The Thai government has so far failed to fulfill its pledge to promote human rights, says Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its World Report 2025, highlighting several setbacks to its human rights situation and noting one positive step forward in the Marriage Equality bill. HRW calls on the Thai government to end the pervasive repression of free speech, amend or annul abusive laws, and release all those prosecuted for exercising their basic rights.

Protesters in Chiang Mai wore masks in the image of detained human rights lawyer Anon Nampa during a protest on 25 December demanding the release of political prisoners. (Photo by Pipob Udomittipong)

Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pledged to promote human rights, but during 2024 did little to end repression or undertake serious reforms, Human Rights Watch said today (16 January) in its World Report 2025. During the year, there were major setbacks for the restoration of democratic rule in the country, accountability for serious abuses, and the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

For the 546-page world report, in its 35th edition, Human Rights Watch reviewed human rights practices in more than 100 countries. In much of the world, Executive Director Tirana Hassan writes in her introductory essay, governments cracked down and wrongfully arrested and imprisoned political opponents, activists, and journalists. Armed groups and government forces unlawfully killed civilians, drove many from their homes, and blocked access to humanitarian aid. In many of the more than 70 national elections in 2024, authoritarian leaders gained ground with their discriminatory rhetoric and policies. 

“Prime Minister Paetongtarn needs to show that her government will respect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and other basic human rights,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The Thai government will be judged not by the promises it makes, but by the concrete steps it takes to promote rights and address past and present wrongs.”

• On August 7, the Constitutional Court dissolved the opposition Move Forward Party – the leading party in the May 2023 general elections – on the basis of politically motivated allegations. The ruling seriously undermined the country’s efforts to return to democratic rule.
• The Thai government has failed to address the lack of accountability for abuses by government security forces. Military personnel and government officials indicted for murder and other serious criminal charges related to the 2004 Tak Bai massacre were not brought to court before the 20-year statute of limitations ended on October 25, preventing further legal action.
• Thai authorities arrested and forcibly returned asylum seekers and refugees to countries where they were likely to face persecution, such as the case of the Montagnard refugee, Y Quynh Bdap, from Vietnam. Expressions of concern from the United Nations, foreign governments, and human rights groups repeatedly went unheeded.
• In a major positive step, the Thai government in September enacted the equal marriage bill, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex relationships. 

 The Thai government should immediately end its pervasive repression of free speech, amend or annul abusive laws, and release all those prosecuted for exercising their basic rights, Human Rights Watch said. Thailand should use its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council starting in 2025 to promote human rights both at home and abroad.