As various groups plan to organize political rallies on 7 August 2021, together with the request made on 4 August by the People GO network and the Free Youth group to the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) to observe the demonstration, the NHRCT yesterday resolved to dispatch a team to observe the situation on the ground.
          The NHRCT is of the view that freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression are fundamental rights recognized by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Thailand is a party and has obligations to comply with, and they are protected under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017). However, recent demonstrations have also raised concerns over the risks of human rights violations and public health during the worsening COVID-19 pandemic situation.
          The observation team will be led by 4 Commissioners namely Ms. Preeda Kongpaen, Assistant Professor Suchart Setthamalinee, Ms. Sayamol Kaiyoorawong and Mr. Wasan Paileeklee. The team will monitor whether people’s freedoms of assembly and expression are duly respected, whether the demonstration is carried out in a peaceful manner and without arms, and the government’s operation in crowd control is in accordance with international human rights standards and the principles of necessity and proportionality.
In undertaking the duty, the NHRCT wishes to reaffirm its role in monitoring human rights situation with impartiality and fairness, including the consideration of facts from all parties.