Thai UN rights report fails to allay concerns

Panel voices alarm over lese majeste law

Thailand has failed to adequately answer questions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and child workers according to the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee (HRCtte).

The Thai delegation finished delivering a two-day verbal report on Thailand’s civil and political rights to the committee on Tuesday night (Thai time).

During concluding remarks, HRCtte vice-chairman, Ahmad Amin Fathalla, said some questions remained unanswered, including the present state of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, child labour, and the right to continue education, according to a statement on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) website. However, he welcomed the elections scheduled for next year, which was a positive step towards democracy, it said.

Permanent secretary f or j ustice Charnchao Chaiyanukij who headed the delegation said his team had tried its best to provide the committee with as much information as possible within the time available.

“Implementation was the key. What was needed most was to cultivate a culture that fostered a respect for human rights and lawfulness. The delegation looked forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations. The summary of the dialogue together with the committee’s concluding observations would certainly be submitted to cabinet for consideration and for implementation at the domestic level,” the OHCHR website quoted Mr Charnchao as saying.

According to a source, the delegation was to provide additional information and a written report to the HRCtte within 48 hours following the presentation.

This week’s presentation was the second periodic report Thailand has made regarding its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The first was in 2005.

The committee expressed concern over a sharp increase in the number of prosecutions and detentions under the lese majeste law. It also questioned use of the State of Emergency Act, as well as provisions on sedition, criminal defamation, the Public Assembly Act, the Computer Crime Act, the Referendum Act and various National Council for Peace and Order orders.

Answering questions on the lese majeste law, the delegation said people charged with lese majeste were entitled to the same rights as those charged with other criminal offences, including a right to a fair trial, right to an appointed legal counsel, and to request a royal pardon.

According to the website, the committee was particularly concerned about the lese–majeste provisions, which were broad in scope and application.

Of major concern was the handcuffing of people perceived as criminals, a failure to allow bail, and severe punishments totalling up to 60 years.