Group Presses for Action to Improve Human Rights in Thailand

Kelsey McGalliard
March 27, 2009
3:45

Human Rights Watch says Thailand is showing signs of progress in its human rights performance, but the government needs to begin prosecuting rights abusers, including those in state security forces. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva government says it remains committed to improving human rights. The group Human Rights Watch is calling for the Thai government to take "symbolic steps" towards addressing human rights problems in Thailand by beginning prosecutions of rights violators. The group says the government needs to focus on reform of the judicial system and police to raise public confidence in the institutions. Human Rights Watch Asia Director Brad Adams told VOA the moves would be a clear sign of progress in the country's rights performance."We want to see prosecutions of human rights abusers," said Adams. "There are so many cases where the evidence is quite clear, where a government with the political will could ensure prosecutions start." Human Rights Watch says the Abhisit government remains heavily dependent on support from the military, which is restricting reform efforts. The group has been closely monitoring a five-year insurgency that has killed more than 3,500 people in the Muslim-populated provinces of Southern Thailand. It points to a "failure to address local resentment and frustration over abuses by security forces and injustice". Human Rights Watch wants more civilian control over the Thai military.
I think that this is a good idea to press action on Thailand and their human rights. I hope that the Human Rights Watch will stick to monitoring Thailand and their military whom are the cause of the deaths in Thailand that are no accounted for. It looks like the Thai government is willing to listen and to try to change the way they go about handling problems. In a recent address to foreign correspondents, Prime Minister Abhisit pointed to "encouraging signs" in human rights cases in the south. "A religious leader was killed while in custody. Subsequently, the Narathiwat provincial court actually sentenced the officials involved," said Mr. Abhisit. "And the Army chief has stated very clearly that his men should not abuse the law and if they do they will have to be charged and they will have to go through due process." They are making or seem to be making small steps to change hopefully they keep up with what they say they are doing.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-26-voa55.cfm