BANGKOK, Thailand – The People’s Party hailed a historic moment after Parliament approved the Ethnic Groups Protection and Promotion Bill, marking the first time such legislation has been passed in Thailand. The bill, seen as a symbolic “gift” to Indigenous communities, comes just days ahead of Thailand’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9.
MPs Manop Kireepuwadol and Laofang Bundittherdsakul emphasized that despite some compromises—such as narrower definitions of “Indigenous groups” and unresolved issues around cultural protection zones—the bill represents a significant step forward. It aims to formally recognize and protect the rights, cultures, and traditional ways of life of ethnic groups across Thailand.
The law’s passage follows over a year of debate and negotiation in Parliament, with five draft versions submitted by the People’s Party, Pheu Thai, the Cabinet, and civil society. The new law includes provisions supporting land rights, cultural development, infrastructure access, and participation in decisions that impact ethnic communities.
Laofang noted that key struggles remain, such as the absence of legal measures against hate speech and the challenges in designating self-governed cultural zones, especially regarding forest law exceptions. He warned that social media remains a platform for spreading ethnic hate, an issue not yet addressed by the bill.
The People’s Party plans to form a parliamentary subcommittee to guide implementation, promote secondary legislation, and monitor government compliance. The bill is also a continuation of work started during the Future Forward Party era, and was strongly supported by civil society networks, including the Indigenous Peoples Council of Thailand, P-Move, and the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre. (TNA)
