On 25 March 2016, Mrs. Barbara Lochbihler, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) of the European Parliament, accompanied by Ms. Luisa Ragher Deputy Head of the European Delegation to Thailand, met with Mr. Songphol Sukchan, Director-General of the Department of Europeant Affairs, Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information, Mr. Suriya Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs and Mr. Apirat Sugondhabhirom, Director of the Social Division, Department of International Organization, to discuss and exchange views on Thai-EU relations, ASEAN-EU relations, the political situation and human rights.

During the meeting, MEP Lochbihler was briefed on the recent developments of Thailand’s political situation, human rights and forced labor in fishery industry. The Thai side reiterated that Thailand remains committed to democratic values and is implementing the Roadmap as well as moving forward the reform process towards attaining sustainable democracy. Both sides exchanged views on the role of Thailand on irregular migration in the Indian Ocean and the Country’s Report on the Human Rights Situation in Thailand which is scheduled to be presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva this May.

The Thai side reaffirmed its commitment to continue cooperating with the EU to enhance relations both under the bilateral and the ASEAN-EU frameworks. In particular, as the country coordinator for the ASEAN-EU, Thailand encourages EU foreign ministers to attending the ASEAN-EU meeting in October this year, as it will reflect the importance attached by the EU to this mechanism and to support the EU’s position to elevate the ASEAN-EU relations to a strategic partnership. 

On the development of labor reforms in the Thai fishery industry, the Thai side reaffirmed the commitment of the Thai Government to tackling this complex and long-standing problem. Thailand’s policy of 'zero tolerance' and efforts on this matter included reforms of policy and legal frameworks, as well as heighthened law enforcement which have contributed to tangible progress on several aspects over the past several months.

MEP Lochbihler also exchanged her views on the irregular migration and human trafficking law in Europe as well as the UK’s referendum on EU membership. She thanked the Thai side for providing information on the latest developments related to human rights issues, which could also be shared with other MEPs. The constructive discussion between the two sides would help move forward the Thai - EU relations.