Bangkok: The National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with its network partners, has declared a resolute commitment to combat discrimination and corruption in pursuit of equal human rights, as articulated at the 2026 National Human Rights Assembly.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Human Rights Commission organized the '2026 Human Rights Assembly' under the theme 'Human Rights in Action: Equality for all - Stop discrimination, stop corruption, for equal rights.' Ms. Pornprapai Kanchanarin, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, emphasized in her opening remarks that the Assembly, held for the fifth consecutive year, offers a neutral platform for addressing issues, sharing perspectives, and forming policy proposals for government action. The Assembly's resolutions from the previous year showed progress in areas such as environmental rights, elderly rights, due process, the intersection of human rights and artificial intelligence, and labor rights.
The 2026 Assembly concentrated on eliminating discrimination and corruption as they pertain to human rights. Discrimination and corruption jointly contribute to social injustice by unfairly depriving groups of rights and misallocating public resources. The Assembly sought to address not only the individuals responsible but also the systemic issues perpetuating these problems.
Ms. Sarinee Achavanuntakul, Managing Director of Knowledge Development at Pa Sala Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote address on the concept of "state takeover," which extends beyond conventional corruption. She discussed how interest groups manipulate laws and policies for personal gain, undermining public interest and citizen rights. She highlighted instances such as disproportionate electricity rates, restrictive telecommunications mergers, and legislative amendments favoring private interests.
The Assembly also noted that civil society organizations and individuals exposing coups face legal threats, while the justice system can be swayed by personal interests. Proposed solutions include drafting a new constitution to ensure independent autonomy, protecting media and individuals from SLAPP lawsuits, amending competition laws to prevent monopolies, and incorporating conflicts of interest in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The Assembly called for moral courage across all sectors, integrity among government officials, and active public oversight to prevent coups and promote justice.