Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner

at the 38^th Session of the Human Rights Council

on Tuesday, 19 June 2018

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Mr. President,

Thailand joins the international community in thanking the High Commissioner in his tireless work to protect human rights of people across the globe during the past four years. We wish him all the success in his new endeavour.

Thailand is committed to international human rights obligations and cooperation with human rights mechanisms. Earlier this month, Thailand deposited the instrument of ratification for the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention to ILO. This reaffirms our commitments in the prevention and elimination of forced labour and the protection and remedy for victims.

We received the visit of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights to Thailand in early April. We considered the visit a success given it was a mutual learning exercise based on an open and constructive dialogue. Based on the recommendations made by the Working Group, Thailand is now developing its national action plan on business and human rights that will help translate the UN Guiding Principles into concrete impacts on the ground. We also look forward to welcoming other mandate holders in the future.

Mr. President,

Thailand respects and promotes the fundamental rights. We have been working seriously towards protecting the rights of people in vulnerable situations, such as migrants’ access to healthcare regardless of their immigration status.

As the general elections is approaching, politicians can openly join public debates, including on political and democracy issues. The Government is also open to inclusive participation of all stakeholders, especially on issues concerning their well-being, while also taking social harmony as the priority during this transitional period.

Thank you.