BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand continues to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and cultural diversity as Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun recently chaired the first meeting of the Committee for the Protection and Promotion of Ethnic Groups’ Ways of Life. The meeting marked a significant step forward in implementing the Protection and Promotion of Ethnic Groups’ Ways of Life Act B.E. 2568 (2025 A.D. ), landmark legislation that guarantees seven key rights for Thailand’s diverse ethnic communities:
- Dignity and protection from discrimination
- Preservation of language, culture, and identity
- Community-based education
- Sustainable resource management rights
- Self-determined ways of life and community development
- Participation in decisions affecting their communities
- Equal access to public services and welfare
Working alongside the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, the committee is developing a national ethnic database, “protected livelihood zones” that empower communities to safeguard their own natural and cultural heritage, and specialized subcommittees to handle grievances and inter-agency coordination. The Deputy Prime Minister also called for stronger support in promoting ethnic communities’ products and goods to strengthen their economic security, and instructed that a national Ethnic Groups Council be established by September 2026. This initiative reflects Thailand’s broader vision: building an inclusive society where cultural diversity is respected, rights are equally accessible, and every community has a voice in the nation’s development. A step forward for human rights. A step forward for Thailand. (PRD)
