Looking Back to Move Forward: Reflections on Human Rights Progression from Two Decades of National Human Rights Commission of Thailand

Abstract

This research article aims to study the expectations and perspectives regarding the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as well as to analyze the problems and challenges faced by the NHRC over the past two decades. A qualitative research method was employed, collecting data from documents and conducting: 1) in-depth interviews with 23 stakeholders involved in human rights work in Thai society and related to the NHRC, and 2) focus group discussions with 33 individuals from organizations working to promote human rights.

               The research findings indicate that stakeholders have very high expectations for the role of protecting and promoting human rights. However, the work of the NHRC has not sufficiently met these needs, focusing more on promoting human rights rather than protecting them. Challenges faced by the National Human Rights Organization have been apparent since before the establishment of the organization under constitutional law. After its establishment, various challenges arose, including societal views that perceive human rights as a Western, and the cultural and political environment in Thailand that poses significant obstacles. As a result, the work of the NHRC is perceived as slow and ineffective in protecting civil rights, described as a paper tiger. There is also a lack of communication with the public to raise awareness of its work in protecting and promoting human rights. The research further found that the public expects the NHRC to serve as a facilitator to coordinate between agencies, opening spaces to empower citizens and becoming more of a refuge for the public than it currently is. In addition, a significant challenge faced by all four NHRC committees was dealing with the non-democratic political environment in Thailand over the past 20 years, marked by repeated coups and constraints on their independence in carrying out their duties.