Outcome THA_D_6.2

Legal frameworks and policies to advance women's leadership, women's rights to participate in decision making at national and local levels, and women's access to justice are reformed/ adopted and implemented.

Memorandum of Cooperation was signed among the Secretariat of the Senate, the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Bureau of the Budget, the Department of Local Administration, King Prajadhipok's Institute, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, with an aim to indicate the intention of the above agencies to cooperate in advancing gender responsive budgeting by making budget allocations. In addition, Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) practical handbook has been already endorsed by the Cabinet and it will be published and disseminated by Department of Women Affairs and Family Development (DWF). Moreover, the policy that promotes justice between employee and employer in Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai has been developed and being enforced by local government officials. The policy was developed based on the comments from target women and other relevant stakeholders such as service providers, police. Looking at national level-decision making, Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is being promoted by UN Women to ensure gender is integrated in government’s planning and budgeting.

Legal frameworks and policies to advance women's leadership, women's rights to participate in decision making at national and local levels, and women's access to justice are reformed/ adopted and implemented.

In addition to the Royal Thai Government’s consideration on the development and amendment of several laws aimed at fostering greater inclusivity and recognizing diverse gender identity and relationships, including the d raft Gender Recognition Act , the d raft Civil Partnership Act , and the d raft Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code (draft Act on equal marriage) , Thailand has conducted an evaluation of the implementation of the Gender Equality Act of 2015. A proposal has been put forth to abolish exceptions on gender discrimination outlined in Article 17, paragraph 2, which currently allows for discrimination based on religious principles or national security reasons. The aim is to align the definition of “discrimination based on gender” with international standards, particularly addressing issues related to gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Acknowledging the results of the performance evaluation, the Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Council of State, and the Committee to Promote Gender Equality have all played key roles. Moving forward, the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development will appoint a committee to consider amendments to improve the Gender Equality Act of 2015, aligning it with the evaluation results and international standards in the future. In 2023, UN Women made substantial strides in collaboration with approximately 20 civil society organizations (CSOs) and women-led organizations at both national and local levels, aiming to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The collective efforts focused on two critical thematic issues: Women Peace and Security (WPS) and gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and preparedness, resulting in impactful outcomes. Sixteen local CSOs/NGOs from the Southern Border Provinces, actively participating in the Coordination Center for Children and Women (CCCW) Committee, along with three national CSOs/NGOs affiliated with the Sub-Committee on Women Peace and Security, played pivotal roles in coordinating the implementation of the Measure and Guideline on Women Peace and Security in the Southern Border Provinces. Their engagement extended to supporting the drafting of the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security. Through consistent advocacy efforts in the field and advisory functions in both national and local mechanisms, these organizations contributed significantly. The Measure and Guideline on WPS, initially implemented in the Southern border provinces, have expanded to the national Action Plan on WPS, creating a broader and more inclusive interpretation of WPS in Thailand and ensuring nationwide implementation. Moreover, in collaboration with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development and the Sustainable Development Foundation, UN Women supported local CSOs and authorities in the Southern Border provinces. This support involved training workshops on gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and conducting research and interviews to equip local authorities and communities with knowledge and skills related to DRR. The series of UN Women's support initiatives led to notable achievements: The Southern Borders Administrative Center (SBPAC), a key government development agency in the Southern Border Provinces, endorsed gender mainstreaming and social inclusion in its organizational policies, enhancing gender-responsive emergency preparedness and risk reduction in the region. Learning platforms increased understanding and capacity for both government and civil society organizations, fostering linkages between gender and climate change, security, and disaster risk reduction. The development of community action plans for disaster preparedness and risk reduction with integrated gender considerations in the plans of targeted communities. The formulation of Standard Operating Procedures for gender-responsive emergency preparedness and risk reduction in communities. UN Women Thailand's contributions have led to substantial policy-level changes, encouraging both national and local governments to integrate gender into their policies and strategies for advancing Women, Peace, and Development (WPD) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). UN Women has also supported the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to develop the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security and the draft was reviewed by the Sub-Committee on Women Peace and Security with comments for further discussion and revision. In 2023, UN Women in partnership with the MSDHS has organised two consultation with gocverment stakeholders in September and October to discuss role of relevant organizations in advancing WPS agenda, existing coordination and monitoring mechanisms, and indicators in order to validate National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security on WPSto for further endorsement in the Committee on the Promotion of the Development of the Status of Women, the National Committee on Policy and Strategy for the Development of the Status of Women,and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The government representative provided fruitful discussion and useful comments on the drfat which were revised accordingly prior to submission to the next step for review and endoresment. The and frutwo consultation meetings included 40 Key national government agencies responsible for WPS advancement.

Legal frameworks and policies to advance women's leadership, women's rights to participate in decision making at national and local levels, and women's access to justice are reformed/ adopted and implemented.

UN Women Thailand played a pivotal role in supporting the development and revision of policy and legal frameworks through multiple approaches, including technical assistance, advocacy, and campaigns in collaboration with relevant line ministries, particularly the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development (DWF). These efforts aim to promote, enforce, and monitor gender equality and non-discrimination, advancing Thailand’s commitment to inclusive and equitable governance. Key Achievements in 2024 include: Strengthening Gender Equality Legislation: The 2015 Gender Equality Act remains a cornerstone of Thailand’s legal framework, prohibiting gender-based discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities in employment, education, and access to public services. In 2024, efforts were made to evaluate and propose amendments to the Act to better align it with international standards and address emerging issues, such as gender-based violence and intersectional discrimination. These revisions reinforce measures to prevent and address gender-based discrimination and harassment, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to progressive legal reform. Marriage Equality Legislation: Thailand made historic progress in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights by becoming the third country in Asia—and the first in Southeast Asia—to recognize same-sex marriage. Following the endorsement of the Marriage Equality Bill by His Majesty the King, the legislation was published in the Royal Gazette on 24 September 2024. It is set to take effect on 23 January 2025, enabling same-sex couples to legally register their marriages. The enactment of this law will result in amendments to over 60 sections of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code to ensure that same-sex couples receive the same legal protections and benefits as heterosexual couples. Key provisions include equal rights in property inheritance, child adoption, and access to other civil protections, marking a significant step forward in promoting equality and inclusivity. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security: The Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, with technical support from UN Women, is currently drafting the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security for further advancement of WPS agenda in the country. As of December 2024, the WPS NAP was endorsed by the Committee on the Promotion of the Status of Women and will be further submitted to the National Committee on Policy and Strategy for the Development of the Status of Women, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Cabinet respectively for adoption in 2025. These legal advancements underscore Thailand’s commitment to promoting gender equality and non-discrimination, while also enhancing women’s roles in decision-making processes related to peace and security. This reflects the country’s dedication to aligning with international human rights standards and advancing inclusive and equitable governance.

Legal frameworks and policies to advance women's leadership, women's rights to participate in decision making at national and local levels, and women's access to justice are reformed/ adopted and implemented.

Compensation for servivals regardless of migration status without discrimination. Techical support on Women Political Emperwerment for local politicians