Manushya Foundation submitted a report titled, “Defenders of Land, Sea, and Life: Indigenous Peoples’ Struggle Against Dispossession, SLAPPs, and False Climate Solutions in Thailand”, in response to a call for input on Demarcation, registration and titling of Indigenous Peoples' lands, territories and resources, to inform the 2026 thematic report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to be presented at the UN General Assembly.

 

The submission reveals the multiple land violations suffered by Indigenous Peoples all over Thailand. Affected by both severe environmental conservation legislations and growing tourism and industry development projects, they oppose injustice and violence. Relying on the experiences of Indigenous Peoples gathered during the community-led UPR workshops held across Thailand from October 2025 to January 2026, it also exposes the HRDs endless fight for justice facing abusive SLAPP prosecutions.

 

Finally, the report brings recommendations to Thailand, calling for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples and their central role as guardians of the forests, revision of legislations that violate their rights, respect of their Free Prior and Informed Consent related to project management in their lands, and adoption of an effective anti-SLAPP legislation to ensure the protection of HRDs.