Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Clustered interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises and Special Rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers

at the 38^th session of the Human Rights Council

on Friday, 22 June 2018, Palais des Nations

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Mr. President,

Thailand wishes to thank the Working Group on Business and Human Rights for the report.

Thailand shares the views on the importance of promoting business respect for human rights in the context of overseas trade and investment promotion, including the relevant roles played by export credit agencies. This issue was discussed during the Working Group’s recent visit to Thailand.

The Government had instructed the country’s 55 state-owned enterprises, which include major financing institutions such as the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, to ‘lead by example’ in the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They are also encouraged to align their corporate governance practices with related international standards such as the OECD guidelines on state-owned enterprises.

Also, it is important to equip government and relevant agencies with regular updates and information on human rights standards and responsible investment. Our “Team Thailand” offices across the world have been tasked to share human rights principles, including the UNGP, and work with Thai companies operating aboard to ensure business respect for human rights.

Thailand’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights is expected to be approved later this year. It intends to enhance awareness-raising activities of all relevant stakeholders, particularly Thai businesses operating overseas.

In this context, Thailand wishes to ask the Working Group to continue its efforts to make the UNGP more practical and user-friendly, particularly for businesses, and further raise awareness among them.

Thailand reaffirms its willingness to engage constructively with the Working Group.

Thank you. 

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