On April 29, 2025, the HDFF team participated in the Amnesty International Thailand forum titled “Amnesty International Report 2024-2025 : The State of the World’s Human Rights”, held at the Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Hotel. This event brought together human rights advocates, policymakers, and experts to discuss the latest global human rights trends and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities worldwide. The forum was divided into two parts. The first part of the forum focused on “global and regional trends in human rights violations.” The second part, titled “Thailand’s International Responsibilities”, focused specifically on the country’s role in the global human rights landscape, addressing issues such as forced deportations, suppression of dissent, and Thailand’s responsibilities within the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

Global and Asia-Pacific Overview

(With a focus on Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Amnesty International’s appeal to the Thai government)

Speakers

• Bancha Leelaguagoon, Executive Director Amnesty International, Thailand.
• Puttanee Kangkun, Chair of Amnesty International Thailand.
• Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, Regional Researcher (Laos & Thailand), Amnesty International, East-Southeast Asia and the Pacific Regional Office

Key Global Trends by Puttanee Kangkun

Worsening Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises

Mrs. Puttanee Kangkun opened the presentation with an overview of the global human rights landscape, highlighting a sharp deterioration in conditions across many regions. Armed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine were cited as key examples where international humanitarian law was blatantly violated. Civilians in these areas suffered airstrikes, mass displacement, torture, and even genocide. Despite the gravity of these violations, the global response has been largely ineffective. The role of powerful states and the United Nations Security Council came under criticism for their failure to act, particularly due to the use of veto powers that blocked meaningful intervention. Amnesty International emphasized the need to reform international institutions to uphold justice and prevent mass atrocities. 

Climate Crisis and Inequality

Mrs. Puttanee Kangkun also drew attention to the climate crisis, describing 2024 as the hottest year on record. Climate-related disasters disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, especially indigenous peoples, women, and marginalized ethnic groups, who contributed the least to the crisis. Wealthy nations continued to delay financial commitments for climate adaptation and recovery, deepening global injustice. Despite these setbacks, Puttanee noted the growth of legal and grassroots movements fighting for environmental and climate justice, with increasing calls for tax justice and corporate accountability. 

Rise of Authoritarianism and Shrinking Civic Space

Another significant trend Puttanee outlines was the global rise of authoritarianism. Governments around the world are increasingly criminalizing peaceful protests and employing surveillance tools to stifle dissent. Spyware, digital surveillance, and online censorship were used to suppress human rights defenders, especially in countries across Asia. The speaker stressed the need for solidarity and resistance., quoting Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard: “Organized resistance is our only legitimate recourse.” The report underlined that collective civil action remains the most effective strategy to defend rights and resist authoritarian practices. 

The Myanmar Crisis: Continuing Humanitarian Disaster

Mrs.Puttanee also covered the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar, now in its fourth year following the 2021 military coup, which continues to escalate into a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. In 2024 alone, the brutal actions of the military junta resulted in the displacement of over 3 million people and the killing of more than 6,000 individuals. The military junta continues to commit grave violations, including aerial bombing, torture, forced displacement, and the killing of civilians. Despite global outcry and the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for military leaders, among them General Min Aung Hlaing, the violence persists. Amnesty revealed that aviation fuel used in deadly attacks is still being imported through neighboring countries, including China and Vietnam, raising concerns of indirect complicity. 

ASEAN’s Inaction and Thailand’s Role

The report sharply criticized Thailand and other ASEAN countries for maintaining diplomatic silence. Amnesty called for regional governments to take a firmer stance and end their indirect support of the junta. The speaker argued that ASEAN’s current approach not only fails the people of Myanmar but also damages the credibility of the region as a promoter of peace and human rights. 

Asia-Pacific Region Overview by Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong

Human Rights Crackdown in Vietnam

Mr. Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong focused on the human rights conditions across the Asia-Pacific. In Vietnam, he reported that civil liberties continued to shrink. Activists and environmental defenders were routinely arrested and subjected to harsh prison terms. Political prisoners went on hunger strikes to protest poor treatment and inhuman prison conditions. The government used anti-terror laws of target returning Montagnard individuals, resulting in mass sentencing and torture. The death penalty remained in use, often under secretive legal procedures. 

Cambodia and Laos : Repression and Economic Inequality

In Cambodia, authorities intensified crackdowns on land and environmental activists, particularly those opposing state-backed developments around Angkor Wat. Members of the Mother Nature environmental group were arrested, and journalists covering issues such as human trafficking and cybercrime were harassed. Laos faced a similarly grim situation with restricted civic space, arbitrary detentions, and worsening inequality. Religious minorities and peaceful protesters were among those targeted, while the country’s economic decline, fueled by rising public debt, left many without access to basic services. 

Thailand’s Human Rights Landscape  by Bancha Leelaguagoon

Contradictory Human Rights Picture

Mr. Bancha Leelaguagoon delivered an in-depth analysis of Thailand, a country with  a complex and often contradictory human rights record. On a positive note, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to pass a Marriage Equality Act, marking a major milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. The legislation reflects progress and was celebrated by rights advocates.  However, this progress is overshadowed by continuing human rights abuses. In 2025, Thailand forcibly returned 40 Uyghurs to China, violating international law against torture and refoulement. The country still lacks a legal framework to offer asylum or refugee status, placing vulnerable populations at risk of deportation and abuse. Amnesty urged Thailand to establish fair and transparent asylum procedures. 

Suppression of Dissent and Use of Surveillance

Human rights defenders, especially those working in the southern provinces, remain at risk. The killing of activist Roning Dolah in Pattani was highlighted as a key example of the dangers faced by those seeking justice. Meanwhile, digital surveillance continues to be used to monitor and intimidate critics, and the Anti-Torture Law has yet to be effectively implemented. Amnesty called on Thailand to revise its laws to align with international human rights standards and to hold perpetrators of torture accountable. 

Discrimination Against Indigenous Peoples

Despite being home to many indigenous communities, Thailand does not legally recognize the term “indigenous peoples,” instead using the ambiguous term “ethnic groups.” This legal omission erases cultural identities and limits the protection of indigenous rights. Amnesty recommended legal reforms to ensure the recognition and protection of indigenous communities in accordance with international norms. 

By the end of Part 1 of the discussion, Mr. Bancha Leelaguagoon stated, “We call on Thailand to restore and protect human rights, and to truly listen to the voices of people in all corners of the country.”

Thailand’s Mission in the UN Human Rights Council: Challenges from Domestic Laws and Global Policies

Moderator: Nattha Komolvadhin

Speakers

• Kannavee Suebsang, MP and the FAIR Party’s secretary-general
• Chunya Primrose Boonyawan, Lecture in Law, Faculty of Law Chulalongkorn University 

The second part of the forum focused on the country’s role as a member of the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) and the internal challenges it faces in aligning with global human rights expectations. 

Role in the UN Human Right Council

Mr. Kannavee Suebsand and Mrs. Chunya Primrose Boonyawan began the presentation by reflecting on Thailand’s position as a current member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR). They mentioned Thailand’s current membership in the UNHCR as both an opportunity and a test. While Thailand has made symbolic strides, such as legal reforms in certain areas, there remains a significant gap between rhetoric and reality. They argued that Thailand must take its role seriously by aligning domestic laws with global human rights standards and engaging in regional leadership. Thailand’s ongoing neutrality and avoidance of controversial issues, especially regarding Myanmar, were criticized as acts of moral negligence. 

Domestic Legal Barriers

Thailand’s lack of an asylum law, continued use of surveillance tools, and the slow implementation of the Anti-Torture Law were noted as obstacles that weaken its global human rights commitments. The country must revise its legal system to eliminate structural loopholes that allow abuses to persist. Another key concern is the failure to legally recognize indigenous peoples. This lack of recognition restricts access to legal protections and cultural rights, further marginalizing these communities. 

Need for Moral and Political Commitment

The speakers called for stronger collaboration between the Thai government and civil society, urging policymakers to address structural issues, including legal loopholes that enable injustice. Kannavee emphasized the need to speak openly about both achievements and failures, stating “We must dare to speak not only of our strengths, but also of the real problems we face.” Both speakers stressed that Thailand must transform its symbolic gestures into tangible political commitments that advance justice, freedom, and dignity for all. 

At the end of Part 2, the moderator highlighted how the U.S.’s selective approach and past budget cuts, especially under President Trump, have exposed the vulnerability of human rights work dependent on foreign funding. In Thailand, this has led to a long-standing “dependency syndrome,” where civil society often waits for external support. The discussion stressed the need for more self-reliance and proactive engagement in human rights efforts. 

HDFF would like to thank the Amnesty International Thailand for the invitation to this very comprehensive and informative event.

Photo source : Amnesty International Thailand