Human rights in Patani (the Southern Border Provinces) remain shaped by more than two decades of conflict and the normalisation of exceptional security governance. Overlapping special security laws continue to affect civilian life and access to justice, including through exceptional detention powers, weakened procedural safeguards, and barriers to effective oversight and remedy. Peaceful discussion of self-determination, Malay identity, and future governance has also resulted in criminal proceedings, while serious conflict-related violations continue to be marked by persistent gaps in accountability. These dynamics constrain public debate and undermine meaningful participation in efforts to resolve the conflict.

During its 3rd UPR cycle, Thailand received no recommendation specifically addressing the human rights situation in Patani/the Southern Border Provinces. However, this assessment identifies 18 relevant recommendations concerning freedom of expression and civic space, human rights defenders, torture and enforced disappearance, minority rights, and women’s participation in public life. Thailand supported 17 and noted one. Of these, only one has been implemented, while eight have been partially implemented and nine remain unimplemented. Thailand has taken important steps, including enacting the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act B.E. 2565 (2022) and ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2024. Despite these steps, major gaps in implementation persist, particularly in relation to civic space, detention safeguards, accountability and effective remedy, and meaningful participation in the peace process.