On 6 October 2016, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution on Thailand during the plenary session, at which the debate encompassed the situation in several countries including Thailand. The resolution expresses its concerns, regarding the case of Mr. Andy Hall and the protection of human rights defenders in Thailand.

Thailand appreciates that the Resolution recognizes the progress achieved by the Thai Government in the protection of migrant workers. These include the reinforcement of the labor inspection, the enactment of the new legislation that helps regulate recruitment agencies and eliminate illegal brokers, measures to prevent debt bondage and human trafficking, more deterrent sanctions regime for labor abuses, as well as the ratification of the two ILO Conventions on occupational safety and maritime labor.

Thailand welcomes the ongoing cooperation with the EU and the ILO in improving the efficiency of migrant workers management and combatting unacceptable forms of work in the Thai fishing and seafood industry, and looks forward to continuing working with the EU and the ILO in this regard.

Regarding the case of Mr. Andy Hall, Thailand wishes to reiterate the fact that all of the criminal and civil cases against Mr. Andy Hall were initiated by a private entity against another private entity. The Thai Government is not a party to any of these cases and does not have any influence over the judicial process which is independent, separate and distinct from the executive branch. The Thai judicial system adheres to the utmost integrity, neutrality and transparency, as well as the principle of non-discrimination, in line with international standards. In this respect, Mr. Andy Hall is fully entitled to the right to a fair trial and he can appeal the court decision.

Thailand is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, and strictly complies with its international human rights obligations. Human right defenders in Thailand are also protected under Thai law in the same way as all persons in Thailand, without discrimination. We are aware of our duty to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their work in a safe and enabling environment.