On 22 June 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand organized a lecture on “The Administrative Court and the Protection of the People’s Rights and Liberties” by Dr. Boon-anan Wannapanich, Justice of the Supreme Administrative Court. Approximately 120 representatives from the diplomatic corps in Bangkok, government agencies and educational institutions, as well as interested individuals attended the lecture.

          Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks reiterating the Ministry’s role in connecting Thailand to the world and vice versa and supporting the implementation of Thailand’s international human rights obligations. He also stressed the roles of the Court of Justice, including the Administrative Court, in administering justice and protecting the people’s rights and liberties, especially affected individuals, based on rule of law and good governance.

          Dr. Boon-anan, Justice of the Supreme Administrative Court, emphasized the roles of the Administrative Court in the protection of the people’s rights and liberties, including by raising social awareness and promoting values and respect for people’s rights and liberties in the Thai society. To this end, the Administrative Court has attached importance to affirming legally binding and applicable rules through the Court ruling and to establishing a clear and reasonable framework to protect people. The Court also supports the building and adjusting of the mindset of all concerned parties, including government officials.

          This lecture is the first of the Ministry’s Lecture Series this year on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which aims to raise awareness and promote the protection of human rights. They will also contribute to advance Thailand’s implementation of applicable international human rights obligations.