Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Thailand on Gender Inclusive Climate Action, Ask about Combatting Patriarchal Stereotypes and Ensuring Education for Marginalised Girls
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Thailand, with Committee Experts commending Thailand on its climate change master plan, which was gender inclusive, while raising questions about how the State was combatting patriarchal stereotypes and ensuring the right to education for marginalised girls.
A Committee Expert congratulated Thailand on the steps being taken to revise the climate change master plan which focused on gender and social inclusive climate action, including climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, recognising that women and girls experienced disproportionately greater loss and damage from the impacts of climate change.
Another Expert said Thailand remained a patriarchal society where women were expected to be caregivers while men were seen as leaders, which was reinforced in the media and other avenues. What programmes were in place to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes? Were there programmes to engage men and boys in efforts to transform discriminatory social norms? What mechanisms were in place to ensure that women from all communities could access justice and public services without stigma or discrimination?
A Committee Expert said the Committee was concerned about the high dropout rates among stateless and refugee girls and the fact that Patani Malay girls were discouraged from continuing their education due to early marriage and lack of education in Malay. Were there policies specifically targeted for expanding education to minorities? What steps were being taken to ensure the safety of girls living in the Southern Border Provinces?
The delegation said Thailand was aware that gender stereotypes were ingrained, and this would take a lifetime effort to overcome. Currently, changing the mindset of the people was difficult. It was important to raise awareness and re-learn what was appropriate. The Department of Women’s Affairs coordinated with academics to work with young people on a project to identify sexist language in textbooks in schools. A guidebook had been created and distributed to teachers to provide guidance on how to combat harmful gender stereotypes in schools.
The delegation said there were mechanisms in place to ensure women from marginalised groups received education. There were schools established in the Southern Border Provinces, with border patrol officers teaching the students. The State provided safety in all areas to prevent threats to students. A religious school, supported by the Government, was located in the Southern Border Provinces, providing additional opportunities for students.
Introducing the report, Ramrung Worawat, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said the act amending the Civil and Commercial Code (no. 24) or the equal marriage act came into force in January 2025. The act raised the minimum marriage age from 17 to 18 years old, adopted gender-neutral terms on marriage, permitted child adoption by same-sex couples, and ensured inheritance rights to them. Recent results of the general election in 2023 reflected a notable increase in the number of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals elected to leadership positions. The current cabinet included eight females at ministerial rank, the highest number in Thailand’s political history.
In closing remarks, Ms. Worawat said the discussion with the Committee had been very fruitful. The State would aim to take forward the Committee’s recommendations, with a will to transform them into concrete actions.
In her closing remarks, Nahla Haidar, Committee Chair, thanked Thailand for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women and girls in the country.
The delegation of Thailand was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; the Ministry of Public Health; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Administrative Centre of the Southern Border Provinces; the Royal Thai Police; the Office of the Attorney General; the National Institute of Development Administration; and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninety-first session is being held from 16 June to 4 July. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.
The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, 20 June to begin its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Ireland (CEDAW/C/IRL/8).
Report
The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Thailand (CEDAW/C/THA/8).
Presentation of Report
RAMRUNG WORAWAT, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said women made up just over half of Thailand’s population and almost 70 per cent of those were women between 15 to 59 years of age. Since the submission of Thailand’s last report in 2017, Thailand had been revising and drafting laws to further promote women’s rights, gender equality, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
The act amending the Civil and Commercial Code (no. 24) or the equal marriage act came into force in January 2025. The act raised the minimum marriage age from 17 to 18 years old, adopted gender-neutral terms on marriage, permitted child adoption by same-sex couples, and ensured inheritance rights to them. In addition, the gender equality act was being reviewed to ensure it further aligned with international standards.
The draft anti-discrimination act would strengthen the legal basis for the elimination of discrimination on all grounds, including sex and gender, and address situations of multiple and intersecting discrimination. Furthermore, the draft act on the protection and promotion of the way of life of ethnic groups was being considered by the Parliament. The act focused on eliminating discrimination and promoting equality based on cultural diversity. The plan of action on women’s development (2023-2027) was developed to ensure women’s participation in socio-economic development and to promote their leadership in public spaces.
The National Women’s Development Policy and Strategy Committee and the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality were responsible for setting and driving gender equality policies. A substantial budget was allocated for the main agencies, with an additional budget allocated to assist specific groups of women and advance gender equality in an integrated manner. A strategic plan for the promotion and protection of children and youth in the use of online media was being developed, and a coordinating centre, Child Online Protection Action Thailand, was established to lead collaborative efforts with partners.
Thailand continued its policy of inclusive education and provided 15 years of free education for all children without discrimination. The country supported royal-initiated "Phiengluang Schools" for special target groups in border or underserved areas with limited access to rights and social welfare. An online teacher training programme aimed to help schools and teachers plan inclusive sexuality education.
Economic empowerment measures had been introduced to protect both formal and informal female workers. The Women’s Role Development Fund was established to enable women to pursue careers and income opportunities, improve women’s access to financial resources, and expand childcare services for children under three years old to promote equality in family responsibilities. The child support grant programme and the state welfare card programme provided monthly allowances and financial assistance to support low-income households.
Women were increasingly taking part in politics at the national and local levels and within the public administration. Recent results of the general election in 2023 reflected a notable increase in the number of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals elected to leadership positions. The current cabinet included eight females at ministerial rank, the highest number in Thailand’s political history. There were currently 15 female provincial governors, including the appointment of the first Muslim female governor of Pattani Province in 2022.
The Thai Government promoted universal access to public health services and implemented measures to ensure that vulnerable women, including informal female workers and registered migrant women, could access healthcare. All women and girls were guaranteed equal access to health services under the Universal Health Coverage Scheme. The most challenging task for Thai Government agencies was advanced and disaggregated data collection. Enhanced data collection would enable Thailand to better implement policies and undertake targeted actions to empower specific groups.
In October 2024, the Cabinet approved guidelines to accelerate the resolution of nationality and legal status issues for long-term migrants and their children born in Thailand, to ensure the legal recognition and integration of stateless individuals who had lived in the Kingdom for extended periods, as well as their Thai-born descendants.
The draft policy on administration and development in the Southern Border Provinces (2025-2027) was developed to support vulnerable groups, strengthen family and community roles in problem-solving, and develop networks of women and youth to foster peace at the family and community level. The Coordination Centre for Women and Children in the Southern Border Provinces was established as a joint mechanism between the Government and civil society, serving as a platform to coordinate and mobilise resources, receive complaints, and resolve issues involving women and children.
Thailand had developed a national adaptation plan for climate change, with a strong emphasis on gender dimensions at every stage, from planning and decision-making to community participation. The country was committed to promoting gender equality and to upholding and protecting the human rights of women, girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals, and those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Thailand's progress in gender equality was not just a matter of fulfilling international obligations, but a national priority.
Statement by the National Human Rights Institution
PORNPRAPAI GANJANARINTR, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, said while the Thai Government had made efforts to promote gender equality, many women, especially those from vulnerable groups, continued to face serious barriers in accessing their basic rights. Women with disabilities faced violence and barriers in accessing the justice system, were subjected to forced sterilisation and abortion, and were excluded from decision-making processes. Ethnic women remained without legal status and were not protected under the law. Women in detention faced overcrowding, with 46 per cent of women’s detention facilities in Thailand exceeding their capacity, leading to poor hygiene, limited space, and mental health issues.
These cases illustrated that many women were still blocked from accessing basic rights due to deep-rooted discrimination. The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand believed that the structural reform needed action in three key areas: inclusive participation in policymaking bodies at different levels; legal reform and proper enforcement; and the empowerment of women. It was vital to ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, could fully enjoy her rights.
Questions by a Committee Expert
RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur,
signalled two significant law reform initiatives. Thailand was the first country in Southeast Asia to guarantee same sex marriage in 2024. The marriage equality bill had helped bend the arch of justice toward all. The organic act on anti-corruption (No. 2) included provisions to protect those who reported corruption.
The Committee looked forward to the expedited revision of the domestic violence law and the new sex worker protection law. Thailand’s national artificial intelligence strategy must remain vigilant as this was an important new frontier for gender justice and women’s leadership. Thailand was encouraged to cite the Convention as an authoritative tool in all jurisprudence.
How would Thailand broaden the civic space for female journalists and female human rights defenders? How did Thailand provide protection from arbitrary arrest for women human rights defenders? How were they ensured the right to a fair trial? How were they protected from online crimes and cyber harassment? How did the Safe Internet Coalition address hate speech and tech-facilitated gender-based violence? How was free speech for women guaranteed in politics?
Despite the de facto moratorium on the death penalty, Thailand had one of the largest proportions of women on death row, predominately for drug-related offenses. Many of these women had faced numerous stressors throughout their lives, including mental health problems. Would Thailand consider reviewing mandatory sentencing guidelines so that specific exculpatory or mitigatory factors such as homelessness and metal health were considered?
Thailand should be lauded for its women, peace and security plan, which addressed both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Not citing the Convention in relation to climate change was a missed opportunity. How were Muslim women, indigenous women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex women engaged as peacemakers? Would cyber security be considered in the women, peace and security plan?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said pregnant women were entitled to paid maternity leave, to protect the health and safety of mothers and children. This was considered a form of positive discrimination. Male, female and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex inmates were separated in prisons to ensure their rights. Thailand recognised the important role of women human rights defenders, and they had been identified as a key target group under the national human rights plan. The plan included special provisions for developing laws and mechanisms to protect this group. Thailand had been forced to strengthen its legislative framework to create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders. The anti-corruption act aimed to protect whistleblowers reporting corruption or public misconduct.
A course had been developed to promote internet awareness among children, youth and older persons. In Thailand, most victims of online scams were older persons. The implementation of the training was carried out in collaboration with public and private companies, academics and non-governmental organizations. The training fostered skills to ensure safe and secure internet use. Work to strengthen child and youth protection mechanisms on online media was driven by child protection committees and child protection centres.
The Department of Corrections was fully committed to ensuring the protection of the rights of all women in custody. Special attention was given to the emotional wellbeing of women prisoners and their accompanying children. Women were subject to non-invasive scans to avoid invasive strip searches. Women prisoners underwent initial screenings by medical staff upon entry, and were ensured that their specific health needs were fulfilled. Counselling services were provided to female inmates at least one month, and those who required further psychological support were identified.
Female death row inmates benefitted from the right to communicate with their family. For pregnant women facing capital punishment, the sentence would be suspended until three years after the child was born. The human rights of female death row inmates were ensured, while also upholding legal and ethical safeguards.
Thailand had participated in many United Nations peacekeeping operations for several decades, and believed female peacekeepers helped foster trust within the communities. The State was committed to providing more female peacekeepers. Thailand was finalising the national action plan on women, peace and security for 2024 to 2027, which would focus on women affected by conflict-affected situations. It was expected to be launched by the end of 2025. Gender initiatives had been integrated into several aspects of the peacekeeping module, including training courses.
The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre had established the subdistrict Peace Councils in 317 subdistricts. Thailand’s climate change response aimed to allocate a budget for funding assistance to support women engaging in climate change and revise laws which created barriers for women’s participation.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert recognised important advances, including the marriage equality act, and the adoption of a national strategy on this issue. What measures had the State party adopted to ensure the territorialised adoption of gender policies in areas affected by armed conflict? What measures had been taken to harmonise religious and customary laws with State legislation and gender equality? How was it ensured that data collected reflected the multiple inequalities by marginalised groups?
Another Expert said the Committee was happy to note that the Government had improved relevant policies and regulations and formulated a national action plan for women’s development. During the pandemic, the Government took a variety of measures to improve women’s working measures and legal provisions. Would the State party adopt temporary special measures to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in the public and private sectors?
Would special measures be adopted to address intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women from marginalised groups, including indigenous women and elderly women? Would temporary special measures be adopted to further reduce poverty and levels of violence for women in Southern Border Provinces, including female genital mutilation? Would these measures be coupled with capacity building to ensure their effectiveness?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Thailand had established gender-responsive budgeting. Seminars had been organised by Government officials and representatives of the private sector to ensure that gender-responsive budgeting was understood, and that women and girls could benefit from the national budget. The private business sector cooperated with United Nations Women to integrate gender-responsive budgeting into business operations.
A study had been conducted which focused on the allocation of quotas for women and gender diverse individuals at national and local levels of politics. The Government encouraged political parties to include women proportionally to men in their candidate lists. Thailand’s number of female candidates had dramatically increased since 2019 and was on a positive trend.
Under the application of Islamic law in certain provinces, the Islamic family law was currently applied to Muslim citizens in the Southern Border Provinces. A hybrid court system was responsible for handling cases involving disputes with family cases. Muslim women who were victims of domestic violence and sexual violence could seek assistance through alternative avenues. Marriages were regulated under the Central Islamic Committee, which prohibited marriage for anyone under the age of 17. Most of the Southern Border Provinces were Muslim. There were also channels for grievances for Islamic women, including remedies for victims affected by the conduct of officials. Assistance had been provided to more than 3,000 victims, and remedy was also provided to those affected by violence in the Southern Border Provinces. Scholarships and education support was provided to children affected by the unrest.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert said patriarchal practices continued to drive high rates of gender-based violence. Current frameworks prioritised family reunification over the protection of the survivors. How was it ensured that survivor centred protection and legal remedies were available to all victims, including those in conflict-affected areas? Were there plans to enact comprehensive legislation which criminalised online violence against women? How was it ensured that survivors could report cases of violence safely without fear of reprisals? How were gender-based violence policies being monitored and evaluated?
Thailand remained a patriarchal society where women were expected to be caregivers while men were seen as leaders, which was reinforced in the media and other avenues. What programmes were in place to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes? Were there programmes to engage men and boys in efforts to transform discriminatory social norms? What mechanisms were in place to ensure that women from all communities could access justice and public services without stigma or discrimination? What steps was the State party taking to explicitly criminalise and eliminate harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and bride abduction, and to conduct awareness campaigns on their impact on women’s rights?
Another Expert asked what steps the State party would take to effectively combat labour trafficking of women? The anti-trafficking act allowed courts to waive punishments for parents who forced their children into labour due to extreme poverty and other extenuating circumstances; this was unacceptable. How did the State party intend to ensure the protection of the girl child from being trafficked by her parents? What steps was the State party taking to ensure the effective implementation of the national referral mechanism throughout the country.
The Committee commended the State party for the significant efforts made to bring the perpetrators of trafficking in persons to justice, including corrupt officials who protected traffickers. While training was provided to police, immigration and labour officials, and prosecutors and judges, it was not mandatory for new judges. What steps would be taken to ensure all those responsible for trafficking cases and prosecutions were adequately trained? How did the State party envisage regulating prostitution in the future? Would sex workers be decriminalised and prostitution be legal?
Another Expert asked what the State was doing to combat cyber trafficking, which was an increasingly prevalent issue?
RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the Thai President had been the victim of a voice scam. How were scams tackled in the context of women in political and public life?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the domestic violence protection act was approved in 2025. The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand opposed female genital mutilation and recognised it as a grave violation of human rights. Thailand was committed to eliminating this harmful practice in all its forms and was focused on providing education about its potential health consequences. This effort was carried out in collaboration with community networks.
During the period 2021–2023, there were no violations found by labour inspectorates. Thailand maintained proactive oversight through the labour inspectorate system. Thailand aimed to conduct awareness raising among children and youth on trafficking and had developed youth focused education and training in this regard.
Thailand was aware that gender stereotypes were ingrained, and this would take a lifetime effort to overcome. Currently, changing the mindset of the people was difficult. It was important to raise awareness and re-learn what was appropriate. The Department of Women’s Affairs coordinated with academics to work with young people on a project to identify sexist language in textbooks in schools. A guidebook had been created and distributed to teachers to provide guidance on how to combat harmful gender stereotypes in schools. While gender stereotypes were the key focus currently, the States pledged to eventually address all kinds of stereotypes.
The country operated under the premise that sex work was not considered a crime and that sex workers should have access to appropriate justice avenues if required.
Questions by Committee Experts
An Expert acknowledged the second female Prime Minister of Thailand, who was historically the youngest. The Committee was concerned about the low levels of women’s representation in political institutions. Cultural norms and stereotypes actively discouraged women from entering politics. What legislative measures were being taken to combat issues such as gender hate speech and harmful stereotypes which deterred women from participating in public life? Were there plans to address workplace bullying in parliament? What was the level of representation of Muslim women in politics?
Women appeared to be underrepresented in the Foreign Office, comprising just 15 per cent of ambassadors. What steps were being taken by the State party to ensure this underrepresentation of women was rectified, including minorities such as women from the deep south and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex women? The Committee commended the Thai Government for increasing the protection of human rights defenders. How many recommendations from the fourth and fifth national human rights plan targeting human rights defenders had been implemented? Were there plans to address the small number of female military personnel? How was it ensured that civil society could participate in multilateral environments?
A Committee Expert said Thailand had over half a million registered stateless persons in January 2022, many of whom were ethnic minorities in remote areas who were unaware of their rights. Thailand had not ratified key United Nations Conventions on statelessness. There were differences when it came to men and women obtaining Thai nationality. Would the State plan to make amendments to the national act, providing equality on citizenship for men and women? What measures had been taken to decrease the number of stateless women and children? How did the Government plan to support refugee women, including Rohingya women?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said female police officers could advance to the Commissioner rank through examinations. Female police officers occupied the highest rank within the Thai police. The representation of women in the Superintendent rank rose from 13 per cent in 2021 to 16.7 per cent in 2025. Approximately 66 per cent of Thai diplomats were women, and around 36 per cent of Thai ambassadors were women. Measures including maternity leave were put in place to ensure the support of female staff. Women were encouraged to participate in multilateral fora.
For decades, the Thai Government had continually adopted policies and measures to improve the protection of stateless persons in the country. Their access to public services had been increased. In 2024, a cabinet solution was adopted to expedite the process to nationality acquisition to a large group of the population. This would allow stateless children to obtain Thai nationality.
It was important to analyse data to determine how to counter the trend of violence against female political candidates.
Comprehensive health access was ensured for all migrants, including women. The migrant health insurance scheme was a voluntarily contributory scheme utilised by migrant workers in the informal sector, prior to national health insurance enrolment. Public health care was actively working to address the needs of unregistered migrants. Although Thailand was not party to the 1951 Convention relating to the protection of refugees, the State had taken other steps to ensure their rights were upheld. For instance, a memorandum of understanding had been developed to ensure children and their mothers were placed in child protection centres, instead of being held in immigration centres.
Recent steps showed that 80 per cent of Thai women wished to start their own business, with 45 per cent of Thai women considering themselves to be entrepreneurs.
The delegation said within the fourth national human rights action plan (2019-2022), there were several recommendations for human rights defenders, including strengthening the protection act, studying best practices on the protection of freedom of assembly, and allocating more funding, among others. The fifth national human rights action plan also contained three specific recommendations for human rights defenders, including acceding to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which came into effect in Thailand in 2024.
The Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality was responsible for formulating policies, measures and operational plans to promote gender equality across all sectors.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert said the Committee noted with satisfaction the adoption of the national education act of 1999 which guaranteed all children equal rights and opportunities to receive free and compulsory basic education. The Committee encouraged the State party to continue efforts aimed at reaching gender parity in primary and secondary school enrolment. Despite these efforts, the Committee was concerned about the high dropout rates among stateless and refugee girls and the fact that Patani Malay girls were discouraged from continuing their education due to early marriage and lack of education in Malay.
Were there policies specifically targeted for expanding education to minorities? What steps were being taken to ensure the safety of girls living in the Southern Border Provinces? How was cyber bullying against transgender students being addressed in schools and universities?
Thailand was commended for leading in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields; how was it ensured these translated into employment opportunities for young women? What steps was the State party taking to ensure age-appropriate sexual reproductive education in schools?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there were mechanisms in place to ensure girls from marginalised groups received education. There were schools established in the Southern Border Provinces, with border patrol officers teaching the students. Schools in rural areas faced disadvantages; however, there were no discriminatory practices for migrant girls to access schools. The current school graduation rates showed a higher percentage of girls compared to boys. The State provided safety in all areas to prevent threats to students. A religious school, supported by the Government, was located in the Southern Border Provinces, providing additional opportunities for students.
Bullying stemmed from stereotypes, and the Ministry of Education was aware of this issue. Work had been undertaken to combat bullying of transgender students, including launching a digital platform for reporting on school safety. At risk students, including victims and perpetrators, were identified, and activities were conducted to encourage friendship and positive interaction. Support was strengthened for teachers to enable them to identify early warning signs and respond in a timely fashion. The development of science and technology projects had provided scholarships to students of all genders. Thailand was committed to providing age-appropriate sexual and reproductive education in schools. The protest “One School One Hospital” encouraged hospitals to provide advice on sexual health and contraception directly to students.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert said the gender pay gap remained at around 11 per cent in Thailand, and around 66 per cent of female workers in the agricultural sector earned below the minimum wage. Had the equal pay act been adequately enforced? What was being done to address noncompliance? What measures were being taken to ensure women in the domestic sector and migrant workers were covered under social protection schemes?
How was the effective protection of pregnant women ensured, particularly in small businesses? Was there a plan to introduce mandated paternity leave? What steps had been taken to ensure sexual harassment protections extended to all sectors? What mechanisms were in place to monitor sexual harassment? Were there any plans to formalise the employment pathway for migrant workers?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the labour protection act mandated that employers paid equal wages for equal work, regardless of a person’s gender. Thailand was developing a draft act to facilitate the empowerment of informal workers. Thailand provided compensation for women migrant workers, including paid maternity leave and protection against dismissal due to pregnancy. Thailand had enacted legislation which prohibited sexual harassment in all workplaces. Steps were being taken to bring informal migrant workers into the formal system. The State provided legal guidance on rights and duties under the law, including regarding labour disputes.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert said according to the Criminal Court, abortion could be interrupted up to the twelfth week, but after this time period, a pregnant woman was required to have a consultation with a doctor, and faced a sanction and fine if she proceeded with an abortion. Did the State plan to amend its Criminal Code to fully decriminalise abortion and abolish the need for consultations after the 12-week mark? How was the State combatting the stigma of abortion by health staff? The number of forced sterilisation and coercive abortions of persons with disabilities was concerning. What was being done to end these damaging practices? What mechanisms were put in place to ensure appropriate measures were taken in this area? Would the State provide reparations to victims?
Women in the Southern Border Provinces faced further issues, including female genital mutilation and unsafe abortions, as well as mental health issues due to the violence they experienced. How was the State addressing these issues? What steps was it taking to combat female genital mutilation, ensuring Muslim women could access care appropriate to their religious beliefs? The Committee had heard that women living with HIV were subject to tests without their consent and were pressured to undergo sterilisation. What steps were being taken to ensure these tests were carried out without coercive pressure? What was being done to ensure full access to HIV therapy for the most vulnerable groups? How was the right to health guaranteed for women in the prison system?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said a woman could fully terminate her pregnancy under 12 weeks without criminal liability. Between 12 and 20 weeks, abortion services were accessible following certified consultations with public health professionals and based on medical grounds. Medical personnel received specialised training to enhance their expertise in abortion care. The current national reproductive health policy aimed to ensure equitable and inclusive births, including for persons with disabilities.
Any HIV treatment was provided based on consent, and testing without consent was considered a violation of a patient’s rights. Sterilisation could only be performed with an individual’s free and informed consent. Women and others living with HIV were only treated if they gave their informed consent; there were no practices of forced testing, and any allegations of such cases were investigated. Thailand focused on improving standardised medical treatment for females who were incarcerated. Screenings were carried out for cancers and other diseases. The Universal Health Coverage Scheme also covered the border areas, as did the mental health programme.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked how the State party planned to reduce gender disparity in social security, particularly for refugees and migrants residing in camps? Initiatives supporting women’s entrepreneurship were welcomed, including the Women’s Empowerment Fund. However, women in rural communities faced issues in accessing services. What policies were in place for ensuring equal access to financial services for women in all areas? What measures were in place to promote disadvantaged women in sports and culture?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Human Development Fund was available to provide opportunities for women to access funds for businesses and economic empowerment. Currently, there were around 17 million female members of this Fund. By 2024, 17-million-baht worth of loans had been provided to females across the country. Work needed to be done to provide larger loans to women.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked what concrete steps the State party was taking to ensure the protection and empowerment of marginalised women and girls? What was being done to effectively advance the rights of these women and girls? How was the State party effectively implementing the international standards for the treatment of prisoners as provided for in the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules?
The Expert congratulated the State party on the steps being taken to revise the climate change master plan which focused on gender and social inclusive climate action, including climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, recognising that women and girls experienced disproportionately greater loss and damage from the impacts of climate change. What concrete steps was the State party taking to ensure that climate financing, adaptation and mitigation strategies met the specific needs of women and girls?
What steps was the State party taking to ensure that the blue economy and agriculture were sustainable, inclusive, and resilient to climate change, to meet the specific needs of women and girls? What measures was the State party taking to ensure the protection of all women and girls from the disproportionate impacts of air pollution?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said inmates in the prison system received three nutritious meals daily which respected local, cultural and religious practices, and drinking water was supplied in adequate quantities. To address overcrowding concerns, the Department of Corrections could authorise inmates to be moved to alternative custody alternatives. A committee had been established to manage this process.
A national adaptation plan on climate change had been developed, aligning with global adaptation goals. The plan emphasised the importance of gender equality in planning, decision making and public participation. Measures in the plan included enhancing early warning systems, developing adaptation guidelines for vulnerable farming communities, and gender-responsive budgets, among other measures.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert commended the State party for raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 years. In addition, Thailand had become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. However, child marriage persisted in Thailand, particularly in lower income areas. Polygamy was prohibited under the Civil Code, but it was still practiced. What enforcement mechanisms were in place to eradicate exceptions permitting marriage under the age of 18? What progress was being envisaged in harmonising Islamic family and inheritance law? What was the body specifically assigned for this important task? How was the State party addressing systemic barriers that Muslim women faced in accessing divorce? What concrete steps were being taken to eradicate polygamous unions?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Islamic family law was currently provided to Muslim citizens in the Southern Border Provinces. Government authorities had supported the application of the use of Islamic family law in line with human rights and standards. The Administrative Centre of the Southern Border Provinces had disseminated a family law handbook on inheritance and other laws. After divorce, women were required under the Civil Code to wait for a certain number of days before remarrying. They could remarry earlier, if they could provide a certificate from a doctor which stated they were not pregnant. Door to door outreach was conducted to screen populations at risk of air pollution, including pregnant women.
Closing Remarks
RAMRUNG WORAWAT, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said the discussion with the Committee had been very fruitful. The State would aim to take forward the Committee’s recommendations, with a will to transform them into concrete actions. Thailand wished to maintain the dialogue with the Committee and advance this important agenda at the international level.
NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chair, thanked Thailand for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women and girls in the country.
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CEDAW25.014E