With regard to the press release of the OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia on 1 August 2017 regarding women human rights defenders in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to provide information as follows:

          1. Thailand is fully aware of the importance of ensuring the rights of all human rights defenders including women human rights defenders;

          2. In 2016, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department under the Ministry of Justice developed the Handbook to Protect Human Rights Defenders which outlines the protection measures for women and men on equal basis. This was completed in collaboration with our Civil Society Organization partners and also with the OHCHR Regional Office for Southeast Asia. Thailand recognizes that there remain challenges and we look forward to working collaboratively with
the civil society in this regard;

          3. Human rights defenders have also been included as a target group specifically in the draft 4^th National Human Rights Plan for 2019 – 2023. This reflects that human rights defenders have featured prominently in terms of importance as well as recognition by the Government of their roles in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country; and

          4. Legal disputes shall be resolved through relevant procedures under due process of the law, including those involving the Public Assembly Act and the Criminal Code, which apply equally to women and men. The accused are entitled to prove their innocence under the judicial process and have the right to appeal to a higher court until the final judgment is reached. Recognizing the economic, social, and cultural rights of local communities such as the right to adequate living standards and land rights, the Government continues to ensure relevant laws and measures to address the dispute which is implemented through a fair and transparent process.