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Strangling of Civil Society?
15 February, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Last year, Thailand’s Office of the Council of State proposed the Draft Act on the Operation of Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPO), hereinafter referred as ‘Draft Act’. It has serious implications for civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the way they operate in the country. A number of national and international NGOs reviewed and submitted comments to provide inputs to the Act to ensure civil society can continue to play its crucial role in promoting inclusive and just development and promoting the well-being of the most vulnerable sectors in society.
The previous Draft Act, criticized for its restrictive measures, was replaced with a revised version that was approved in principle by the Thai Cabinet on 4 January 2022 and forwarded to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for organizing a public consultation process ending soon on 18 January. According to the ICNL’s Legal Analysis, the current draft includes more enabling provisions than the February 2021 draft, such as oversight by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security rather than the Interior Ministry, lower criminal penalties, and the elimination of mandatory registration. Unfortunately, notwithstanding its amendment, the Draft Act remains to pose a serious threat to not only civil society but also the general public’s rights and freedoms.
To better understand the details and reflect on what is needed to create an enabling rather than a restrictive, environment for civil society, a panel discussion will be held on 15 February 2022 at 5:00-6:30 pm. In doing so, the event continues SEA Junction’s last year’s discussions (in English and Thai) on this Draft Act and a series of events and publication initiated in 2019 on the role of civil society in Southeast Asia.
The panel speakers are:
- Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch
- Pranom Somwong, Protection International’s Country Representative in Thailand
- Kunthida Rungruengkiat, Director, Progressive Movement Foundation
Relevant readings:
https://www.newsweek.com/new-law-threatens-strangle-civil-society-thailand-beyond-opinion-1672755
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2022/01/09/opinion-draft-ngos-bill-is-like-a-python-constricting-civil-society/
For information/reservation for our events, please email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com or phone: +66970024140
NB: Due to limited seats available, prior reservations are highly encouraged. Events are free, but donations are most welcome!
Organizers
SEA Junction
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information, see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @seajunction
