human rights

  • Thailand NewsThai PM urges action to curb violence against women and children

    Thai PM urges action to curb violence against women and children

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called on the public to actively support government initiatives aimed at curbing violence against children and women. This appeal is part of the government’s annual anti-violence campaign, coinciding with National Violence Elimination Against Children and Women Month. Thailand designated November for this cause in 1999, aligning with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants

    Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants

    The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…

  • Thailand NewsThailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid

    Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid

    Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…

  • Thailand NewsNHRC urges Thailand to rethink Southern Land Bridge project

    NHRC urges Thailand to rethink Southern Land Bridge project

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reconsider the Southern Land Bridge megaproject, highlighting concerns about its environmental impact and implications for local communities. The NHRC supports its call with findings from various studies conducted by state agencies. Council member Sayamol Kaiyoorawongs stated that the prime minister should direct the Office of Transport and…

  • Thailand NewsNHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist

    NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Thai government to halt plans to deport Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, expressing concerns for his safety. Authorities arrested 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week. He is a prominent figure within the Montagnard ethnic group from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organisation…

  • Thailand NewsNHRC demands justice for nine missing Thai activists

    NHRC demands justice for nine missing Thai activists

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called on the Ministry of Justice to take decisive action regarding the disappearance of nine Thai political activists who vanished after seeking asylum in neighbouring countries. Sayamol Kaiyoorawong of the NHRC disclosed that she recently handed over an investigative report on these disappearances to Somboon Muangklam, adviser to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and chairman…

  • Thailand NewsThai leaders dodge meeting with UN human rights commissioner

    Thai leaders dodge meeting with UN human rights commissioner

    Thailand’s leaders, including the prime minister and foreign minister, sidestepped a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker TĂ¼rk, during his Bangkok visit on June 5 and 6. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, Thailand’s leaders turned a blind eye, reducing TĂ¼rk’s visit to a mere stopover, unlike his official engagements in Malaysia where he…

  • Thailand NewsThai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law

    Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law

    Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights. TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many…

  • GuidesThe journey of LGBT Thailand

    The journey of LGBT Thailand

    In Thailand, the perception of a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT individuals paints a picture of acceptance that many countries strive for. However, the layers of reality for the LGBT community in this Southeast Asian nation tell a more complex story. This overview seeks to unravel the contrasts within Thailand’s approach to LGBT issues, not just the progress made but also…

  • Thailand NewsThai abortion rights advocates call for increased legal services access

    Thai abortion rights advocates call for increased legal services access

    Abortion rights supporters in Thailand called for improved access to legal abortion services, issuing a petition to Thossaporn Sereerak, a Pheu Thai MP for Phrae and member of the House Committee on Public Health. The Tamtang Group, a prominent advocate for safe abortion, yesterday, February 7, expressed concerns over the difficulties pregnant women face when seeking legal abortions, despite recent…

  • Thailand NewsTying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride

    Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride

    The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…

  • Thailand NewsUN urges Thailand to bolster multi-sector approach to child rights protection

    UN urges Thailand to bolster multi-sector approach to child rights protection

    Thailand has been urged to broaden its efforts in child rights protection, with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, calling for a more comprehensive, multi-ministerial approach. Maalla M’jid emphasised that safeguarding children should not be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security but rather a shared…

  • Thailand NewsThai Lawyers for Human Rights honoured at Clooney’s Justice for Democracy Defenders gala

    Thai Lawyers for Human Rights honoured at Clooney’s Justice for Democracy Defenders gala

    The Clooney Foundation for Justice recognised the efforts of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) at The Albies, a gala held in New York City. The TLHR was among six honorees from around the globe, celebrated for their work towards defending democracy activists and others who have been the target of legal harassment and persecution. The award ceremony was named…

  • Thailand NewsLGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand

    LGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand

    In a reaffirmation of their commitment towards promoting LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, the United States and the United Kingdom have taken a significant initiative to support Thailand in its valorous efforts. This came as a collective resolve showcased at the US-UK Annual Pride Event that took place on June 23 with the theme, ‘United in Love 2023.’ The event…

  • Thailand NewsThailand intensifies efforts to end childhood statelessness

    Thailand intensifies efforts to end childhood statelessness

    In a seminar held in Bangkok, officials from the Thai Government, civil society organisations, and UN agencies gathered to reinforce their efforts towards ending childhood statelessness in Thailand. The seminar was part of the UNHCR-UNICEF Joint Strategy for Addressing Childhood Statelessness and aimed to evaluate the progress made in the country, identify challenges, and explore solutions for improved collaboration among…

  • World NewsAcquittal of Philippine human rights campaigner Leila de Lima brings her closer to freedom

    Acquittal of Philippine human rights campaigner Leila de Lima brings her closer to freedom

    Philippine human rights advocate Leila de Lima, who has been imprisoned since February 2017, was acquitted of one of the two remaining drug trafficking charges against her on Friday, edging her closer to freedom. De Lima, 63 years old and a former senator and justice minister, has faced these charges as retaliation for investigating President Rodrigo Duterte and his controversial…

  • World NewsTaliban forces Afghan shopkeepers to cover mannequins’ faces

    Taliban forces Afghan shopkeepers to cover mannequins’ faces

    The Taliban is forcing Afghan shopkeepers to cover mannequins’ faces. Mannequins in women’s clothing shops across Kabul now have cloth and bags covering their faces, the Associated Press reported on Monday. The Taliban initially wanted the mannequins beheaded. While some shopkeepers obeyed, others weren’t having it. Shopkeepers complained that they would not be able to advertise their clothes, or that…

  • World NewsUNESCO reports spike in killings of journalists in 2022

    UNESCO reports spike in killings of journalists in 2022

    On Monday, UNESCO reported a dramatic spike in the killings of journalists around the world in 2022. A total of 86 journalists and media workers were killed across the globe last year. This was after the number of journalists killed had been dropping in the previous years. In 2018, 99 journalists were killed, dropping to an average of 58 per…

  • Bangkok NewsSea nomads take struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok

    Sea nomads take struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok

    Sea nomads are taking their struggle over alleged land encroachment to Bangkok. The nomads are part of the Moken minority, a group of semi-nomadic Austronesian group that lives in Thai coastal provinces and inhabits over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea. Today, a group of Moken people from Koh Lipe rallied in front of the Treasury Department, demanding justice over…

  • South Thailand NewsVIDEO: Desperate Rohingyas dying on boat off South Thailand

    VIDEO: Desperate Rohingyas dying on boat off South Thailand

    A video is circling on social media of a group of desperate Rohingyas crowded onto a boat off South Thailand’s Ranong province. Over 200 people were on the boat, and 18 people died on the harrowing journey, a Rohingya aid coordinator told Thai PBS. The boat first left Bangladesh in late November. The aid coordinator, Rayid Ali, said the boat has…

  • World NewsBurmese junta to release former UK ambassador, Australian economist, and Japanese journalist

    Burmese junta to release former UK ambassador, Australian economist, and Japanese journalist

    The Burmese junta is set to release a former UK ambassador, an Australian economist, and a Japanese journalist who have been detained in Myanmar. The three are being released under amnesty which includes over 6,000 other prisoners. Former UK ambassador Vicky Bowman was arrested with her husband on August 24, and the two were sentenced to a year in prison. Reuters…

  • World NewsAmnesty International calls on Thailand to help stop Myanmar violence

    Amnesty International calls on Thailand to help stop Myanmar violence

    Amnesty International yesterday called on Thailand to help stop the violence in Myanmar. The organisation marched to the UN building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road to submit a letter urging the Thai government to help, as Thailand is the host of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The letter listed four demands: The Thai government should use every possible means to…

  • World NewsAsk nicely! Offended Myanmar junta refuses to stop slaughter

    Ask nicely! Offended Myanmar junta refuses to stop slaughter

    Myanmar’s military government says it will not yield to pressure from its Southeast Asia neighbours to transform the country from a violent and corrupt methamphetamine factory into a sane and reasonable member of the international community. The junta seized power last year, after a short period of slightly reduced genocide during civilian rule by a semi-elected government, comprised in part…

  • World NewsVietnam elected to UN Human Rights Council despite poor track record

    Vietnam elected to UN Human Rights Council despite poor track record

    Despite human rights groups calling for Vietnam to be excluded from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the country has won a three-year term in the Council. According to RFA.Org, the Southeast Asian nation received 145 of 189 valid votes, joining 13 other countries that were elected by members of the UN General Assembly in New York. Vietnam recently conducted…

  • World NewsHong Kong speech therapists jailed over children’s books

    Hong Kong speech therapists jailed over children’s books

    Five speech therapists in Hong Kong have been accused of brainwashing children after they wrote children’s books involving sheep and wolves. The five therapists, who are all between 25-28 years old, have been sentenced to 19 months each in prison. The books tell stories about a village of sheep trying to stop a pack of wolves from invading their home.…

  • World NewsBurmese junta sentences former UK ambassador to 1 year in prison

    Burmese junta sentences former UK ambassador to 1 year in prison

    After the Burmese junta arrested a former UK ambassador to Myanmar, along with her husband, on August 24, the junta yesterday sentenced them to a year in prison. The former ambassador, Vicky Bowman, is the director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business. She served as the UK’s ambassador to Myanmar from 2002-2006. Her husband, Htein Lin, is a Burmese…

  • World NewsNorth Korea throws shade at “US puppet” human rights leader

    North Korea throws shade at “US puppet” human rights leader

    North Korea is up to its hate-mongering tactics again. Today, the country called a United Nations special rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights a “puppet of the US.” An unnamed spokesman for the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an English statement on state-run media… “We had already made clear our principled stand that we neither recognize nor deal…

  • Phuket NewsSeminar on business and human rights held in Phuket

    Seminar on business and human rights held in Phuket

    Thai officials held a seminar in Phuket on Monday about the importance of human rights in business. The National Human Rights Commissioner of Thailand, Pitikan Sithidejheld, lead the seminar at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in the main city district. The event was titled “Seminar to Promote Business and Human Rights for Business Operations in Phuket Area.” Phuket’s Vice Governor…

  • Thailand NewsNew app to help migrant women in Thailand facing abuse

    New app to help migrant women in Thailand facing abuse

    UN Women and Thai non-government organisations (NGOs) have collaborated to create a new app for migrant women in Thailand facing sexual abuse and violence. The app has been named “Smart Domestic Workers.” Smart Domestic Workers provides information on ways that migrant women can protect themselves from violence, in four languages: Thai, English, Burmese, and Khmer. Users can search for hospitals,…

  • World NewsBar employees in Indonesia accused of blasphemy over new drink scheme

    Bar employees in Indonesia accused of blasphemy over new drink scheme

    Indonesia’s religious blasphemy law is growing “more dangerous” according to rights groups. Police have charged 6 bar employees in the country with blasphemy over a new drink promotion. Under the PR stunt, bar-goers get free drinks if their names are Mohammad or Maria. Mohammad is the name of the prophet of Islam, although it’s also a common men’s name in…