In this submission, the Climate Justice Working Group of the Thai CSOs Coalition for the UPR (Manushya Foundation, Indigenous Women's Network of Thailand (IWNT), The Green World Network, Sab Wai Villagers, Phichit Villagers, Ka Boe Din Villagers, Tanah Kita Network, the Network of People Affected by the Pak Mun Dam, The Patani RESOURCE, Freedom of Bird, The Saiburi River Youth Network, HomeNet Thailand, Young Pride Foundation, Indigenous Women’s Association for Development (IWAD) examine Thailand’s failure to ensure climate justice and uphold human rights in the context of land governance, environmental protection, and climate policies, in light of recommendations accepted during the third UPR cycle (2021). It centres the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and frontline communities disproportionately impacted by conservation and development projects, highlighting systemic exclusion, lack of meaningful participation, and barriers to justice and remedy.

 

During the third UPR cycle, Thailand received nine recommendations on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, land, forest governance, and community participation in climate policies, all of which it supported. Yet none have been fully implemented, as affected communities remain excluded from decision-making. Thailand also received nine recommendations on ensuring a safe environment for human rights defenders; seven were supported and two noted. However, no effective protection against SLAPPs has been established, and climate defenders continue to face prosecution. Notably, Thailand received no recommendations on environmental pollution or access to remedy for communities affected by climate change and harmful policies, despite the severity of these impacts.

 

Deep concern arises from systemic failures in Thailand’s land, environmental, and climate governance, which disproportionately impact Indigenous Peoples and marginalized communities. Forest-dwelling communities are criminalised and evicted despite their role in protecting ecosystems, while polluting industries continue to receive State support. Development and climate projects proceed without meaningful consultation, causing environmental harm and loss of livelihoods. These impacts are compounded by discrimination, with Indigenous women, LGBTQIA+ persons, and informal workers facing heightened vulnerability. Human rights defenders are targeted by SLAPPs, and access to effective remedies remains limited due to weak and inaccessible mechanisms. These patterns reflect the absence of inclusive, rights-based governance and undermine climate justice in Thailand.

 

This submission demonstrates that Thailand’s forest land reclamation and climate policies result in human rights violations, structured as follows:

• Section 2 examines false climate solutions: greenwashing policies resulting in the exclusion and criminalisation of forest-dwelling communities.

• Section 3 addresses development projects impacting community rights and the environment.

• Section 4 analyses environmental pollution and its impacts on health and livelihoods.

• Section 5 highlights climate governance gaps and unequal impacts on communities.

• Section 6 focuses on the exclusion of Indigenous women.

• Section 7 assesses barriers to effective access to remedy.

• Section 8 sets out recommendations.