“Section 26(4) of the Organic Act and Section 247(4) of the 2017 Constitution empower the NHRCT to ‘report correct facts without delay in case where there is an incorrect or unfair report on the human rights situation in Thailand.

From the information before it, the SCA understands that the NHRCT has exercised this function on a number of occasions in response to reports from foreign governments and international civil society organizations that were critical of the Government of Thailand. The SCA is concerned that this function compromises the actual or perceived independence of the NHRCT.

It acknowledges that the NHRCT has taken up this matter with the National Assembly and encourages the NHRCT to continue to advocate for the removal of this provision, to avoid any actual or perceived impact on its independence.”