On 7 March 2025, Department of International Organizations in cooperation with the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Ministry of Justice, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University and Prorights Foundation organised a conference entitled “Thailand Human Rights Council (HRC) membership: Pledges and (achieving) expectation,” with 120 participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, human-rights-related organizations and youth associations.

Mr. Phuchphop Mongkolnavin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, delivered opening remarks and informed the objective of the conference in serving as a platform for exchanging views and receiving recommendations from civil society organizations in shaping direction of Thailand’s human rights agenda and in serving as a member of the Council for the term 2025-2027. He also underlined the importance of engagement of all sectors, which are key in achieving rights-based and sustainable development.

During the conference, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, former HRC President for 2010-2011, delivered a Special Lecture, together with the closing lecture by Professor Ameritus Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn. Panelists and participants exchanged views in two sessions and proposed recommendations for priorities during Thailand’s HRC membership, as well as how to move forward human rights agenda at the national level.