* Category includes ratification, accession, or succession to the treaty

The freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly, among other rights, are enshrined as fundamental rights in Sections 25-49 of the 2017 Thai constitution (Thai):

• Freedom of expression: Section 34 provides that “A person shall enjoy the liberty to express opinions, make speeches, write, print, publicize and express by other means.” This liberty also covers “academic freedom.” “The restriction of such liberty shall not be imposed, except by virtue of the provisions of law specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of the State, protecting the rights or liberties of other persons, maintaining public order or good morals, or protecting the health of the people.”
• Freedom of association: Section 42 provides that “A person shall enjoy the liberty to unite and form association, cooperative, union, organization, community, or any other group…[T]he restriction of such liberty…shall not be imposed except by virtue of a provision enacted for the purpose of protecting public interest, for maintaining public order or good morals, or for preventing or eliminating barriers or monopoly.”
• Freedom of peaceful assembly: Section 44 provides that “A person shall enjoy the liberty to assemble peacefully and without arms. The restriction of such liberty under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of a provision of law enacted for the purpose of maintaining security of the State, public safety, public order or good morals, or for protecting the rights or liberties of other persons.”

The two main types of not-for-profit organizations—foundations and associations—fall under the Civil and Commercial Code, 1992. There are also a number of decrees, ministerial regulations, announcements, and official letters that govern their registration and operation. The Revenue Code and multiple decrees, ministerial regulations, and announcements govern foundations’ and associations’ taxation and charitable status. The National Culture Act, 1942 and 1946 and the Act Prescribing Offences Relating to Registered Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Limited Companies, Associations and Foundations, 1956 also apply.

The majority of CSOs in Thailand fall under the above laws and regulations. Foreign CSOs established under foreign laws can also be registered as foreign private organizations. These foreign private organizations (FPOs) are not permitted to engage in profit-making or political activities. They are primarily governed by two regulations: (1) The Rule of the Committee on Consideration of the Entry of Foreign Private Organization Governing Principles for Consideration and Instruction on the Entry of Foreign Private Organizations to operate in Thailand and the Establishment of Regional Offices in Thailand, 2000; and (2) The Rule of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on the Entry of Foreign Private Organizations to Operate in Thailand, 1998.

Other types of voluntary and not-for-profit organizations fall under separate regulatory regimes. These include trade associations (governed by the Trade Association Act, 1966), chambers of commerce (governed by the Chamber of Commerce Act, 1966), employer associations (governed by the Labor Relations Act, 1975) (Thai), labor unions (governed by the Labor Relations Act, 1975), state enterprise labor unions (governed by the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act, 2000), and cooperatives (governed by the Cooperatives Act, 1999). Social enterprises are governed by the Social Enterprise Promotion Act, 2019, but this Act does not require social enterprises to adopt any specific legal form. Many social enterprises have opted to operate as associations, foundations, or cooperatives.

Draft Act on Associations and Foundations

In October 2024, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior proposed a new draft Act on Associations and Foundations (“draft Act” or “Bill”). The draft Act evinces a controlling approach to the non-profit sector which threatens to violate numerous aspects of international law. Some of the key concerns with the current draft Act on Associations and Foundations are as follows:

• The Bill appears to require associations and foundations (non-profit organizations or NPOs) to register with the Ministry of the Interior, prohibiting the existence of unregistered groups, and further establishes criminal penalties (including significant fines and imprisonment) for not registering.
• The Bill requires associations to have a minimum membership of 30 individuals, thereby prohibiting associations with fewer members from operating. Good regulatory practice suggests that minimum membership for associations should be set at no more than 2-3 members.
• The Bill envisions criminal penalties (including significant fines and imprisonment) for not registering, and other violations under the Act, including vague, undefined acts like “damage to other persons or to the public order or good morals of the people,” and conduct that is “a form of fraud against the public.”
• The Bill establishes unreasonable requirements for association directors that are discriminatory (e.g., “at least 20 years old”) and vague (e.g., not “disreputable,” not “hostile to democratic rule with the King as Head of State”), and thereby prone to subjective enforcement.
• The Bill allows the inspection of premises and documents without advance notice and searches without a search warrant issued by a judicial authority and also subjects non-profit employees to burdensome audits and harassment by authorities without justification. Associations enjoy privacy and due process rights similar to private entities and should not be subject to excessive reporting or unannounced inspections.
• The registrar has the power to dissolve associations and foundations that operate “contrary to the law or public morality, or that may endanger the public peace or national security” – vague terms that give the government broad discretion to terminate non-profit organizations. In addition, the registrar is able to dissolve non-profits for minor actions of non-compliance with law (such as ceasing operations for two years, having fewer than thirty members, or failing to submit an annual report).
• The Bill houses oversight of associations and foundations under the Ministry of Interior, whose institutional mandate is security, which raises serious questions regarding the politicized nature of government oversight. Moreover, the Bill envisions a complex supervisory committee comprised of political appointees, security officials, and “qualified committee members” appointed by the Ministry of Interior to advise on non-profit oversight and appeals.
• The Bill requires reporting of foreign funding—where the NPO receives an amount above a threshold to be determined by the Minister of Interior—to the government.
• The Bill restricts both association and foundation actions that could threaten the economy, national security, public peace or morality, which are vague and overbroad, inviting arbitrary and subjective enforcement.

Revised Draft NPO law

On January 4, 2022, a revised draft NPO law was approved by the Thai Cabinet, replacing the version approved by the Cabinet in February 2021. The drafters made significant revisions from the prior draft, including moving NPO oversight from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; and narrowing the definition of NPOs to exclude groups gathering to implement a one-time activity or an activity that serves “only the interests of the group, or a political party.” Formal registration no longer appears to be mandatory, and the revised Bill removes the blanket restrictions on foreign funding that existed in the prior draft. Criminal penalties and imprisonment terms have also been removed, and some provision has been made for appeal processes.

Draft Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act

Thailand is considering amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) that raise concerns among non-profit organizations (NPOs). Several provisions pose significant burdens on NPOs, including charities and advocacy groups, threatening their rights and ability to provide services and carry out their work. The amendments expand coverage of the Act to all foundations, associations, and non-profit organizations that receive donations from non-Thai sources over a fixed threshold. Moreover, those receiving cross-border funding could be required to report the receipt and disbursement of those funds and comply with complex new reporting rules designed for high-risk financial institutions. The amendment bill is scheduled to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval in the second half of 2025 before being forwarded to the House of Representatives.

Thai law recognizes a range of organizational forms for civil society activity, each governed by its own law and regulatory authority. The most common forms are associations and foundations. Others include trade associations, chambers of commerce, employer associations, labor unions, state enterprise labor unions, cooperatives, social enterprises, foreign private organizations (FPOs), unincorporated associations, and community enterprises.

Associations

Associations are membership-based, non-profit organizations that pursue public benefit purposes. An association must have at least ten founding members (Civil and Commercial Code, Section 81). There are many types of associations, such as trade associations, professional associations, and sport associations. Section 78 of the Code specifies that associations may not be established for the purpose of sharing profit or income among members.

Regulator: Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior

Foundations

Foundations are non-profit organizations that pursue public benefit purposes and are asset-based rather than membership-based. They require property or cash assets of at least THB 500,000 (USD 15,400 as of August 2025) as an operating fund. Section 110 of the Civil and Commercial Code defines a foundation as “property specially appropriated to public charity, religious, art, scientific, education or other purpose for the public benefit and not for sharing profit.” All property must be used to achieve the foundation’s stated objectives, and not for the benefit of any individual.

Regulator: Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior

Cooperatives

Cooperatives are member-based entities formed under the Cooperatives Act. Section 4 of the Act defines a cooperative as “a group of persons who jointly conduct affairs for socio-economic interests of the members whose nationality is Thai on the basis of self-help and mutual assistance.”

Regulator: Department of Cooperatives Promotion, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Social Enterprises

Under Section 3 of the Social Enterprise Act, a social enterprise is “a company, a partnership, or any other legal person, set up under Thai law” that engages in the production, sale of goods, or provision of services with a social mission as the main objective. Section 5(1) specifies that a social enterprise must aim to promote employment of disadvantaged people; address community, social, or environmental issues; or provide other social benefits. Most social enterprises are established as companies or foundations, and in some cases as cooperatives, and thus may be governed by the Social Enterprise Act, the Public Limited Company Act, Civil and Commercial Code, and/or the Cooperatives Act.

Regulator: Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security

Foreign Private Organizations (FPOs)

FPOs are CSOs established under foreign laws. Their operations in Thailand are more limited than domestic CSOs and must be exclusively not-for-profit and non-political.

Regulator: Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor

Unincorporated Associations

Unincorporated associations, such as informal university clubs, may serve social purposes for small groups of people and are not required to register under Thai law.

Community Enterprises

Community enterprises are regulated by the Community Enterprise Promotion Act B.E. 2548 (2005) and its 2019 amendment. They are typically unincorporated associations with objectives similar to cooperatives and are not required to register as legal entities.

Regulator: Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Numbers of CSOs

It is difficult to determine the exact number of CSOs in the country because they are registered under different government agencies, and information about them is usually not available online. However, according to the National Statistical Office, there were 84,099 CSOs in 2018. These included 48,248 religious organizations; 26,326 social welfare organizations; 3,496 trade associations and chambers of commerce; 3,397 cremation associations; 1,757 employer associations, labor unions, and state enterprise labor unions; 740 educational organizations (private schools and universities); 83 FPOs; and 17 private hospitals.

Under the Civil and Commercial Code, associations and foundations are recognized as non-profit organizations that must pursue public benefit purposes. Section 78 prohibits associations from being established to distribute profit or income among members, while Section 110 specifies that foundations must be established for purposes such as public charity, religious, art, scientific, education, or other public benefit purposes, and may not share profits.

Associations and foundations may apply to the Revenue Department in the Ministry of Finance for recognition as “public charitable” organizations, which entitles them to certain income tax and value added tax (VAT) exemptions under the Revenue Code. To qualify, they must meet the following criteria:

• They must not have income from sales or services which yields monetary consideration in an ordinary course of business;
• Charitable expenses must exceed 60 percent of annual income;
• Charitable expenses must exceed 65 percent of total expenses; and
• Charitable expenses must provide broad public benefit, not limited to a narrow group.

The criteria and list of recognized organizations are set out in the Ministry of Finance’s Announcement on Income Tax and Value Added Tax (Issue 2), as amended. As of August 2020, a total of 974 associations and foundations were recognized as tax-exempt.

Cooperatives benefit from various forms of government support, including exemption from corporate income tax, fees on transactions involving immovable property, and stamp duties on certain documents. However, they remain liable for other taxes such as withholding tax, VAT, and specific business taxes.

Social enterprises are expected to qualify for state benefits, including possible tax incentives, once regulations under the 2019 Social Enterprise Promotion Act are finalized. As of August 2020, these regulations were still pending.

The law does not prohibit the formation or operation of unregistered groups, such as social clubs, provided they do not engage in illegal activities, “social vices,” or actions that disturb public order or morality. Examples of unregistered associations include student societies and informal groups like dance clubs. Unregistered groups can be formed to pursue the full range of purposes CSOs may register to undertake, which includes both public-benefit and non-public-benefit-activities. There are no penalties for operating without registration unless the group’s activities are illegal (e.g., gambling).

Associations

The law requires at least three members of the association to submit a registration application. There are no capital or asset requirements for setting up an association.

Applications are submitted to the district office of the area where the association’s head office will be located. Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Association regulations;
2. Names, addresses, and occupations of at least 10 founding member and all committee members;
3. Minutes of the founding meeting;
4. Sketch map of the head office and any branch offices, plus written consent for use of the premises;
5. Copies of identification, other government-issued cards, house registration, and resident books for all committee members;
6. Approval from the National Culture Council, if the association’s objectives relate to its work; and
7. Other documents, if required (e.g., a letter certifying that the association is different from another organization with a similar name, or approval to use “of Thailand” in the name for sports associations).

The registration fee for setting up an association is THB 2,000 (USD 62 as of August 2025). In addition, there are several small miscellaneous fees, including THB 200 (USD 6.20) for the document amendment fee, THB 50 (USD 1.50)  for the document check fee, and THB 5 (USD 0.15) for any other request. These fees have remained unchanged since 1994.

There is no fixed time period for district-level officials to review an application before forwarding it to the Registrar at the Ministry of the Interior for approval. The district officer or the Minister of Interior may deny registration if the application does not comply with legal requirements, or if the objectives are considered contrary to the law, “good morality,” public order, or national security. In practice, refusals based on vague terms like “good morality” are rare. If refused registration, applicants may appeal in writing to the Minister of Interior, whose decision is final.

Foundations

At least three people are required to apply for the registration of a foundation (Civil and Commercial Code, Section 111). A foundation must be endowed with cash or other assets totaling at least THB 500,000 (USD 15,400).

Applications are submitted to the district office where the foundation’s head office will be located. Applications must include the following documents:

1. Name and address of assets’ owner;
2. List of assets to be donated;
3. Names, addresses, and occupations of all committee members;
4. Foundation regulations;
5. Written pledge from the asset owner to donate assets, or a copy of the will if established through inheritance;
6. Copies of identification, other government-issued cards, house registration, and resident books for the asset owner and all committee members;
7. Sketch map of the head office and any branch offices, plus written consent for use of the premises;
8. Minutes of the founding meeting; and
9. Other documents, if required.

The registration fee for setting up a foundation is THB 200 (USD 6.20). In addition, there are several small miscellaneous fees, including THB 10 (USD 0.30) for the document request fee, THB 50 (USD 1.50) for the document amendment fee, and THB 50 (USD 1.50) for the document check fee.

The Registrar (the Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary in Bangkok and the provincial governor elsewhere) may refuse registration if the foundation is deemed not truly aimed at public benefit but rather at securing special privileges, such as tax exemptions. If refused registration, applicants may appeal in writing to the Minister of Interior, whose decision is final.

Cooperatives

The Cooperatives Act governs the formation of cooperatives, which is overseen by the Cooperative Promotion Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. No fee is charged for registration.

Forming a cooperative is more complex than forming an association or foundation. Before submitting a formal application, organizers must hold a consultative coordination meeting with Cooperative Promotion Department officials and among themselves to finalize details. This preparatory stage ensures that the final application proceeds smoothly.

All necessary preparations must be completed at these stages. Because details are typically worked out through these meetings, the actual application stage usually proceeds without problems. The application must include the following documents:

1. Application form;
2. Names of prospective members;
3. Business or activity plans;
4. Cooperative regulations;
5. Minutes of the meeting of prospective members; and
6. Minutes of the cooperative founding meeting.

Once established and registered, CSOs may not act contrary to the law, disturb public peace or morality, or pose a threat to national security. Committee members of associations and foundations must have no criminal records or known moral misconduct. Certain categories of CSOs are required to submit annual financial reports.

The Act Prescribing Offences Relating to Registered Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Limited Companies, Associations, and Foundations sets out penalties for violations, including fines, imprisonment, or dissolution. Offenses include:

• Using the terms “association” or “foundation” or their insignia without proper registration;
• Misleading others to believe an organization’s activities are conducted by an association or foundation;
• Failing to register changes to committee members or organizational regulations. (Chapter II, Section 60).

Penalties must be imposed in accordance with the law. Government protection for CSOs facing threats of violence typically follows standard legal procedures: the CSO must report the threat to the police, which will then take action.

Foreign Private Organizations (FPOs)

FPOs face significant operational limits. They:

• Cannot engage in profit-making or political activities
• Must avoid activities harmful to stability, public order, morality, or Thailand’s international relations
• Are granted operational permission for a maximum of two years, eligible for one- or two-year extensions depending on the project’s duration (Rules 6–7)

As a result, FPO operations remain inherently temporary and can be terminated by the government at any time, regardless of renewal status. However, in practice, the government rarely intervenes to halt an FPO’s operations. Amnesty International, for example, continues to operate despite its frequent criticism of the Thai government.

Barriers to International Contact

There are no formal restrictions on CSOs’ ability to contact or cooperate with counterparts in civil society, business, or government sectors domestically or abroad, aside from the speech and internet restrictions described below.

Domestic CSOs are not subject to special rules on receiving foreign funding. However, associations and foundations face restrictions on income-generating activities (Civil and Commercial Code, Section 78). While they may engage in economic activities, most or all revenue must be dedicated to their social welfare purposes, and the type of activity may be limited. For example, a foundation supporting rice farmers cannot open a coffee shop. Consequently, many rely on grants and donations, sometimes creating separate for-profit entities to support their work.

By contrast, cooperatives, social enterprises, and community enterprises operate as hybrids between non-profit and for-profit entities and face fewer profit-making restrictions. For instance, social enterprises may generate revenue but must reinvest at least 70 percent of profits into their objectives; investors and shareholders may receive no more than 30 percent (Social Enterprise Act, Section 5(3)). While cooperatives are typically established to serve their members’ welfare, social enterprises that are established as cooperatives must prioritize social or community benefits over purely member benefits.

Given increasing concerns of the misuse of CSO funds for money laundering and terrorism, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been broadly authorized to request documents, suspend transactions, and enter CSOs’ premises if it has “sufficient evidence” (Section 16/1 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 1999). Under the Thaksin government, editors and journalists have reportedly faced fabricated AMLO investigations.

The 2017 Constitution contains provisions protecting freedom of expression. Section 34 stipulates that: “A person shall enjoy the liberty to express opinions, make speeches, write, print, publicize and express by other means.” The remainder of the section allows restrictions only if enacted by law for purposes such as maintaining state security, protecting the rights of others, and maintaining public order, good morals, or public health. Section 34 also protects academic freedom, while Section 35 affirms that media professionals are free to present news and express opinions in line with professional ethics.

Criminal Code Restrictions

While the Constitution provides robust protection for the freedom of expression, the Criminal Code contains provisions that limit free speech. These include:

• Section 112 (Lèse Majesté) criminalizes defamation, insult, or threats against the King, Queen, Heir-apparent, or Regent, punishable by three to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
• Section 326 (Defamation) protects individuals and institutions from defamation, also punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

In principle, individuals and CSOs may criticize the government and advocate for politically sensitive causes, including human rights and democracy. With the exception of foreign private organizations, CSOs may also engage in political or legislative activities.

However, governments, including fully elected ones, have sometimes taken a restrictive approach. Under recent military governments, harassment, arrests, and retaliatory lawsuits against human rights defenders and critics of the monarchy and government have increased, with individuals being charged under the Penal Code, as well as the Sedition, Cybercrime, and other laws.

Online Content Control

Authorities frequently block websites and social media posts with alleged “illegal” content, defined as “inappropriate content that could harm the country’s security, including content that harassed the monarch.” This has resulted in the blocking of over 2,200 websites, and the government threatening action against social media companies for failing to remove illegal posts.

Computer Crime Act

Section 14(2) of the Act on Commission of Offences Relating to Computer, B.E. 2550 (2007) (Computer Crime Act) criminalizes the entry of false data into a computer system in a manner that is likely to cause damage to national security or stir public agitation. Violations are punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to THB 100,000 (USD 3,000 as of August 2025), or both.

However, critics argue that terms such as “national security” and “public agitation” are overly broad and give authorities excessive power to restrict constitutionally-protected media freedom.

Restrictions on Expression during COVID-19 

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government declared a state of emergency to address alleged disinformation. Regulation 11 of Emergency Decree Issue 27 (July 12, 2021) prohibited the dissemination of information that may:

• Create misunderstandings about the emergency situation;
• Cause public fear; or
• Intentionally misinform in a way that threatens state security, public order, or morality.

Emergency Decree Issue 29 granted government authorities new enforcement powers, enhancing their ability to censor online speech and investigate internet users. Public opposition led to its revocation on August 9, 2021, but Issue 27 remained in effect.

Whistleblowers who exposed alleged corruption in the hoarding and profiteering of surgical masks and medical supplies during the pandemic faced retaliatory lawsuits and intimidation. In addition, some medical staff were threatened with disciplinary action for speaking publicly about shortages of essential supplies needed to treat Covid-19.

For more information on Thailand’s restrictions on expression during the pandemic, click here for ICNL’s partner report by iLaw.

Section 44 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of peaceful assembly, stating that “a person shall enjoy the liberty to assemble peacefully and without arms.” The Constitution permits restrictions only by law, and only for purposes such as maintaining state security, public safety, public order, good morals, or protecting the rights and freedoms of others.

Public assemblies are regulated by the Public Assembly Act, B.E. 2558 (2015) (Thai). The Act distinguishes between public assemblies from other types of gatherings, such as religious services or events within educational institutions. A public assembly is defined as an assembly of individuals in a public place, which may amount to a demonstration. The law’s text does not grant excessive government discretion.

Advance Notification and Permission

Organizers must notify police of a planned public assembly at least 24 hours in advance (Public Assembly Act, Section 10). The notification does not amount to a request for permission but allows police to prepare to facilitate the event. Failure to notify is subject to fines.

If the assembly will move in a procession between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, organizers must obtain police permission (Section 16(8)).

Other requirements focus on protecting public peace and order. For example, speeches with amplifiers are prohibited from midnight until 6:00 AM, and activities causing undue public inconvenience are restricted. Persons adversely impacted by an assembly may petition the court to end it (Section 21).

Emergency Situations

The Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) potentially limits freedom of assembly, as it allows the introduction of “urgent measures” during emergency situations. While its use is largely confined to Thailand’s Deep South, which has been plagued by ongoing unrest and separatist violence, it has the potential to limit assembly rights nationwide.

Policing/Enforcement

Authorities have repeatedly used force to break up public assemblies. For example:

• In 2010, Armed Forces intervened after protests turned violent, leaving 87 dead (79 civilians and 8 soldiers).
• In November 2020, police used water cannons and tear gas on peaceful pro-democracy protesters, injuring at least 55.
• During anti-government protests related to Covid-19 and other government policies in the summer of 2021, police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to break up many of the demonstrations. Hundreds were arrested.

Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, 2022

The Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, 2022 came into force on February 22, 2023. The law includes a number of provisions aimed at preventing and suppressing torture and enforced disappearance. For instance, police are required to record continual audiovisual footage and detailed personal data while arresting and detaining persons. The responsible authorities must immediately report detentions to the local public prosecutor or district chief, who must act if there are reasons to suspect torture or enforced disappearance.

The legal limitations for cases under Section 7 (detention and abduction resulting in enforced disappearance) will not count until after the fate of a victim of enforced disappearance has been established. The penalties for major offenses under Section 5 (torture) and Section 7 (enforced disappearance), are 5 to 15 years of imprisonment. Offenses under Section 6 (cruel, inhumane or degrading acts) can be punished with not more than 3 years imprisonment. Fines for these offenses ranging from THB 16,000 to 500,000 (USD 490 to 15,400 as of August 2025) may also apply.

According to Cynthia Veliko, Regional Representative of the OHCHR Regional Office for Southeast Asia, three provisions still fall short of international standards. These include the application of amnesty for offenses under the Act, the admissibility of evidence obtained through torture in criminal proceedings, and the imposition of a statute of limitations for enforced disappearances.

The Royal Thai Police have requested a delay in enforcing the law, citing insufficient budget for body cameras, lack of officer training, and absence of detailed procedural guidelines.

Govt to amend money laundering law to seize nominees’ assets (May 2025)
Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang announced that the government plans to amend the Anti-Money Laundering Act to empower authorities to seize assets of unlawful foreign firms using Thai nominees as major shareholders. He added that the amendment bill is scheduled to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval within two months before being forwarded to the House of Representatives.

“Arnon Nampa” becomes first Thai recipient of Front Line Defenders Award (May 2025)
On May 22, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa was awarded the Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk for 2025 by the organization Front Line Defenders. He was recognized for his role in promoting and protecting human rights despite facing danger and serious risks to his own personal safety. Arnon Nampa becomes the first Thai national to receive this award.

Authorities must end malicious smear campaigns and cyberattacks on civil society (April 2025)
Amnesty International has called on the Thai authorities to investigate and take any necessary measures to end cyberattacks against human rights activists after leaked internal government documents showed that Amnesty International was among several civil society groups targeted in a coordinated, state-sponsored campaign. The documents, which were brought to light in a recent parliamentary debate, revealed Thai police and military units are jointly running a “Cyber Team” which deliberately sought to tarnish the reputations and undermine the legitimate work of civil society organizations and political opposition members. It also engaged in phishing attacks and brute-force attempts to access social media accounts. The former Executive Director of Amnesty International’s Thailand office was among those targeted.

Exiled journalists from Myanmar fear new Thai law (December 2024)
A new draft law being considered by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior after a public consultation could damage the fragile existence that many people in exile from Myanmar have. The Association and Foundations Bill was proposed in October. If passed, it would require nonprofits to register with the Minister of Interior and to have a minimum of 30 Thai staff members. Noncompliance comes with fines of up to $3,000. The draft bill is especially concerning for journalists, who have been working from exile in Thailand since the February 2021 military coup. Many registered their media outlets as nonprofits, and do not have the capacity to comply with the law.

Thailand’s disbanded opposition party relaunches under new name and leader (August 2024)
Thailand’s main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) has relaunched with a new name and leader after being forced to disband by a court. The new party will be led by tech entrepreneur Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who is known as Prachachon, according to party representative Parit Wacharasindhu. The name of the new party will be the “People’s Party” in English.

Thai court dissolves reformist party that won election (August 2024)
A Thai court has ordered the dissolution of the reformist party which won the most seats and votes in last year’s election, but was blocked from forming a government. The ruling also banned Move Forward’s charismatic young former leader Pita Limjaroenrat and 10 other senior figures from politics for 10 years. The verdict from the Constitutional Court was expected after its ruling in January that Move Forward’s campaign promise to change royal defamation laws was unconstitutional.

NGOs demand justice for Bung Sanesangkhom and call to end harassment against dissent (May 2024)
Several prominent human rights organizations, including the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Focus on the Global South, Front Line Defenders, and the Asia Democracy Network have expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the death of Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom, a young Thai activist renowned for her peaceful activism for justice and monarchy reform. Bung was actively involved with Thalu Wang, a protest group advocating for the amendment of Thailand’s stringent royal defamation law, known as lèse-majesté.

Civil participation in southern peace talks urged (November 2023)
Political analysts and members of civil society in southern Thailand have called for greater participation by academics and representatives of local communities in the peace process in the trouble-plagued region. They expressed doubts on the ability of the new peace talks team appointed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin early this week to make a breakthrough in its negotiations with the armed insurgents who have been wreaking havoc in the three southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat for almost two decades.

Opposition trounces military parties in elections (May 2023)
Thailand’s reformist opposition has won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in a general election after voters resoundingly rejected the military-backed parties that have ruled for nearly a decade. With nearly all votes counted, the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) and the populist Pheu Thai Party were projected to win about 286 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. But uncertainty remains about whether they would be able to form the next government due to skewed parliamentary rules that allow 250 members of a military-appointed Senate to vote on the prime minister. That means MFP and Pheu Thai will need the support of smaller parties to establish a new administration.

Voters deliver stunning blow to army-backed rule (May 2023)
Thai voters have delivered a stunning verdict in favor of an opposition party that is calling for radical reform of the country’s institutions. Early results show Move Forward exceeding every prediction to win 151 of the 500 seats in the lower house.

MoJ orders governors and district chiefs to inspect foundations (February 2023) (Thai)
The Ministry of Interior (MOJ) has ordered governors and district chiefs to inspect more than 32,956 foundations and associations nationwide to check if anyone is conducting any illegal activities and helping Chinese gangs in Thailand. They are implementing strict registration requirements for new registrations to prevent the use of foundations and associations for whitewashing.

Concern rises for lives of 2 Thai activists on hunger strike (February 2023)
Concerns about the condition of two hunger strikers seeking political and judicial reforms in Thailand heightened after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents. Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, 21, and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, 23, have been on hunger strike since January 18 to back their demands for reform of the justice system, the release of political prisoners pending trial and for lawmakers to amend or abolish laws used against political dissidents.

Media ethics bill is suspect (March 2022)

Ex-red shirt boss seeks Amnesty ban (November 2021)

Pro-monarchy group to rally against Amnesty (November 2021)

Protests call to kick out Thai PM on coup anniversary (September 2021)

Immediately Repeal Emergency Regulation that Threatens Online Freedoms (August 2021)

Civil rights activist contests new version of NGO bill (March 2021)

Civil society in Thailand has deep historical roots, originating in religious institutions and early voluntary associations. Both Buddhist and Christian institutions have played a crucial role in education. Buddhist monasteries served as venues for traditional learning, while Christian institutions established the country’s first modern schools. Among the oldest and most prominent are Bangkok Christian College and Assumption College. The Chinese also set up early voluntary associations with a philanthropic focus, the best-known being the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, now Thailand’s largest non-governmental charitable organization.

Thailand’s first Civil and Commercial Code, adopted in 1925, formally recognized associations and foundations as not-for-profit organizations. The Cooperatives Act followed in 1928, recognizing cooperatives. The Labor Act, enacted in 1956, provided for the formation of labor unions but was rescinded in 1958 after a coup, which also banned trade unions until 1972. The Labor Relations Act was passed in 1975, followed by the Labor Protection Act in 1998.