United Nations
E/C.12/THA/CO/1-2
Distr.: General
Economic and Social Council
7 July 2015
Original: English
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Concluding observations on the combined initial and second periodic reports
of Thailand *
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the initial and second periodic reports of Thailand on the
implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/THA/1–2) at its 28th to 30th
meetings (E/C.12/2015/SR.28–30), held on 4 and 5 June 2015, and adopted the following concluding observations at its 50th
meeting, held on 19 June 2015.
A.Introduction
While regretting the considerably late submission, the Committee welcomes the initial and second periodic reports submitted by the
State party, the supplementary information provided in the replies to the list of issues (E/C.12/THA/Q/1–2/Add.1), the State party’s
common core document (HRI/CORE/THA/2012) and the oral replies provided by the delegation. The Committee also welcomes the
constructive dialogue held with the State party’s large high-level delegation.
B.Positive aspects
The Committee welcomes the State party’s ratification of the following instruments:
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, in 2012;
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in 2008;
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, in 2007.
The Committee also welcomes the State party’s active role in the preparation and adoption of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast
Asian Nations) Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
The Committee also welcomes the adoption of the following:
Gender Equality Act, in 2015;
Revised Labour Ministerial Regulation to Protect Labour in the Sea Fishing Industry, in 2014;
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, in 2008;
Cabinet Resolution on Education for Unregistered Persons, in 2005.
The Committee further welcomes the State party’s efforts to promote the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights,
which have included the adoption of the following:
Third National Human Rights Plan (2014–2018);
National Plan and Policy on the Prevention, Suppression and Combating of Domestic and Transnational Trafficking in Children and
Women 2012–2016;
Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012–2016);
Strategic Plan for the Improvement of Education in the Southern Border Provinces (2012–2016);
National Policy and Plan to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labour for 2009–2014;
Comprehensive Strategy on Resolving the Problems of Irregular Migrants, in 2012.
C.Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Domestic application of the Covenant
Noting the State party’s dualist system of reception of international treaties, the Committee is concerned that the Covenant has still