to victims who have been deceived online or have had their labour rights violated under labour protection laws. The ministry collaborates with relevant agencies such as the Royal Thai Embassies, the Office of Social Development and Human Security at the provincial level, the police, administrative authorities, and other units to address these issues.
106.The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has the primary mission of safeguarding and ensuring that labourers receive their rights and benefits in accordance with the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) and its amendments, adhering to the principles of equality and non-discrimination and providing protection for all categories of workers, including vulnerable groups, female workers, and child labourers. There are migrant workers from four nationalities (Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR) with a total of 1,853,603 individuals authorized to work in Thailand under Article 9, 825,613 of whom are female. Female migrant workers within the system have access to basic social security and labour protection rights similar to Thai workers. They are entitled to social security, medical care, maternity leave, and minimum wage. Between 2015 and 2021, the Department conducted inspections of female migrant workers in various workplaces across the country, covering 21,440 establishments. There were 719,626 female migrant workers involved, and the Department processed and adjudicated complaints and requests from 5,401 workers.
107.The Ministry of Labour collaborates with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on projects aimed at protecting and assisting migrant women workers. These projects include: (1) the TRIANGLE in ASEAN project which promotes and protects the rights of international migrant workers; and (2) the Safe & Fair project titled Realizing Women Worker’s Rights and Opportunities in the ASEAN Region Project. This project focuses on the safety and justice for foreign women workers in the ASEAN region. Under these projects, various initiatives have been undertaken to assist and protect migrant women workers. These initiatives include developing working manuals for professional teams to provide assistance to women who have experienced violence; creating service providers directories in their native languages for migrant women workers in ASEAN countries; increasing the number of interpreters and coordinators, with 185 personnel involved; and establishing a Social Assistance Centre Hotline 1300 under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to provide support for foreign nationals facing difficulties. These measures aim to provide accessible assistance and support to migrant workers who may require help.
108.In considering the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 190, which deals with the elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace, a consultative and wide-ranging awareness-building process is necessary. Currently, the ILO is in the process of studying and comparing the Convention with national laws at the request of the Ministry of Labour. This information will be used for further consideration by relevant agencies.
109.The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the ILO, has studied the gaps between domestic laws and the ILO Convention No. 189 Decent Work for Domestic Workers which was adopted in 2019. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare is currently in the process of amending the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 (B.E. 2555 [2012]) under the Labour Protection Act of 1998 to bring domestic worker protection standards in line with international norms. A working group has been appointed to gather academic data for consideration. To fully comply with all provisions of the convention, there will also be a need to develop and amend other related laws and regulations. This comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure that the rights and welfare of domestic workers are adequately protected in accordance with international standards.
110.Progress regarding the implementation of the ILO Convention No. 87 concerning freedom of association and the protection of the right to unionize (1948) and Convention No. 98 concerning the application of the principles of the right to unionize and to negotiate (1949) has been in the legal procedures in Thailand. To bring these conventions into effect, they must be incorporated into Thai law through an act of parliament in accordance with Article 178 of the Thai Constitution. Currently, a draft Labour Relations Act B.E. .... and a draft Labour Relations for State Enterprises Act B.E. ... have been proposed and passed through the consideration process by the Office of the Council of State. However, due to opposition from employer and employee representatives, the Ministry of Labour has requested that the drafts be reconsidered and further discussed with all stakeholders involved.
Health
111.The Ministry of Public Health has developed guidelines for providing contraception services for teenagers and unmarried individuals of both genders who engage in sexual activity. These guidelines serve as a framework for healthcare services provided by public hospitals at all levels. In 2013, these guidelines were distributed to hospitals. Additionally, for women with disabilities, awareness and understanding of family planning and reproductive health have been promoted within Thailand Association of the Blind. This initiative aims to empower individuals to protect themselves and support their rights to sexual equality and standard of living in reproductive health.
112.Thailand has made amendments to abortion laws. Under the newly amended law (Penal Code Year B.E.2564 [2021]), Article 301 states that any woman who causes her own abortion or consents to another person to cause her abortion when she is more than 12 weeks pregnant shall be liable to imprisonment for not more than six months, or a fine of not more than 10,000 baht, or both. Article 305 states that if the offense under Article 301 or Article 302 is committed by a medical professional and meets the following criteria, the person committing the offense shall not be liable: (1) it is necessary to perform the abortion because continuing the pregnancy would endanger the physical or mental health of the woman; (2) it is necessary to perform the abortion because there is a high risk or medical reasons that make it reasonable to believe that the child will be born with severe abnormalities; (3) the woman confirms to the medical professional that she is pregnant as a result of a sexual offense; (4) a woman who is not more than 12 weeks pregnant confirms her intention to terminate the pregnancy; and (5) a woman who is more than 12 weeks but not more than 20 weeks pregnant confirms her intention to terminate the pregnancy after being examined and counselled by a medical professional and other professionals according to the criteria and procedures specified by the Minister of Public Health, with the advice of the Medical Council and relevant agencies, under the law on the prevention and resolution of teenage pregnancies.
113.Ministry of Public Health Announcement in accordance with Section 305 (5) of the Penal Code B.E. 2565 (2022), states that women who are pregnant for more than 12 weeks but not more than 20 weeks can terminate the pregnancy and will not be considered committing a criminal offense. However, the woman must receive counselling from healthcare professionals and other professionals according to the criteria specified by the Minister of Public Health, as well as recommendations from the Medical Council and relevant agencies. The Ministry of Public Health, through the Department of Health, has developed clinical practice guidelines for safe abortion care, comprehensive standards for safe abortion services, and articles on “Obstetrician Attitudes towards Safe Abortion,” aiming to improve the provision of services by healthcare professionals without bias.
114.National Reproductive Health Development Strategy Version 2 (2017–2026) focuses on promoting birth and child development quality by emphasizing the development of the healthcare system to meet standards and ensure equal access for the population. It aims to ensure the safe survival of both mothers and babies, as well as the provision of social welfare for women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The strategy also seeks to implement policies to prevent repeat teenage pregnancies by supporting expenses for contraceptive and safe abortion services. This is to help teenagers and women who are not ready for pregnancy access reproductive health services.
115.Regarding reduction of maternal mortality rates, the Ministry of Public Health has established that the rate is a key indicator of mother and child healthcare. The Department of Health has implemented measures to reduce maternal mortality rates in ethnic groups, considering the following issues: (1) reducing deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) using the LABOR protocol for prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage; (2) reducing deaths from high blood pressure (PIH); (3) effective family planning measures to prevent unsafe abortions by promoting good family planning practices, including pregnancy planning, prenatal care and childbirth planning; (4) efficient mental health assessments along with psychiatric care; and (5) postpartum follow-up for high-risk groups. The results of the measures to reduce maternal mortality rates in ethnic groups, from 2018 to the present, have shown a decreasing trend in maternal mortality rates.
116.The Department of Health has designed a network system for maternal and child healthcare and the referral of pregnant women for safe delivery (Safe Mom). They have developed a surveillance system for mothers from ethnic groups in highland areas, promoting health knowledge, life skills and teenage pregnancy prevention within communities. They have also created assessment tools for identifying pregnant women at risk, targeting healthcare workers in the community, such as teachers, village midwives and community health volunteers. As a result of these efforts, it has been observed that public health personnel and community networks working together have contributed to reducing maternal mortality rates among ethnic group populations.
117.The 2nd edition of Women with Disability Development Plan for the years B.E. 2560–2564 (2017–2021) has established the following strategies to enhance the well-being, reproductive health and equal healthcare for disabled women and girls. They are: (1) promoting knowledge, understanding and positive attitudes towards the health and well-being, sex education, reproductive health and fertility of disabled women, disabled girls, caregivers and disabled individuals; (2) facilitating access to healthcare services for disabled women and disabled girls; (3) supporting assistive devices for disabled individuals and providing equal medical services; and (4) promoting family planning for the health of disabled children, especially disabled girls, addressing these issues by changing attitudes among caregivers and society, and ensuring that disabled women have access to reproductive health and contraception services, as well as comprehensive care and services. The Ministry of Public Health provides suitable family planning services in various forms. Contraception services for disabled individuals follow the basic principles of family planning, with a focus on providing counselling to caregivers and guardians for the maximum benefit of the service recipient while considering the reproductive rights of service recipients. Contraception must not infringe upon human rights and dignity.
118.The government has adjusted its policy on HIV treatment to ensure access to antiretroviral drugs for all infected individuals to the point that they do not have to pay for any expenses, and after that, the Thai government announced the National AIDS Strategy for the years 2017–2020, which adheres to the principles of creating justice, reducing social inequality, respecting human dignity and rights, and paying special attention to gender-sensitive, focusing on the prevention, treatment and long-term protection of patient rights.
Social and economic benefits
119.Labourers in the informal sector can access social security benefits voluntarily by enrolling as insured persons under Article 40 of the Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990) (amended B.E. 2558 [2015]) and in accordance with the Royal Decree B.E. 2561 (2018) specifying the criteria and rates for additional contributions, as well as the criteria and conditions for entitlement to replacement benefits for individuals who enrol as insured persons. The criteria and conditions for entitlement to benefits have been revised, and coverage has been extended to better meet the needs of labour workers in the informal sector to be eligible for monetary compensation. Regarding the coverage for migrant workers, in 2020, the Social Security Office disbursed benefits from the Social Security Fund and the Replacement Fund totalling 1,519 million baht. Out of this amount, benefits were claimed by labourers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar, totalling 1,082.01-million-baht, accounting for 71.25 per cent of the total benefits received by informal labourers who relocated their base.
120.In accordance with the measures for health examination and health insurance for foreign workers, the Ministry of Public Health, in 2020, carried out health examinations and health insurance for foreign nationals from Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam who were not part of the social security system. This included ensuring that accompanying individuals were also included in the healthcare system for a period not less than the authorized stay in Thailand. They were allowed to work temporarily in accordance with the laws on immigration and the laws governing the management of foreign labour to provide access to health insurance. This access encompassed medical care, health promotion, disease monitoring and control, as well as reducing the financial burden on healthcare facilities. Thailand has a social security fund for non-Thai employees. Social security coverage for non-Thai employees can be granted when these employees enter the country legally, possess the necessary permits, may or may not have employers, and efforts are made to provide health insurance coverage to non-Thai individuals. This includes the T.99 Fund, where individuals have rights in the T.99 Fund. Additionally, there are groups that have been granted temporary stay while awaiting problem resolution processes, such as stateless individuals holding “non-Thai” documents and individuals who have been surveyed and registered without legal status.
Rural women
121.The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) reaffirms the rights of women, including rural and marginalized women, to access education, employment and healthcare, as well as to benefit from government services. Regarding education, Thailand’s policies and education system provide equal opportunities for both girls and boys to receive education and funds for educational equality are allocated to assist students with difficulties. The Ministry of Education, private sector and civil society have initiated the Learning Coin project for remote areas with educational and learning access barriers. In terms of employment, there is a nationwide effort to promote women’s participation and access to funding through the Women’s Development Fund and support the career development of women’s groups, such as agricultural housewives, agricultural communities and in the border provinces. Civil society organizations such as the Thai Family Planning Association and the Thai Red Cross work on community enterprise development and supplementary income generation for women affected by violence. And the Raks Thai Foundation has supported the operation of women’s enterprise groups, most of which are in the highlands. The Department of Social Development and Welfare operates 16 centres nationwide with a mission to improve the quality of life for highland people by providing learning opportunities and welfare services to the public. The Royal Project also plays a role in developing highland communities by imparting knowledge and creating sustainable agriculture-based income generation. The Rak Thai Foundation can reach out to ethnic women and develop income-generating products for ethnic women’s groups. There are specific policies for women in terms of reproductive health and fertility that specializes in marginalized rural women who are far from service access, such as supporting newborn care, pregnancy care and birth control services.
122.The proportion of women’s agricultural land ownership during 2008–2018 has improved. Data from the 2018 Agricultural Change Survey of the National Statistical Office indicated that in 2018 there were a total of 5,973,489 landowners including 3,336,796 male landowners and 2,636,693 female landowners, which representing the 44.1 percent of female landowners and 55.9 percent of male landowners. The percentage of landowners among males and females in 2013 was 36.3 percent and 63.7 percent and in 2008 it was 27.5 percent and 72.5 percent respectively.
123.In 2019, land was allocated to 8,265 people including 4,684 men (56.7 percent) and 3,581 women (43.3 percent) according to the land allocation policy of the National Land Policy Committee. In addition, 217,307 Rai of agricultural land in the land reform area was allocated to 18,577 farmers including 11,402 females and 7,175 males.
124.The Department of Agricultural Extension has a policy that specifies target groups as farm women in the agricultural sector. This includes both groups of housewives of farmers and new-generation female farmers. The department has managed to develop the potential and strengthen the housewives of farmers’ groups while connecting them to a network of housewives of farmers to exchange knowledge, promote agricultural businesses and enhance the economic stability of farmers’ households.
125.Land allocation and the granting of land use rights to farmers on state-owned land and land allocation and the granting of land use rights to communities on state-owned land, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involve the allocation and granting of land use rights to agriculturalists on state-owned land, with 65,331 male agriculturalists and 96,024 female agriculturalists.
126.Access to land in Thailand is regulated by laws (Civil and Commercial Code, Land Code) that specify that individuals, regardless of gender, have the right to own property, including land, equally. This also includes the inheritance of land with various types of rights, such as ownership, possession, or landholding rights.
127.The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017) states that any legislation must include a process for soliciting opinions and criticism from stakeholders and that received feedback must be incorporated into the law. This process has been implemented in cases such as the National Parks Act of 2019, which considers the land rights of ethnic groups, and the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2019, which allows residents in protected areas of over 20 years to continue living there. Additionally, the Land Act has granted land rights to the people. Furthermore, the Community Forest Act of 2019 allows people to reside in forest areas.
128.The Ministry of Industry, through the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, is in the process of drafting ministerial announcement regarding the criteria or methods for providing protection to workers and safety for the public in B.E. ... which protects all workers involved in mining, mineral dressing and industrial operations. And the statistics from the Ministry of Labour found that there are numbers and percentages of workers in the mining industry (unit in thousands) totalling 42.3, of which 11.3 are women, accounting for 26.7 per cent.
Gender dimension of climate change and disaster risk reduction
129.Both the government and civil society have been working to promote women’s participation in environmental and natural resource issues, which are part of addressing climate change and disaster reduction. The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has appointed Advisory Committees for National Parks (PAC) in 155 areas across the country to engage communities in natural resource conservation and include female members to take on leadership roles in resource management and environmental oversight collaboratively. This effort aims to enhance community understanding of natural resource conservation. Thus, it promotes and provides opportunities for women to lead in natural resource and environmental management and facilitates knowledge exchange, capacity development and the elimination of limitations for women.
130.The driving force behind the implementation of the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG Economy) concept in Thailand, which has become a major focus of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economic cooperation group, began in 2022 when Thailand hosted the meeting. It has become an agenda item that promotes the country’s economy through policies aimed at addressing climate change issues. The outcomes of the APEC meeting have encouraged the implementation of the Bangkok Goals, emphasizing the balance between sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation, especially in promoting the role of women in addressing climate change issues (the work of gender-climate nexus to fight climate change).
131.Thailand promotes the potential of women through organizing meetings to enhance knowledge and understanding of gender issues in the context of climate change, along with sustainable development organizations, to create knowledge and understanding of gender equality issues related to climate change, disaster management, natural resource management, and empowering women’s groups in communication skills to reflect gender equality issues, natural resource management, and climate change.
132.Women leaders and provincial women’s networks contribute ideas at the National Women’s Assembly on the topic of strengthening women’s empowerment and promoting gender equality in the context of global warming, such as addressing gender dimensions in disaster management, developing forecasting and disaster warning systems, and enacting and enforcing laws related to waste management.
133.The publication of the “Report on Management for Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change from a Gender Perspective” (2021) serves as a fundamental knowledge set for managing the impacts of climate change from a gender perspective and provides guidelines for equitable and just climate change initiatives, with a focus on women as the target group. The production of media and exhibitions, including a PHOTO BOOK on women as resources during climate crises, and exhibitions under the concept of “Changing the World through Images and Voices.” These materials are created from the perspective of women and individuals who have received training on climate change. They collectively reflect the stories, perspectives, roles and impacts of women in addressing climate change, highlighting the significant role women play in managing natural resources and the environment for sustainable development.
134.The establishment of the “Inclusive, Gender-responsive Climate Change Benefit Analysis (ICCBA) Working Group” to develop a (draft) handbook for integrating climate change (CC), gender and social inclusion (GSI) into planning and budgeting in Thailand. This handbook aims to promote social inclusion and gender-responsive approaches in addressing climate change and includes guidelines for incorporating these dimensions into Thailand’s planning and budgeting processes.
135.The Cabinet approved Thailand’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), submitted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on 19 November 2018, which specifies principles for its development, taking into consideration human rights and gender aspects. emphasizes that “the principles of human rights and non ‑ discrimination must be upheld and not compromised, with a focus on both human rights and gender in relation to adapting to climate change. This includes the role of the state in ensuring the basic factors for livelihood, particularly for populations at high risk from climate-related threats, whether extreme weather conditions or displacement due to climate-related factors and resulting impacts. These populations often include low-income groups, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities or illnesses, as well as women, among others. The principles of human rights and gender considerations are crucial in implementing adaptation measures to climate change, which in some cases, such as resource preparation or emergency infrastructure, may conflict with other principles used in natural resource and environmental management, such as efficiency and sustainability of resource use.”.
Disadvantaged group of women
136.In addition, in the 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Article 27 ensures equal rights and freedoms for individuals to be protected by law without discrimination based on their place of origin, race, language or religious beliefs. Article 70 of the same constitution also assigns the state the responsibility of promoting and safeguarding the rights of various ethnic groups in Thailand to live peacefully in society according to their original cultures, traditions and ways of life as desired by themselves. Moreover, in the National Strategy for the years 2018–2027, there is a commitment to create opportunities and social equality for people of different ethnic backgrounds. This includes support for social and cultural development within the context of a diverse society, regardless of nationality, religion or cultural background. Mechanisms have been put in place to promote peaceful coexistence in the multicultural context of Thailand with honour and dignity for all citizens. In the initial stages, there is an emphasis on enhancing the capabilities of ethnic groups, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in society, to remove obstacles that impact them economically, socially, in education, healthcare, politics, law, culture and in their access to social protection. As part of the second strategy, there is a focus on promoting the basic rights and development potential of all citizens, tailored to their lifestyles, cultures and local wisdom without discrimination. This includes fostering the participation of citizens in addressing problems equally and justly, as well as promoting the role of women from various ethnic groups in participating in solving problems and developing all aspects of society, both at the national and local levels, in alignment with their identities, lifestyles and cultures.
137.Eight Women and Family Development Learning Centres have been established to address the issues of labour migration and human trafficking of women, particularly those from the northern region and women from ethnic minority groups, who mostly come from impoverished backgrounds. After completing compulsory education, they have no opportunity for further education, no chances for vocational training, and no guidance for proper life planning. As a result, they resort to seeking work in urban areas when they lack the means to sustain their lives as mentioned above. This makes it difficult for women entering urban areas to find opportunities for honest and fair employment, leading them to be vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation and a deteriorating path.
138.Muslim women in the southern border provinces of Thailand have equal rights to women who practice Buddhism in Thailand because they have not been restricted by the state in exercising their rights or in seeking help from the justice system provided by the government. In the four southern border provinces, there is a hybrid court system with Islamic law experts who are well-versed in Islamic law serving as one of the members of the court. This hybrid court is responsible for handling cases involving disputes among individuals who follow the Islamic faith exclusively, including civil and family cases, as well as cases related to inheritance. Additionally, Muslim women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual violence can seek assistance through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as other government-provided support services.
Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Women
139.Thailand aids refugees and asylum-seekers in accordance with human rights principles. According to the 2018 report from UNHCR, there were 97,577 refugees in temporary shelters across nine areas and 5,612 urban refugees and asylum-seekers in 2018. In 2018, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with UNHCR, issued birth certificates to 3,525 children in the shelters. Awareness sessions on gender-based violence prevention were provided to 15,514 refugees, and assistance was provided to 367 refugees with disabilities to facilitate their physical rehabilitation process.
140.Thailand has established measures and guidelines to replace the detention of foreign child detainees while awaiting repatriation. The objectives are: (1) to be a practical guideline for the collaboration between government agencies and relevant organizations in addressing the issue of detaining foreign child detainees awaiting repatriation, in accordance with the laws concerning immigration and the police force; and (2) to define clear mechanisms and responsibilities of government agencies in ensuring that children are protected in accordance with the legal framework, both within Thailand and in international cases. The signatory agencies include the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Labour. This leads to separation of children and their mothers from detention centres, while waiting for repatriation, allowing them to be under the care of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to ensure that they receive assistance and support to reintegrate into their communities while awaiting return to their home country or seeking a sustainable solution.
Women in detention
141.Women prisoners have been granted a royal pardon under the Royal Decree on Royal Pardon B.E. 2564 (2021), specifying the qualifications for those who are eligible to receive a royal pardon as follows: “Being a woman who is serving her first prison sentence, whether in a single case or multiple cases, and must have already served at least one-third of the imposed sentence as of the date this Royal Decree comes into effect.” The Department of Corrections has a policy to reduce the number of prisoners, which includes the following measures: (1) parole, and (2) good time allowance, as provided in the Royal Decree on Corrections B.E. 2560 (2017), Section 52(5). For penalties in forms other than imprisonment, the Ministerial Regulation on the Determination of Benefits for Well-Behaved Prisoners and the Conditions for Prisoners Granted Sentence Reduction or Parole B.E. 2562 (2019) state that well-behaved prisoners may be sent to work in public service outside of the prison, in addition to being eligible for reduction of imprisonment days.
142.The Department of Corrections has enacted the Royal Decree on Correctional Standards B.E. 2560 (2017) to improve the operational standards of corrections facilities to comply with the minimum standards of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). They have also incorporated the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules) since 2010.
143.The Royal Decree on Correctional Standards B.E. 2560 (2017) is a law drafted to align with international human rights principles, including the Bangkok Rules, regarding the treatment of pregnant women, lactating mothers and child-rearing while incarcerated. “Article 57 mandates that prisons provide pregnant women and lactating mothers with health and nutrition guidance from trained medical personnel, nurses, or correctional officers who have received nursing training. They must ensure adequate and timely meals for pregnant women, infants, children, and breastfeeding mothers and must not hinder breastfeeding and childcare unless there are health issues ... Article 58 stipulates that prisons must prepare for pregnant women to give birth in hospitals or medical facilities outside the prison where the prison is located. If a child is born in prison, it is prohibited to record that the child was born in the prison, and only the specific location of the prison should be noted. After giving birth, the incarcerated woman can stay there for up to seven days postpartum. In cases where a longer stay is necessary, a recommendation from the physician delivering the child must be submitted to the prison superintendent. Children residing with their mothers in prison should receive physical health examinations by paediatric specialists for diagnosis, necessary treatment, disease prevention, and healthcare services.”.
144.The Ministry of Justice issued regulations regarding the care of pregnant or breastfeeding female inmates in 2018. These regulations ensure that there are clean and safe sleeping accommodations and bathing facilities, good air ventilation, and the provision of necessary items such as baby formula, food supplements and other consumer goods. It also mandates the presence of nurses or obstetricians to monitor pregnancies and overall health, to provide consultation and advisory services, as well as exercise and recreational activities for pregnant female inmates. The regulations also stipulate that children under the age of 3 may stay with their mothers in the correctional facility and outlines measures that prioritize the child’s well-being, including the provision of food and baby formula (including mother’s milk), healthcare, vaccinations and developmental activities for the child. According to the regulations of the correctional facilities, children can stay with their mothers until the age of 3, after which they must be sent to relatives to be taken care of on behalf of the incarcerated individuals who have not yet completed their sentences.
145.In 2018, the regulation regarding the physical examination of newly arrived inmates and inmates entering and leaving correctional facilities stipulates that correctional facilities should employ technology for the physical examination of female inmates. On the day of admitting new inmates into correctional facilities, medical personnel, nurses or trained correctional facility staff must conduct physical examinations of the inmates.
146.Department of Corrections has guidelines for handling complaints and grievances through various channels, such as submitting complaints in person, sending complaints via mail, notifying issues through the agency’s website, and reporting problems through the electronic system, P.O. Box 1111, developed by the Office of the Prime Minister.
Marriage and family relations
147.In the southern border provinces of Thailand, religion based customary laws and practices are used as a substitute for marriage laws. The Central Islamic Council of Thailand issued regulations concerning marriage (Nikah) for individuals under the age of 17 in 2018. These regulations stipulate that married couples must obtain a letter from the court or a notarized letter of consent from their guardians. Additionally, a committee for the adjudication of marriage rights must be established according to Islamic regulations, consisting of three members, with at least one member being female.
148.The Compilation of Civil and Commercial Code, Section 2, Article 1448, specifies the minimum age for marriage as follows: “Marriage can be entered into when a man and a woman have reached the age of seventeen years. However, in cases deemed appropriate, the Court may permit marriage before that age.”. Furthermore, for individuals aged over 17 but under 20, the law stipulates that consent must be obtained from their fathers, mothers or legal guardians beforehand. The Thai government has implemented policies to address the issue of child marriage and has collaborated with NGOs to raise awareness and promote child rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals who may be coerced into early marriage. As a result, the overall rate of child marriage has significantly decreased over the past decade.
149.The Compilation of Civil and Commercial Code, Book 5, concerning Family, Article 1452, states that “A man and a woman shall not marry while they have an existing spouse.” It further specifies the grounds for divorce in Article 1516: “A husband or wife who maintains, supports, or elevates another person as their spouse, whether through marriage or common-law marriage with another person, may be sued for divorce.” This confirms the prohibition against having multiple spouses. Moreover, engaging in extramarital relationships is deemed “severely immoral behaviour” and constitutes an offense under the Civil Service Act, with the maximum penalty being dismissal from public service.
150.The Act on the Application of Islamic Law in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun in 1946 allows Thai Muslims in these areas to marry up to four wives in accordance with Islamic religious principles. However, they must obtain consent from the first wife. This process must also receive an approval from religious leaders in the community or the provincial Islamic committee before issuing a marriage license.
Additional Information
2030 agenda for sustainable development
151.Thailand has established the National Committee for Sustainable Development (CSD) chaired by the Prime Minister. The CSD serves as a national mechanism for driving sustainable development efforts in the country to achieve development goals. The Committee is composed of ministers, representatives from relevant ministries, agencies, and qualified individuals with expertise in development. The CSD has policies in place to ensure that government agencies involved in achieving development goals actively work towards these objectives and collect relevant data and indicators. This approach helps coordinate and monitor Thailand’s progress towards sustainable development targets, ensuring a unified effort across government sectors.
152.Particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, the Committee has resolved to make it a mission of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development is the main agency responsible for coordinating and driving the goal. The Department, along with relevant networks, has developed a roadmap to drive the goal, with a focus on the following five areas: (1) raising awareness of gender issues, gender equality and mainstreaming gender perspectives in work, laws and international agreements related to women; (2) linking SDGs with the sub-goals of the main plan; (3) mechanisms for promoting women’s development at various levels, including National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women, Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Committee for the Promotion of Women’s Status, gender equality officers at the ministerial and departmental levels (Chief Gender Equality Officer [CGEO]), and Gender Focal Points (GFP); (4) applying the value chain analysis principle to promote the achievement of SDGs, from legislation to information mechanisms used for driving progress, attitude adjustment and empowering women; (5) networking for development from all sectors, including international organizations; and (6) monitoring and evaluation systems.
153.In the area of monitoring and evaluation, a report summarizing progress towards achieving SDG 5 in Thailand for the period 2016–2020 was prepared and presented to the public. The report highlighted improvements in gender equality in Thailand, primarily due to its inclusion in the 2017 Constitution. Relevant laws, such as the Gender Equality Act of 2015, were also cited as contributing factors. In addition, the integration of women’s development into national development plans at all levels was emphasized. When considering the target values for indicators related to achieving sub-goals, the table below shows the results of the assessment of SDG 5 progress over a 5-year period:
|
Level of Target |
SDG 5 |
Sub-indicator |
|
Target achieved |
5.b |
Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women |
|
5.c |
Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women Ang girls at all levels. |
|
|
76–99 per cent below target |
5.1 |
End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere |
|
5.3 |
Eliminate all harmful practices |
|
|
5.4 |
Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate. |
|
|
5.6 |
Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive right. |
|
|
5.a |
Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources |
|
|
Risk level 51–75 per cent of target achieved/ attained |
5.2 |
Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres |
|
5.5 |
Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life |
Dissemination of observational report
154.The committee’s summary of the observational report has been translated into Thai and distributed to government agencies.
Regional and International Technical Assistance
155.Thailand has received technical assistance and cooperation from various foreign countries and organizations in matters related to women’s rights and development, including:
•Gender Attitude Transformation: Thailand received cooperation from ASEAN member countries in a project called “Elimination of Gender Stereotypes and Sexist Language in Education: Materials in Primary and Secondary Levels in ASEAN.” This initiative was conducted by the Centre for Philanthropy and Civil Society, the National Institute of Development Administration, and the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development;
•Gender and Sex Education and Reproductive Health: Collaboration and support were provided by UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, UN Women, WHO and UNAIDS. This includes research on gender education in schools (in 2016) and the dissemination of international best practices in gender education (revised edition 2019);
•Muslim Women in Southern Border Provinces: Thailand received support from Oxfam, UN Women, the EU and USAID in addressing issues such as domestic violence within families and raising awareness about the impact of violence on children and women in the region;
•Access to Justice for Women: Thailand cooperated with UNODC, ASEAN and UN Women in areas such as women’s rights in detention and the implementation of the Bangkok Rules;
•International Migrant Women Workers: Cooperation came from the EU, UN Women, ILO and UNICEF for the Spotlight Safe and Fair project, and the survey on the attitudes of youth towards cross-border labour;
•Human Trafficking: AusAid collaborated with Thailand in an ASEAN-Australia initiative to combat human trafficking. UNODC assisted in disseminating guidelines for human trafficking cases, and IOM and UNDP helped develop referral systems;
•Domestic Violence: UNICEF and UN Women provided assistance in areas such as surveys on the situation of children and women in Thailand and the plan for evaluating the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women;
•Education for Vulnerable Groups of Women: UNESCO assisted in programs related to education for vulnerable groups of women;
•Promotion of Women in STEM: UNESCO, UNESCAP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provided support for initiatives promoting women in STEM fields.
Ratification of other treaties
156.Thailand has ratified various international conventions related to the elimination of discrimination against women. One of these is the ILO Convention No. 111, 1958 which deals with discrimination in employment and occupation. Thailand ratified this convention on June 13, 2018. By doing so, Thailand has committed to elevating labour standards in line with international standards for the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation. This commitment is fundamental to human rights.
157.Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft political declaration at the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women on March 9, 2020. This declaration reflects Thailand’s shared commitment with other member countries to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. The declaration emphasizes the link between the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the SDGs and underscores the determination to work towards gender equality by 2030, including the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.