National —
On December 13th, 2024, the UN Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls (WGDAWG) held a press conference after its first visit to Thailand, invited by the Thai government.
Representatives Heina Lu and Ivana Krstić evaluated Thailand’s progress and challenges in achieving gender equality. Their discussions spanned Bangkok, Mae Sot, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai, focusing on women and girls facing overlapping forms of discrimination.
The report praised Thailand’s advancements in women’s rights in education, healthcare, and employment. However, concerns remain about enforcement gaps in policies that hinder gender equality.
The UN urged the government to allocate gender-sensitive budgets and strengthen national mechanisms supporting women’s initiatives.
Krstić highlighted the impact of technology on sexual violence, including cyberbullying and harmful data exposure, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards.
The group also recommended decriminalizing sex work to ensure equitable healthcare access and integrating victim support services. Despite efforts, insufficient staffing at support centers remains a challenge to providing equal access to basic services.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
