On 14 August 2025, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of a workshop titled “Thailand’s Role in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC),” organized by the Department of International Organizations. The event was attended by approximately 150 participants from 40 government agencies and 16 civil society organizations.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary stressed that the Ministry places great importance on enhancing cooperation within multilateral frameworks, and is committed to leveraging its HRC membership to advance progress in addressing human rights challenges. This is to be achieved through constructive engagement both within the HRC and with various countries and partners, along with continued collaboration with the international community on human rights efforts. In addition, the domestic promotion of human rights requires cooperation and collective support from government agencies, independent organisations, the public and academia.

Ms. Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), delivered opening remarks expressing hope for Thailand to adopt a proactive role in the HRC, including concrete implementation of human rights standards to achieve tangible outcomes on the ground. In the context of the Thailand–Cambodia border situation, the Chairperson of the NHRCT wished for Thailand to advocate the importance of addressing impacts on human rights and the lives of civilians along the border.

The seminar was divided into three sessions:

Session 1: “Thailand’s Role in HRC Sessions 58 and 59,“ with H.E. Ms. Usana Berananda, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Geneva, and Mr. Phuchphop Mongkolnavin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations as speakers. Both speakers presented Thailand’s engagement in the HRC, including the past two HRC session negotiations, resolution endorsements, delivering statements, and hosting of side events;

Session 2: “National Mechanisms and the Monitoring of Human Rights Protection and Promotion,” with Ms. Hansa Homhual, NHRCT Secretary-General, and Ms. Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of the International Human Rights Division, Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, Ministry of Justice as speakers. Participants learned about the mandates and actions of independent organizations, including the NHRCT and national mechanisms on human rights, such as Thailand’s Human Rights Steering Committee, for which the Ministry of Justice serves as a secretariat; and

Session 3: “Sharing Experiences of Official Visits by Special Mechanisms under the HRC,” with Ms. Chananat Wilairat, Director of the Protection and Rights Group, Gender Equality Promotion Division, Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, together with Dr. Sirasit Satiracharoenkul, Deputy Director of the Public Health Administration Division, Secretariat Office, Ministry of Public Health, and Ms. Jitvipa Benjasil, Director of the Social Division, Department of International Organizations. The three speakers shared their experiences, observations and results of the recent official visits by two HRC special mechanisms, namely the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls held on 2 - 13 December 2024 and the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health held on 18 - 28 February 2025.

In addition, participants widely exchanged views at the seminar and shared opinions on-line through an activity aimed at raising awareness and promoting the Department of International Organizations’ human rights communication channel, Rights Now, to which they offered valuable suggestions.