Civic space in Thailand remains severely restricted by the continued criminalisation of political expression and peaceful assembly, prolonged proceedings and detention, and the weaponisation of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) against human rights defenders, journalists, community leaders and others speaking on matters of public interest. In May 2026, Thailand was reported having the highest number of SLAPP cases filed annually among ASEAN countries. Children and youth remain particularly exposed to prosecution and other restrictions when exercising their rights to expression and peaceful assembly.

During its 3rd UPR cycle, Thailand received 39 recommendations relevant to the civic space issues addressed in this factsheet, of which it supported 17 and noted 22. In its final response, Thailand supported 11 of 18 recommendations concerning freedom of expression and eight of 16 concerning freedom of peaceful assembly. It noted all 12 recommendations concerning Section 112 of the Criminal Code, while supporting Belgium’s recommendation to enact legal protection against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Recommendations also addressed civil society space, protection of human rights defenders, and investigations into harassment and attacks against them. These commitments have not translated into effective protection: restrictive laws continue to be applied against peaceful civic and political activity, while safeguards against abusive litigation remain narrow and ineffective.