Thailand advances efforts on torture prevention
Thailand is exploring ways to strengthen its national framework to prevent torture, including potential steps toward ratifying and implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
Thailand is exploring ways to strengthen its national framework to prevent torture, including potential steps toward ratifying and implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
With support from the APF, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a two-week initiative in December 2024 brought together the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), government representatives and civil society to discuss strategies for enhancing safeguards against torture.
National dialogue on OPCAT ratification
As part of the initiative, more than 100 representatives from government, civil society and academia took part in a national dialogue on OPCAT ratification.
Held on 12 December in Bangkok, the dialogue was a unique opportunity to discuss the relevance of OPCAT and the role of UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) and National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) as monitoring bodies.
During the dialogue, NHRCT Commissioner Pitikan Sithidej outlined the Commission’s role in torture prevention, including its regular inspections of places of detention.
The NHRCT has set up a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) Initiative Unit to strengthen detention monitoring and is prepared to serve as the NPM if designated by the government. Discussions continue on the most suitable NPM model for Thailand.
Workshop on detention visit implementation and standards under OPCAT
On 13 December, a workshop on OPCAT detention visit standards was held for officials from prisons, police, and juvenile detention facilities, as well as NHRCT representatives and external experts.
The workshop covered best practices for detention monitoring, referencing the Mandela Rules and Bangkok Rules.
During the session, Ben Buckland, Senior Advisor at APT, stressed that a mix of announced and unannounced inspections is crucial for transparency, while officials from Thailand’s Department of Corrections and Royal Thai Police reflected on the importance of aligning their practices with international standards.
Participants during a series of torture prevention activities held in Thailand.
Capacity development on preventive monitoring
From 13-18 December, the NHRCT, APF, and APT led a capacity development program on preventive monitoring. As part of the program, NHRCT staff, commissioners, advisors, and government officials visited Phitsanulok Central Prison and Muang Phitsanulok Police Station to assess conditions and engage with authorities.
The NHRC aims to collaborate with government agencies at both the policy and operational levels to mitigate the risk of torture and establish guidelines for visiting various areas across Thailand to identify good practices.
Looking forward
The NHRCT’s NPM Unit will continue monitoring Thailand’s progress towards OPCAT ratification. The Ministry of Justice is consulting relevant agencies, with the NHRCT actively contributing to these discussions. The NHRCT also plans to expand its detention monitoring efforts in preparation for a potential NPM role.
Ongoing collaboration with policymakers, regional networks, and international human rights bodies will be crucial in strengthening this work.
