THAILAND123

ABOUT THAILAND123

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It’s known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin. 

THAILAND

Thailand’s efforts to restore democracy after many years of military rule were seriously undermined in 2024 by the Constitutional Court’s rulings to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party and remove the Srettha Thavisin government from office. The new government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged significant reforms when she campaigned for the Pheu Thai Party during the 2023 election but they have yet to be undertaken. Authorities continue to restrict fundamental rights—particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly—using lèse-majesté (insulting the monarchy), sedition, and cyber-crime laws. Authorities have failed to protect human rights defenders from reprisals by state agencies and private companies. Enforcement of measures to resolve torture and enforced disappearance is lacking. Impunity for abuses—particularly in the deep south—continues unabated. Refugees and asylum seekers remain at risk of arrest and deportation.