Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

by Mr. Phanpob Plangprayoon, Minister Counsellor

Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert

on protection against violence and discrimination based on

sexual orientation and gender identity (IE SOGI)

at the 38th session of the Human Rights Council

on Monday, 18 June 2018, 09.30-12.00, at Room XX, Palais des Nations

Mr. President,

Thailand thanks the Independent Expert for the comprehensive report.

Please allow me to share some messages and Thailand’s recent developments regarding the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

First, Thailand concurs that effective law, policies and measures are needed to prevent such violence and discrimination. Since the Gender Equality Act was enacted in 2015, the Government has placed an emphasis on raising awareness of the Act, including its complaint mechanism.

Second, we as well need a functioning mechanism to investigate and provide remedies for sex- or gender- based discrimination. In our case, the same mechanism under the 2015 Act serves this function. We have to ensure that it is made use of to its full potential to reduce vulnerability and risk of exclusion and marginalization of LGBTI people.

Third, we have to listen more to LGBTI and relevant stakeholders and engage them in the process of promoting and protecting their rights. In Thailand, a sub-committee consisting of representatives from relevant sectors including LGBTI has been established to review and finalize the draft Civil Partnership Act. The discussion of the draft law currently focuses on the guarantee of legal status and rights of partnership of the same sex, including asset management and inheritance.

Thailand wishes to ask the Independent Expert to share his views on, and promote the sharing of, best practices in raising awareness and ensuring effective implementation of such law.

Thailand reaffirms our willingness to engage and work with the Independent Expert.

Thank you.