Since August 2024, the flood disaster in Chiang Rai Province has spread to many provinces in northern Thailand, resulting in the suffering of hundreds of thousands of households and extensive damages to residential properties, government facilities, educational institutions, and business establishments.

            The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) has monitored the situation with grave concern and visited affected areas to gather information regarding the flood disaster. We extend our most sincere condolences to the those who have lost their lives in the flood disaster, as well as to the many individuals who have experienced substantial property and land loss, and are enduring many hardships in their daily lives. We would also like to express our gratitude to the officials and volunteers from all sectors who have collaborated tirelessly to provide prompt humanitarian assistance to those in need.

            The NHRCT acknowledges that the flood has impacted the human rights of individuals across multiple dimensions, including the right to life and well-being, the right to property, the right to access governmental information regarding disaster warnings, the right to participate in decision-making related to water management, the right to an adequate standard of living and the four requisites of life, as well as the right to receive sufficient and comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation from the government. It is undeniable that the current global boiling crisis exacerbates natural disasters, threatening and directly impacting the right to well-being of people worldwide, including those in Thailand, with particularly severe repercussions on vulnerable populations such as the underprivileged, the elderly, children, ethnic minorities, and migrant workers, who face barriers in accessing basic rights and welfare.    

            The NHRCT, therefore, urges the government to solve the problems by facilitating a coordinated approach among all relevant agencies and at local level, including with the community and civil society, to urgently assist in the recovery and remediation of damages, particularly in Mae Sai District, which has been significantlyaffected by mudslides. Furthermore, the Mekong River management mechanism should be utilized to facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration in addressing transboundary challenges. There should also be continuous water management along with effective planning for disaster prevention and preparedness as well as timely warning to mitigate severe losses and damages as experienced in the past.

            The NHRCT calls upon the government to recognize its obligations under human rights law to address these problems, enhance capacity or implement measures that empower both the state and the public to adapt themselves to respond and mitigate climate change, thereby safeguarding the human rights of those affected by disasters.

National Human Rights Commission of Thailand

27 September 2024