Thailand

Active Latest business and human rights news in Thailand This page was last updated 15. January 2026

On 29 October 2019, Thailand adopted its first NAP.

On 8 September 2023, Thailand adopted its second NAP.

Available NAPs

Thailand: 1st NAP (2019-2022)

Period: 2019-2022

Available in: English ไทย

NAP Development Process

Status

On the 29 October 2019, Thailand’s cabinet adopted a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and launched it publicay on 16 December 2019.

Congratulating Thailand on being 1st in Asia to adopt the NAP on business & human rights! The EU’s been working globally to promote the development & adoption of NAP. We stand ready to support Thailand to turn the plan into concrete actions! pic.twitter.com/b1YKfRu83C

— Pirkka Tapiola (@PirkkaTapiola) October 31, 2019

Process

During its second Universal Periodic Review in May 2016, the Royal Thai Government received a recommendation to develop, enact, and implement a NAP on business and human rights (UPR recommendation 158.49 by Sweden). The Thai government accepted this recommendation.

The Rights and Liberties Protection Department of the Ministry of Justice, is now leading the NAP process. A NAP National Committee, chaired by the Director-General of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Ministry of Justice, and comprising representatives of other Government ministries as well as the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, has the mandate to draft the NAP and oversee its implementation.

As described in the above video, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department has, as of 24 November 2017, done the following to drive forward the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Thailand:

At the national level

1) Established the Committee to Prescribe, Prepare, Monitor and Analyse the Implementation of the NAP (NAP National Committee) (November 2016).

2) Hosted a national dialogue on business and human rights (December 2016).

3) Held regional consultations to understand region-specific contexts of business and human rights on the four regions of Thailand (January – March 2017).

4) Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha officially announced the Royal Thai Government’s Policy on business and human rights and reaffirmed the Thai government’s commitment to implement the UNGPs through a NAP. The Prime Minister further presided over the signing of a “Memorandum of Cooperation to implement the UNGPs in Thailand”. It was signed by the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs and Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers Association, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Global Computing Network of Thailand (31 May 2017).

At the regional level

The Thai government hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Experts Meeting to exchange knowledge on the preparation of the NAP.

At the international level

The government co-hosted a side event at the 6^th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote the development of the implementation of the UNGPs.

Going forward (according to the above video from November 2017) the Rights and Liberties Protection Department of the Ministry of Justice is planning to undertake the following activities:

1) Conduct further regional consultations as the final preparatory step for the preparation of the NAP,

2) Prepare the NAP and propose it to the cabinet for its approval and endorsement,

3) Disseminate knowledge on the UNGPs to different sectors of the communities on a continuous basis,

4) Ensure that the business and human rights issues are incorporated in the 4^th National Human Rights Plan of Thailand.

From 26 March to 4 April 2018, the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights undertook a ten-day country mission to Thailand, where they engaged in an open dialogue with various stakeholders including government, civil society organisations and business on current initiatives, opportunities and challenges to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The UN Working Group was informed that several consultations to seek input and comments on a first draft were being planned. However, they also noted that further efforts would be needed to ensure an inclusive process, for example by making information about the NAP process available on the Ministry’s website, an open call for input and comments, and engagement with a wider group of civil society and business actors.

In addition, the UN Working Group recommended that the NAP places special attention on the third pillar of the UNGPs (access to remedy) and the gender dimensions, and that it links with other relevant initiatives such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In a press release, the UN Working Group also highlighted the need to improve protection of civic space in Thailand, including human rights defenders. They also welcomed the openness of the Thai Government to discuss remaining challenges and to see how these could be tackled and addressed in the NAP.

At the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights interregional dialogue: Sharing Good Practices on Business and Human Rights on 4-6 June 2018, the Thai Government announced that the key priority issues in the NAP of Thailand will be:

1) Labour,

2) Land, environment and natural resources,

3) Human rights defenders, and

4) Cross border investment and multi-national enterprises.

The first NAP draft was released in June 2018. A revised NAP draft was released in August 2018 (Video in Thai on Facebook: Official statement of the Thai BHR Network on the Draft NAP on BHR).

Several CSOs (civil society organisations) started raising concerns in August 2018 as they felt that they were not being given the opportunity to comment on the draft NAP, which was initially scheduled to be released on September 7, 2018.

In December 2018, the Ministry of Justice of Thailand presented the latest version of the NAP to Civil Society Organisations to collect more inputs.

In February 2019, the Government of Thailand circulated a final draft of the NAP (in Thai) for public comment. The first NAP (2019-2022) was finally published in December 16, 2019.

Stakeholder Participation

The Ministry of Justice collaborated with civil society organisations on the development of a national baseline assessment to identify main gaps and priority areas for action.

The Thai BHR Network held six consultations with the government between January 2017 and March 2018 where local communities shared their recommendations on the NAP.

However, several CSOs claimed at a press conference hosted by Manushya Foundation in Bangkok on 23 August 2018 that they have been left out of the NAP drafting process.

Civil society organisations also sent an open letter to the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) about their concerns regarding the draft NAP.

In December 2018, the Ministry of Justice of Thailand presented the latest version of the NAP to Civil Society Organisations to collect more inputs and circulated a final draft of the NAP (in Thai) in February 2019 for public comment.

In March 2019, Manushya Foundation and the Thai BHR Network, submitted their Joint Comments to the Final Draft National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights (BHR) calling on the Royal Thai Government (RTG) to ensure the effective regulation of corporate activity is inclusive of communities voices’ affected by the adverse impacts of business conducts and operations with a reflection of all their challenges and recommendations.

National Baseline Assessment (NBA)

Summary

• Published in March 2019, the NBA is comprised of 2 crosscutting working papers and 11 thematic assessments.
• Developed as an independent initiative to inform the development of an inaugural BHR NAP. The state later utilised the NBA to inform the development of the inaugural BHR, which was published in October 2019.
• Conducted and funded by a civil society organisation: the Manushya Foundation.
• Follows its own methodology based on desktop research and stakeholder consultations. Contains recommendations.

More information

In September 2017, experts from the Thai Business & Human Rights Network met to initiate the development of a National Baseline Assessment, under the supervision of the NGO, Manushya Foundation. Modeled after the DIHR/ICAR template, the NBA will be used by the Ministry of Justice in the process to develop a National Action Plan.

The NBA development process involved four sub-regional dialogues organised by the Manushya Foundation, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department and Ministry of Justice, from January to March 2017. Capacity-building workshops on the UNGPs were conducted from May to June 2017. The participation and inclusion of the most at-risk and marginalized communities in the context of business and human rights were considered, and the following stakeholders were engaged: indigenous peoples, environmental human rights defenders, migrant workers, formal and informal labour workers, LGBTI activities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, sex workers, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

CROSS-CUTTING THE 4 PRIORITY AREAS:

PRIORITY AREA ONE – LABOUR RIGHTS AND STANDARDS:

PRIORITY AREA 2: COMMUNITY RIGHTS, INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, LAND-RELATED RIGHTS, NATURAL RESOURCES & THE ENVIRONMENT

PRIORITY AREA 3: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

The Protection of Human Rights Defenders

PRIORITY AREA 4: TRADE AGREEMENTS & THAI OUTBOUND INVESTMENTS

Lessons learned from the NBA processes in Thailand were included in a 2023 publication ‘An Overview of National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights‘.

Follow-up, monitoring, reporting and review

The Thai NAP provides for:

4.3 Mechanisms for monitoring, follow-up and evaluation of the National Action Plan

Initially, the objectives of setting up the NAP National Committee were for it to serve as the main mechanism to oversee, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the NAP, because the Committee consists of representatives from various relevant agencies under the NAP. However, the Ministry of Justice has established the National Committee to Drive Forward the Implementation of Human Rights Affairs which the Deputy Prime Minister (who oversees the Ministry of Justice) as the chairperson. The committee’s objectives are to oversee human rights related works in the Kingdom. On 11 February 2019, the committee had their first session 1/2019 with the consensus to establish the Sub-Committee on Driving Forward the Implementation of Human Rights Affairs in Thailand. The Sub-Committee has the responsibilities to implement the action plan of Thailand and to monitor, evaluate and be alert on human rights violation issues, as well as to coordinate with relevant agencies, including the collecting of information related to human rights violations; to promote; raise awareness; and communicate on matters related to human rights, etc. Therefore, the Sub-Committee shall act as the centre to monitor, evaluate, follow up and oversee the implementation of the NAP and ensure it is in alignment with the national human rights agenda.

4.4 Evaluation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

The Ministry of Justice through the Rights and Liberties Protection Department will procure external experts, who are impartial, to evaluate the results of the first NAP. The evaluation phases will be divided into two as follows: the first phase for the duration of two years (2019– 2020) and the second phase (2021–2022). The expected outcome of this evaluation is to show the progress of the implementation of the NAP, and to propose to the cabinet for consideration and to raise awareness among the public. As such, the findings of the NAP evaluation, including information, recommendations and feedback gathered from across different sectors, will be used to revise the NAP in order to prevent and address human rights abuses by business operations, and ensure that it is relevant to the national situation and context.

According to Thai govt, “91.55% of the NAP on #bizhumanrights has been implemented…but business focused measures are a challenge…we receive pushback from the biz sector. We think mandatory implementation is the answer.” @liviosarandrea @hkaur0304 @GCNT_TH pic.twitter.com/0taEwAf56S

— Sean Lees (@seanclees) September 20, 2022

Stakeholders views and analysis on the NAP

In 2022, the CERD recommended that Thailand “[s]trengthen the implementation of its national action plan on business and human rights with a view to preventing business entities from engaging in activities that adversely affect the rights of indigenous peoples, among other groups”.

Additional resources

Manushya Foundation and the Thai BHR Network, Comments on the Final Draft National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights (BHR) in Thailand.

Explore NAP by Issue

Children’s rights

3. The core content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

3.1 Action plan on labour

3.1.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
10.	Children of migrant workers	Address the problem of access to education by children of migrant workers by providing basic education in accordance with the problem’s conditions and needs, both in the public and private system and informal (non-formal education)	– Ministry of Education	2019–2022	Number of establishments received promotion of welfare other than those stated by law (places/ persons)	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 4 and 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Encouraging establishments to organize childcare centres at work by registering as child service centres in the workplace with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Such establishments will receive tax deductions and children of employees and workers are taken care of with proper development.	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	Number of establishments registered as a child service centre in the workplace	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 8 and 11 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Consult with the business sector to determine guidelines for service provision by taking into account children in the business sector, such as organizing staff to supervise a chat line in the mobile phone network, develop a mobile application or channel to receive complaints, refer the case to relevant agencies if there are children who need help or give counselling to children bullied in schools or support the study and research by working with relevant state agencies and CSOs	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security – Ministry of Digital, Economic and Society – Ministry of Education – Royal Thai Police	2019–2022	Number of activities and services of the business sector in collaboration with other sectors that aims to protect children from cyber bullying (online media) Number of activities and services of business that aims to protect children from cyber bullying have extended their activities into schools Percentage of success in counselling and ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDGs Target 11 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

3.2.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.

Issues

Activities

Responsible agencies

Time-frame (2019–2022)

Indicators (wide frame)

Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs

Public participation

Promote participation and listening to opinions of children through the Juvenile and Youth Council mechanism in order to ensure that children and youth are acknowledged and able to comment on changes in communities that will affect the quality of their lives.

– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security

Ministry of Interior

2019–2022

– Collecting data of children’s comments regarding changes in the community through the Juvenile and Youth Council Implemented measures or procedures to promote, support and educate children and youth to be able to comment effectively

– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth

– SDG 9, 11, 13, 14

and 15

– UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
4.	Recruitment	Arrange for informers of corruption cases to enter the witness protection programme	– Royal Thai Police – Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Number of witnesses entering protection and receiving safety	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 10 and 25

The core content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

3.1 Action plan on labour

3.1.1 Overall situation [page 28]

The Office of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation has implemented a project to improve the well-being of informal workers and develop mental health promotion models to help “reduce suffering and create happiness” among labourers, both in the field of health training for informal labour leaders and creating incentives for informal workers to change health behaviours to increase happiness and reduce stress in their lives. After participating in various activities, it was found that informal labour leaders had an average happiness equal to 32.36 points, up from the original 30.28 points (27 to 32 points mean an average happy person) and the average stress is 4.14 points, down from the previous 5.08 points (0–4 points means less stress) which results in an increase in happiness levels and less stress levels.

3.1.2 Challenges

Challenges identified in this section come from the information gathered during regional consultations and discussions with various sectors continuously during 2016–2019. It has been found that there are still many challenges that people expect the government to accelerate in solving problems related to labour issues. These can be summarized as follows:

Elimination of employment discrimination and discrimination in workplace. Relevant laws should be reviewed and amended to protect and eliminate employment discrimination in all cases. The Gender Equality Act 2015, especially Section 17, should be reviewed whereas awareness of the Act as well as complaint mechanism under this Act should be raised among all sectors. Equal employment regardless of gender discrimination should be promoted. The following problems should be addressed, for example, termination of employment due to pregnancy, forced HIV testing before and during work, discrimination against employees with HIV in workplace … [page 30]
Access to healthcare for workers. Employers should oversee and provide medical treatment, and certify health insurance for workers as well as ensure the right to access to the universal healthcare coverage scheme for workers including migrant workers without discrimination. [Page 31]

3.1.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
6.	Eliminating discrimination in employment and the workplace	Develop measures to prevent and manage issues related to HIV/AIDS in the workplace by promoting the implementation of National Guidelines on Prevention and Administration of HIV/AIDS in the Workplace to be used as operational guidelines for HIV/AIDS in the workplace.	– Ministry of Labour – Ministry of Public Health (Sub- committee on Promotion and Protection of the rights of HIV/AIDS)	2019–2022	Number of establishments/ businesses/ employees involved in promotion activities	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 3 and 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
8.	Suitable working conditions	Study international standards regarding appropriate work conditions (Decent Work for All), including safety and occupational health, and use them as a baseline to create a suitable regulation or rule as an operating guidance for business	– Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	Number of studies	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
9.	Access to health services for workers	Providing health services to workers including disease prevention and control, health promotion and medical treatment and rehabilitation	– Ministry of Labour – Ministry of Public Health	2019–2022	Number of insured persons receiving medical services	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 3 and 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Develop friendly health service systems for migrant workers such as migrant public health volunteers to create effective access to public health	– Ministry of Public Health	2019–2022	A mechanism to provide public health services for migrant workers	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 3, 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Driving forward the settlement and operation of Wellness Centers both in public health service points and establishments	– Ministry of Public Health	2019–2022	Number of hospital and establishments that operate Wellness Centers in line with criteria set by the Department of Disease Control	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 3 and 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

Pillar 2: Responsibilities of the business sector in respecting of human rights

2.1 Elimination of discrimination in the workplace

State enterprises and the business sector must not consider not employing or terminating employment due to HIV infection.

3.2 Action plan for community, land, natural resources and the environment

3.2.1 Overview of the situation [page 62]

… in determining the process of participation of the community and the public, Section 58 under the section of the State duty, stipulates that individuals and communities have the right to receive information, explanations and reasons from government agencies before allowing anybody to do what may affect resources, quality of life, health, sanitation, quality of life or any issue seriously affecting people or communities. The government must conduct studies and assess the impact on the quality of the environment and health of people or communities, and arrange for public hearings in which people and communities are involved.

…

However, the fast development of industrialized areas of the country and the use of modern technology for development results in affecting more parts of nature, and at the same time it also results in negatively affecting others in various fields, including the impact on natural resources and their depletion, natural disasters that occur frequently and more violently than in the past, and direct negative health effects from using technology such as pesticides in new farming practices and indirectly due to the quality of natural resources depletion in various fields such as land, water and air. Therefore, it is a challenge that the government has duties and responsibilities to supervise an appropriate development level for the country to create a balance between the use of natural resources at the appropriate levels and guidelines to drive the growth of the country, together with the conservation of natural resources for the highest benefit as well as sustainability of the country in every dimension.

…

For the mining project, details of improvement of the environmental and social impact assessment system are as follows:

In addition, the meeting also proposed to divide a framework into three measures as follows:

Short-term

Medium-term

Long-term

1. Raise awareness with government agencies to understand the issues of human rights defenders

2. Sign MOUs with various agencies

3. Develop a manual for human rights defenders

4. Field visits to the cases of human rights defenders to identify problems and

obstacles to define suitable measures to protect human rights defenders

1. Appoint a working group to protect human rights defenders and appoint a representative from the Ministry of Interior to get involved

2. Trial operations in a pilot style

1. Enact laws or regulations of the Prime Minister’s office regarding measures to protect human rights defenders

2. Include human rights defenders in the National Human Rights Plan No. 4

3. Developing a manual for human rights defenders. The Rights and Liberties Protection Department has collaborated with various sectors in developing a manual for human rights defenders and distributing to human rights defenders in the area of field visits or coming into contact with the Rights and Liberties Protection Department.

4. Adjusting the request and fact inquiry form (Form Kor Por Sor-17-02) of the Rights and Liberties Protection Division The Rights and Liberties Protection Department has adjusted the request forms to increase channels of communication to request assistance or make complaints on issues relating to the operation of human rights defenders.

5. Field visit to monitor the situation of human rights defenders who are violated or are at risk of being violated.

6. Preparing a weekly report on the situation of violation against rights, liberties and human rights to the Prime Minister. The Rights and Liberties Protection Department was assigned by the Minister of Justice to prepare a weekly report on the situation of violations of rights, liberties and human rights to the Prime Minister.

7. Revising the Act on Witness Protection in Criminal Case B.E. 2546 (2003) The Rights and Liberties Protection Department is currently proposing to amend the bill to cover cases of intimidation that have not yet entered into the justice process, in order to increase protection channels for human rights defenders.

8. Include issue of human rights defenders. The Rights and Liberties Protection Department will include issues for human rights defenders as one of the main issues under the 4th National Human Rights Plan, which will be effective in 2019–2022.

9.Establishing a committee on managing complaints related to torture and enforced disappearance.

In addition to the work of the Ministry of Justice, on 1 May 2018, the National Human Rights Commission has suggested measures or guidelines for the promotion and protection of human rights regarding human rights defenders.

The Office of the Court of Justice has attempted to amend the law to prevent the Anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) by proposing to amend the Criminal Procedure Code, Section 161/1, in order to allow the court to exercise discretion in the event that the people are plaintiffs (meaning the victim is a person or juristic person).

In addition, the Office of the Court of Justice has attempted to present the draft Criminal Procedure Code, Section 165/2 to be added in with Section 165 … the newly drafted Section 165/2 specifies that the defendant may state facts to the court, or an important issue. … the law amendment on the issue will be another measure to help protecting human rights defenders from being falsely prosecuted.

Currently, many agencies have worked to create an understanding with affiliated staff regarding the work of human rights defenders, for example, the Ministry of Interior issued a letter to the governor of every province to inform the guidelines for prevention and resolving unrest from objections to implementing various government agencies’ projects and the private sector in the area. The Ministry of Defence also disseminated an operation manual for military personnel and civilians to look after demonstrators. Also, the Ministry of Justice through the Rights and Liberties Protection Department enacted a Mediation Act B.E. 2562 (2019) in order to set up a central dispute resolution system by government agencies including mediation in criminal cases in the investigative level, giving more options for people to terminate or dispute resolution voluntarily to the satisfaction of both parties, which is to strengthen reconciliation in society. These measures are considered additional measures of protection for human rights defenders as well.

3.3.3 Action Plan (2019–2023)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
1.	Becoming a party to international human rights treaties and cooperation with various human rights mechanisms	Clearly make a definition of “human rights defenders” by studying international standards	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Meeting to discuss with related agencies a clear definition of human rights defender	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
		Expedite ratification to relevant conventions such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Becoming a party of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11, 16 and 17 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
2.	Amendments to laws, regulations, policies and related measures	Push for review, amendment and abolition of laws, as well as relevant mechanisms to facilitate the protection of human rights defenders, such as witness protection laws	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Reviewed policies, laws and related mechanisms to facilitate the protection of human rights defenders	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
		Study the guidelines for development of laws, regulations or measures to prevent Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation: (SLAPP)	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Studied development of guidelines for laws, regulations, or measures to prevent strategic litigation against public participation	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
3.	Protecting human rights defenders	Establish or review policies, mechanisms and protection measures to protect human right defenders including female human rights defenders to work safely and train law enforcement agencies practically	– Ministry of Justice – Royal Thai Police – Office of the Attorney General	2019–2022	– Reviewed or improvement of policies, mechanisms and protection measures to protect human right defenders including females to work safely – Train law enforcement agencies about policy, mechanisms, processes and measures to protect human rights defenders	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 5 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
		Include the issue of protection of human right defenders in the 4^th National Human Rights Plan	– Ministry of Justice	2019	The issue of human rights defenders being put into the 4^th National Human Rights Plan	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
		Organize discussions with human rights defenders by working creatively to prevent, alleviate and remedy adverse effects on human rights	– Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ministry of Defence – Ministry of Justice – Other related agencies	2019–2022	Periodic consultation with human rights defenders	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
4.	Enhancing knowledge and understanding	Organize training for law enforcement officers to enhance their knowledge and understanding in enforcing laws on the protection of human rights, such as handling rallies, expressing human rights, preventing dishonest lawsuits that attack human rights defenders, etc., including improving gender-sensitivity	– Royal Thai Police – Office of the Attorney General – Office of Court of Justice – Ministry of Defence – Ministry of Justice – Ministry of Foreign Affairs	2019–2022	– Trained law enforcement officers with better knowledge and understanding of law enforcement regarding the protection of human rights	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11, 16 and 17 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10
		Organize activities to enhance community potential and human rights defenders in the community	– Ministry of Interior (Department of Provincial Administration) – Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Target people are knowledgeable and understanding, able to protect themselves and not victims of human rights violations in the 76 provinces and in 878 districts Provided knowledge and practical guidelines regarding human rights to the Deputy District Chief and administrative staff Surveillance and suppression of risk areas in the 76 provinces of not less than once a month, and in the 878 districts, not less than 2 times a month	– National Strategy for National Security – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
		Organize training and enhance potential development for lawyers as well as providing a list of lawyers and legal advisors with expertise in defending human rights cases	– Ministry of Justice – Office of the Attorney General	2019–2022	Activities and projects to train and develop capacity of human rights lawyers A list of lawyers and legal counsel with expertise and understanding in defending human rights cases	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7

Pillar 2: Responsibilities of the business sector in respecting human rights (Respect)

The expectations will be the starting point and state enterprises as well as businesses of all sizes are encouraged to use them as a guideline, which is an important factor to reduce the adverse human rights impact of business operations.

2.1 Compliance with laws, measures and principles of human rights relating to the protection of human rights defenders

State enterprises and the business sector must comply with the law, measures and principles of human rights relating to the protection of human rights defenders.
State enterprises and the business sector should provide channels which their personnel can access for disseminating knowledge and understanding about laws, measures and principles of human rights related to protection of human rights defenders.
State enterprises and the business sector must cooperate with government agencies and international organizations to follow the monitoring and prosecution of human rights defenders.
State enterprises and the business sector should understand the role of human rights defenders in their job to protect them and ensure that they will not be terminated or prosecuted just because of their work for protecting the human rights of others.

2.2 Enhancing knowledge and understanding about the work of human rights defenders

State enterprises and the business sector should study and understanding the role of human right defenders’ work.
State enterprises and the business sector must cooperate in participation with government agencies’ activities organized to educate about the work of human rights defenders.
State enterprises and the business sector should provide a forum to discuss with human rights defenders in order to create an understanding of working together.
State enterprises and the business sector should disseminate and publicize the duty of human rights defenders to their staff and networks.

2.3 Establishing measures to protect human rights defenders

State enterprises and the business sector must provide an overview of the situation working with human rights defenders when requested by government agencies.
State enterprises and the business sector should participate with government agencies in implementing measures to protect human rights defenders and understanding the roles of human rights defenders.
State enterprises and the business sector and civil society should collaborate constructively in the prevention, mitigation and remedy of adverse human rights impacts.
State enterprises and the business sector should clearly assign personnel or agencies to correctly enhance knowledge and understanding to their staff regarding the work of human rights defenders to prevent misunderstandings and harassment between each other.

2.4 Complaint and remedy mechanism

State enterprises and the business sector should have a mechanism to consult with human rights defenders in order to deal with the violation of human rights.
State enterprises and the business sector should provide clear channels and designated coordinators for complaints.
State enterprises and the business sector should settle disputes with human rights defenders by fully negotiating and mediating disputes before bringing the case to justice which may involve coordination with relevant agencies in the area to help mediation to settle the disputes.
State enterprises and the business sector should avoid litigation to prosecute human rights defenders simply because they are performing their duty to claim and protect the rights of others.

Human rights impact assessments

3. The core content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

3.2 Action plan for community, land, natural resources and the environment

3.2.1 Overview of the situation

For the mining project, details of improvement of the environmental and social impact assessment system are as follows:

(1) … The scope of the mining project (in accordance with the promotion and conservation of national environmental quality law defined as type 2 or type 3 mines) must include preparing the environmental impact assessment report (EIA or EHIA), dependent upon the context of each case.

3.2.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
3.	Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EIA/ EHIA)	Require the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) to assess public participation in a neutral, independent, and transparent manner. Monitor and investigate after passing the environment evaluation to control the business sector not to violate various rights after the project has been approved.	– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Industry	2019–2022	– Doing EIA/EHIA as required by law, with people and communities in the area participating – Set a process to monitor the project periodically	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – SDG 11, 13, 14 and 15 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
		Strengthen the current impact assessment process to be stronger, especially in large-scale development projects such as infrastructure and mining and energy projects	– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Energy – Ministry of Industry – Ministry of Transport	2019–2022	Strictly implementing the EIA/EHIA process especially on large projects	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11, 13, 14 and 15 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
		Follow up and monitor the implementation of the measures specified in the EIA report for prevention and addressing of expected impacts from the project accurately and quickly in order to be a database of projects to prevent and address the expected effects in the future	– Agency that is authorized to approve the project is the main responsible agency with the following joint agencies: – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Industry – Ministry of Energy – Ministry of Transport	2019–2022	Monitoring of compliance with the measures set out in the EIA/EHIA evaluation report for prevention and address the expected effects in the future	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11, 13, 14 and 15 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8

Pillar 2: Responsibilities of the business sector in respecting of human rights

2.3 EIA/EHIA

State enterprises and the business sector should conduct an EIA/EHIA assessment by an independent, credible and accredited expert.
State enterprises and the business sector should conduct an EIA/EHIA assessment in accordance with the guidelines as specified in the relevant laws, regulations and measures.
State enterprises and the business sector should build mutual understanding with the people and communities affected by operations in the surrounding areas and provide opportunities for those persons to participate in the EIA/EHIA process.
State enterprises and the business sector should cooperate with the government and various departments in the event of investigation of the correctness and transparency in the making of the EIA/EHIA.

3.4 Action Plan on Cross Border Investment and Multinational Enterprises

3.4.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
1.	Amendments of laws, regulations, policies and related measures	Establish guidelines and procedures to provide comments to the contract that the government has with transnational corporations, considering the Human Rights Assessment	– Office of the Attorney General	2019–2022	Established guidelines and process to provide comments to the contract that the government has with transnational corporations, considering the Human Rights Assessment	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10
3.	Promotion of Investment	Require studies and assessments of the risk and impact on human rights (human rights due diligence) before undertaking large-scale projects or projects related to public services, including in the case of joint investment between the government and private sectors to prepare conducting projects relating to infrastructure and public services that are a duty of the state, including in the case that the government has assigned the private sector to do the project instead	– Office of the Economic and Social Development Council – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Bureau of Policy and Environmental Plan) – Ministry of Transport – Ministry of Finance (Office of the State Enterprise Policy Office) – Ministry of Energy – Ministry of Industry (Office of Economic Cooperation and Neighbouring Countries (Public Organization))	2019–2022	A study to assess the risk and human rights impact (human rights due diligence) before the implementation of large-scale projects	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18 and 19
4.	Preventing human rights violations abroad	Consider the possibility of establishing guidelines or agreements on trans-boundary EIA and surveillance on cross- border effects in health, agriculture, society, land, natural resources and environment	– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Office of Policy and Environmental Plans)	2019–2022	– Possibility discussed or studied of establishing guidelines or agreements on trans-boundary EIA – Measurement discussed and selected to monitor the impact of cross-border work on health, agriculture, society and environment	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8, 13, 14, 15, 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10
5.	Development of government operations	Require a central agency to supervise and inspect in the event of international environmental impact	– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment	2019–2022	Central agency responsible for supervision and inspection in the event of international environmental impact considered and determined	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8, 13, 14, 15, 17 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Indigenous Peoples

3. The core content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights

3.2 Action plan for community, land, natural resources and the environment

3.2.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.

Issues

Activities

Responsible agencies

Time-frame (2019–2022)

Indicators (wide frame)

Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs

Community capacity development

Enhancing career, household income, welfare arrangements, and community development, including strengthening of Highland communities along the border and developing sufficient economy villages

– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security

– Ministry of Interior (Department of Community Development)

2019–2022

– Highland people received potential development and good quality of life

– Happiness of people in 52,680 villages

– National Strategy for National Security

– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement

– SDG 11, 13, 14 and 15

– UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

3.4 Action Plan on Cross Border Investment and Multinational Enterprises

3.4.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)

Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)

No.

Issues

Activities

Responsible agencies

Time-frame (2019–2022)

Indicators (wide frame)

Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs

Promotion of Investment

– Office of the Economic and Social Development Council

– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Bureau of Policy and Environmental Plan)

– Ministry of Transport

– Ministry of Finance (Office of the State Enterprise Policy Office)

– Ministry of Energy

– Ministry of Industry (Office of Economic Cooperation and Neighbouring Countries (Public Organization))

2019–2022

A study to assess the risk and human rights impact (human rights due diligence) before the implementation of large-scale projects

– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement

– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening

– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development

– SDG 8 and 16

– UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18 and 19

Status

On 8 September 2023, the Thai government adopted its second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Process

As the first NAP expired in 2022, the Ministry of Justice initiated the process for developing the 2nd NAP (2023-2027). A first draft was published and public consultations were held between 2 August and 19 September 2022. The draft was prepared by the Ministry in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and the National Institute of Development Administration.

On 18-19 September 2022, an online discussion panel was organised to review the implementation of the first NAP and to discuss the draft of the second NAP.

The draft second NAP focused on improving the critical areas identified in the first plan (labour, land and natural resources, human rights defenders, and cross border investment and multinational enterprises). The draft was developed according to the following steps:

Desktop research

Development of a framework

Data collection

Enquires from government agencies on implementation of the first NAP

Preparation of questionnaires to stakeholders

Organisation of an online stakeholder workshop

Interviews with stakeholders

Feedback gathering

The drafting of the second NAP was supervised by Sub-Steering Committee on the implementation of the NAP under the Human Rights Action Committee of Thailand. The draft was submitted for approval to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and subsequently to the Cabinet. The publication of the second NAP was announced by the Department of Protection of Rights and Freedoms and the Ministry of Justice. The Department of Protection of Rights and Freedoms was assigned as the main agency responsible for the implementation.

On 8 September 2023, the Thai government adopted its second NAP, covering the period of 2023-2027.

Stakeholder Participation

In the process of developing the second NAP, the Ministry of Justice distributed questionnaires, requested information on the implementation of the first NAP to relevant stakeholders, and held a workshop. The Ministry of Justice published a draft 2nd NAP (2023-2027) in May 2022. Public consultations on the draft were held between 2 August 2-19 September 2022.

On 18 and 19 September, 2022, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) organised an online discussion panel with government, CSO, corporate and community stakeholders to review the implementation of the first NAP and discuss the draft of the second NAP (2023-2027). The participants identified the following shortcomings:

The first NAP lacked legally binding force;

Indicators for the implementation of the first NAP were mostly quantitative, not enabling an analysis on whether NAP measures led to a change of behaviour of corporate and State actors;

Government authorities lacked capacitation in human rights;

The first NAP was not properly disseminated, knowledge was limited to large and multinational companies;

There were no indicators for corporate implementation of the NAP;

Stakeholder participation on the draft process for the second NAP was rushed and confusing. Information about the plan was not transparent and the objective of public hearings was not clear.

During the 11th UN Business and Human Rights Forum (28-30 November, 2022), the Manushya Foundation expressed its disappointment with the implementation of the first Thai NAP and announced they would formally disengage with the development of Thailand’s updated NAP through the #StopNAPping campaign. The foundation pointed out that the NAP did not constitute a “smart mix” of voluntary and obligatory measures, but rather focused solely on voluntary measures by companies enabling “greenwashing” and “corporate capture” of BHR efforts in Thailand.

Last day of the #bizhumanrights week featured a workshop on “The Role of Government in Promoting Responsible Business Practices and Respect for human rights”. Over 120 government agencies attended the event to discuss the priority areas including labour rights in the NAP on #BHR pic.twitter.com/LxpsqghJG7

— UNDP Thailand (@UNDPThailand) June 3, 2022

Transparency

The NAP outlines the members of its working group, along with the advisors and the consulting team. The timeline for developing the NAP has been clear, as has the overall process, including the steps taken to draft it and gather feedback.

National Baseline Assessment (NBA)

Thailand did not conduct a national baseline assessment (NBA) before the 2023–2027 NAP.

Follow-up, monitoring, reporting and review

Chapter 4 of the NAP focuses on mechanisms for Monitoring, follow-up and evaluation.

The implementation of the NAP is the responsibility of all relevant agencies mentioned in the plan. A sub-steering committee have been established to oversee the implementation. The committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department. In addition, the Provincial and Bangkok Human Rights Sub-Committees will provide further oversight and monitoring tool at the local level execution of the operational plan. They will meet regularly throughout the year.

The Ministry of Justice’s Right and Liberties Protection Department will check in with the appropriate departments and agencies once a year to monitor the execution of the NAP. They will collect data and progress updates and present these to the Sub-Steering Committee on implementation. The progress will be included in a mid-year report as well as an annual report submitted to the Cabinet.

For evaluation, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department under the Ministry of Justice will commission an expert to conduct an independent assessment of the implementation of the NAP. This will include a mid-term evaluation between 2023-2025, and a final evaluation between 2023-2027. The National Committee for the Implementation and the Sub-Steering committee will review and approve these evaluations. After being presented to the Cabinet, the report will be released.

Stakeholders views and analysis on the NAP

Manushya & Human Rights Advocates call on countries to  #StopNAPping at #UNForumBHR 2022!

Explore NAP by Issue

Agriculture sector

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is listed as one of the main agencies for many of the planned projects/activities in the Thailand NAP.

Chapter 3

The Core Content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2023-2027)

3.1.3 Recommendations from the Public Hearings

Following consultation with many sectors and consideration of various viewpoints, the

following suggestions for carrying out the labour action plan were made:

14. Examine the risks and measures for labour protection and promote the labour capacity , especially for the agricultural workers who may be impacted by climate change in the future, as well as cases where technology may replace human labour, can adapt, qualify and find other ways to pursue a career in the future.

3.1.5 Action Plan and Indicators Duty of State

5. Labour protection

Project/activity: 5.4 Examine and inspect business licenses, employment contracts, working conditions and work permits (in the case of migrant workers) in entertainment venues and establishments to ensure that all laws, ministerial regulations, regulations and standards related to labour protection, employment and the management and operation of safety, occupational health and environmental health at work are enforced to the fullest extent, as well as consider the application of labour measures or laws applicable to the fisheries sector to monitor labour conditions in other industrial sectors such as agriculture and construction, where a large number of migrant workers are employed.*

3.2 Action Plan on Community, Land, Natural Resources and Environment

3.2.1 Overview and Challenges

“[…] The draft Land Reform and Protection of Agricultural Area Act, B.E. … The Agricultural Land Reform Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, undertook a study to determine how to strengthen the law governing land reform for farmers and people. The needs of farmers, the people, and relevant stakeholders were compiled and analysed. This helped to improve the law and the draft Land Reform and Agricultural Area Protection Act, B.E. … and it contained a compilation of viewpoints attained through the common legal system’s various platforms. The bill is now being proposed in accordance with the procedures of the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand and the 2019 Legislative Drafting and Evaluation of Law Act. […]”

3.2.3 Recommendations from Public Hearings

16. To consider allocating water to the agricultural sector fairly and sufficiently before diverting water to industrial areas, including increasing the efficiency of irrigation in the agricultural sector;

3.2.5 Action Plan and Indicators

Duty of State

Project/activity: 1.5 Review, revise, amend and propose draft laws, rules, regulations, and measures related to food rights, fair allocation of land for agricultural purposes, supervise and administer contract farming. This also involves pushing forward laws that are currently being considered, such as the Land Reform Act and the Protection of Agricultural Areas, Draft Act on Establishment of Land Bank and Draft Act on Establishment of Land Management Institute and distributing land holdings fairly and sustainably.*

Project/activity: 8.2 Appropriate measures for water resource management by ensuring fair and adequate water allocation to the agricultural sector before proceeding with diversion of water to industrial areas, including areas in the eastern region of the EEC.

3.4 Action Plan on Transboundary Investment and Multinational Enterprises

3.4.5 Action Plans and Indicators

Duty of State

Project/activity: 1.6 Examine the feasibility of establishing guidelines and agreements for transboundary environmental impact assessment and impact inspection systems regarding health, agriculture, society, land, natural resources, and the environment through multiple tools. Community Health Impact Assessment (CHIA) is included.*

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
6.	Eliminating discrimination in employment and the workplace	Promote jobs and employment for persons with disabilities in the workplace and in public sectors by having a coordinator between entrepreneurs and the disabled, including make use of screening systems for people with disabilities to find appropriate jobs and employment. Manage working conditions that are suitable to their needs, including being equipped with facilities that ensure physical in person, access to the workplace, services, all instruments and equipment. This includes facilitation of persons with disabilities to access assisting tools and equipment such as wheelchairs, touch screen computers, etc. in order to help facilitate the disabled to be able to work in the same manner as other staff in the organization. Build up the capacity of staff working with the disabled to have expertise in job guidance and coaching by providing training for job guidance and coaching in order to coordinate between entrepreneurs and the disabled	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security – Ministry of Labour	2019 project to find jobs for persons with disabilities Specially needed recruitment activities for disabled workers Activities to promote the disabled to work in the public sector	Quantitative – 1,750 persons with disabilities are employed. Qualitative – persons with disabilities are employed no less than 62% – 88 persons with disabilities are employed in government agencies promote employment of the disabled to work in government agencies as specified by law in the ratio 100: 1	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
		Improve the efficiency of the Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security	2019–2022	Supporting the disabled to have jobs or independent employment Promote the workplace to provide facilities that facilitate persons with disabilities to work	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10
		Develop measures and mechanisms to promote employment for senior citizens to be more employed	– Ministry of Labour	2019 project to expand working opportunities for senior citizens	– 100,000 senior citizens get employed and earn a living	– National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 8 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10
		– Study the feasibility and effect of the amendment of the Labour Law to be consistent with the Gender Equality Act 2015	– Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	– Number of reviews of the Labour Law	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Disseminate knowledge and understanding about the Gender Equality Act 2015 and mechanisms under the Act to adjust people’s attitudes in society to understand and accept gender equality	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security	2019–2022	– Number of media pieces disseminated – Number of trainees	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 5 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3 and 8
		Organize activities to enhance knowledge and understanding on gender diversity with various sectors, including the business sector	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	– Percentage of understanding regarding gender diversity issues	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 5 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3 and 8
		Consider and determine measures, policies and mechanisms to promote women’s employment. Allow women to have roles in the labour system to create gender equality in line with international standards.	– Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	Number of establishments/ businesses inspected and joining in employing women to promote gender equality	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 5, 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
		Consider and determine measures and mechanisms for employment of other vulnerable groups, such as ethnic groups, stateless persons and migrants, including those of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity to enter the labour system in line with international human rights principles	– Ministry of Labour – Ministry of Interior – Ministry of Social Development and Human Security – Office of the National Security Council	2019–2022	Number of vulnerable groups employed	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 5, 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
5.	Management of natural resources and the environment	Review and develop mechanisms to manage natural resources and the environment by focusing on participation of all sectors, including women and ethnic groups	– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Interior	2019–2022	Reviewed and developed mechanisms to manage natural resources and the environment by focusing on participation of all sectors	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 11, 13, 14 and 15 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
7.	Minorities and ethnic groups	Ensure minorities and ethnic groups are given importance in the strategies on policy development and various programmes, including social development, to protect minorities and ethnic groups.	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Interior	2019–2022	Strategies on policy development and various programmes for social welfare development and quality life for minorities and ethnic groups	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – SDG 10 and 11 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
7.	Minorities and ethnic groups	Provide mechanisms for ongoing consultation with the community and open to the public to participate in making decisions which includes minorities and ethnic groups affected by the management of land, natural resources and preserving the forest	– Ministry of Social Development and Human Security – Ministry of Interior	2019–2022	Mechanisms for consultation with the community includes minorities and ethnic groups affected by the management of land, natural resources and preserving the forest	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – SDG 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7
8.	Development of government operations	Consider determining measures to certify rural development and land policies with gender- based dimensions in mind. A person should not be forced to be evicted, if there is a need to act, there should be a Free Prior Informed Consent form and the evicted person must also be compensated	– Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Ministry of Interior	2019–2022	– Measure to certify rural development and land policies that considered gender dimensions Compensation paid to the evicted person	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 5, 10 and 11 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
2.	Creating investor awareness	Disseminate the UNGPs to businesses or entrepreneurs by establishing communication channels with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand	– The Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission – The Stock Exchange of Thailand – The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) – The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) – Ministry of Justice – Ministry of Commerce (Department of Business Development)	2019–2022	Training and conferences are organized to disseminate UNGPs	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
		Encourage the business sector to focus on the relationship between large companies and the company’s supply chain, including outsourced services and subcontracting that may have adverse effects on human rights	– The Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission – The Stock Exchange of Thailand	2019–2022	Training for the business sector to focus on the relationship between large companies and the company’s supply chain, including outsourced services and subcontracting that may have adverse effects on human rights	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
		Encourage commercial banks to focus on the business operations that affect society and the environment by promoting Sustainable Banking Guidelines, which define guidelines for commercial banks consistent with the principles of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria or other practices that are accepted internationally	– Bank of Thailand	2019–2022	Common guidelines for Sustainable Banking Guidelines in order to set business standards. Finance in accordance with the principles of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria or other guidelines that are accepted internationally	– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7, 8, 9 and 10
3.	Promotion of Investment	Consider measures to encourage business organizations which are located in the territory or jurisdiction of Thailand’s sovereignty to abide by the UNGPs. In initiating or developing projects, consideration must be given to public benefits, rights of public participation and impact on people in the area before deciding to proceed with the project	– Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission	2019–2022	Training for business organizations that are located in the territory or jurisdiction of Thailand’s sovereignty to abide by the UNGPs	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10
		Create awareness, promote and facilitate business for Thai investors going to foreign countries to respect the principles of human rights as well as comply with various rules including regulations regarding human rights of the host country by consider making guidelines for investment in each country	– Office of the Board of Investment – Bank for Export and Import of Thailand – Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission – Ministry of Commerce (Department of Trade Promotion International)	2019–2022	Entrepreneurs who are going to invest in foreign countries trained and educated to respect human rights principles	– National Strategy for National Competitiveness Enhancement – National Strategy for Human Capital Development and Strengthening – SDG 8, 16 and 17 – UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
3.	Administration of Justice	Develop criteria for approval and selection of migrant workers from three countries (Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) to be the language coordinators to facilitate migrant workers who enter into the justice system. The coordinators should be trained in order to perform duties correctly, fairly and efficiently	– Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	– Develop and improve criteria for selecting the coordinators – Number of trainings for language coordinators	– National Strategy for Social Cohesion and Just Society – National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8, 10 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
5.	Remedies	Review and revise the Compensation Act 1994 and modernize the Compensation Fund system to be transparent, fair and in line with international principles	– – Ministry of Labour	2019–2022	– Amount of benefits or criteria that have been reviewed or improved	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 and 10 – UNGPs Articles 27, 28, 29 and 31
		Set up remedy mechanisms from both the government and private sectors at the regional level. Remedies should be in consistent with the needs of affected people and communities.	– Ministry of the Interior (Department of Local Administration) – Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	– Mechanisms and remedy measures for adversely affected victims and victims of human rights violations as a result of business operations	– Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 8 and 16 – UNGPs Articles 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
		Review criteria of compensation under the Act on Compensation for Injured Persons and the Damages and Expenses for the Accused in Criminal Cases B.E. 2544 (2001) and the Amendment (No. 2) B.E. 2559 (2016) to cover migrant workers that have been victims of crime.	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Meetings to review payment criteria for state compensation under the Act on Compensation for Injured Persons and the Damages and Expenses for the Accused in Criminal Cases B.E. – 2544 (2001) and the Amendment (No. 2) B.E. 2559 (2016) to cover migrant workers that have been victims of crime	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31

No.	Issues	Activities	Responsible agencies	Time-frame (2019–2022)	Indicators (wide frame)	Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
1.	Complaints/ petition for assistance	Establish a mechanism for petition and effective, appropriate and sufficient assistance to resolve violations of human rights that may arise from conducting business	– Ministry of Justice – Ministry of the Interior – Ministry of Commerce – Ministry of Industry	2019–2022	A mechanism for petition and effective appropriate and sufficient assistance to resolve violations of human rights that may arise from conducting business	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
3.	The proceedings	Provide assistance to access to justice process for human rights defenders	– Office of the Attorney General – Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Channels/mechanisms/ measures in helping human rights defenders to access justice	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
		Enhance knowledge and skills for persons responsible for the law, regulation, and correct policy with justification for offenses outside the Kingdom	– Office of the Attorney General	2019–2022	Activities to enhance knowledge for the persons responsible for the law, regulation, and correct policy with justification for offenses outside the Kingdom	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
		Develop the capacity of witness protection officers by supporting resources, budgets, personnel and enhancing knowledge, expertise and skills in witness protection	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Activity to continually enhance the potential of witness protection officers	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31
4.	Remedies	Study and analyse the legal gap and obstacles to access justice for human rights defenders in order to improve reliable healing processes	– Ministry of Justice	2019–2022	Legal gaps and obstacles to access justice for human rights defenders studied	– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development – SDG 16 – UNGPs Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31