During the 3rd UPR cycle in November 2021, Thailand received 278 recommendations from 106 States, of which it supported 218 and noted 60. Only one recommendation explicitly referred to sex workers: Finland called on Thailand to guarantee access to an adequate standard of health services for all, including sex workers. However, several other supported recommendations are directly relevant to their rights, including commitments to improve national human rights legislation; ensure safe working conditions and social protection; combat discrimination against women, LGBTIQ+ persons and migrant workers; prevent abuse by law-enforcement authorities; and ensure respect for human rights while combating trafficking.

Since the 3rd UPR, Thailand has taken limited steps towards reform. In October 2023, the offence of public solicitation under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996) was converted from a criminal offence into a non-criminal Pinai regulatory offence. Between 2021 and 2023, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security also worked with EMPOWER Foundation, relevant State agencies and experts on a draft Protection of Sex Work Services Bill, which underwent two rounds of public consultation and was finalized in November 2023. In August 2026, the Cabinet acknowledged the CEDAW Committee’s Concluding Observations and directed relevant agencies to expedite priority measures, including the decriminalization of women engaged in sex work.

However, this assessment shows that Thailand has not substantively advanced the human rights protection of sex workers since the 3rd UPR cycle. The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996) remains in force and consensual adult sex work and related activities continue to be criminalized. Sex workers remain excluded from effective labour and social protection, while fear of arrest or prosecution deters them from reporting violence, exploitation and workplace abuses. Documented cases also indicate continuing police harassment, entrapment and extortion. Anti-trafficking laws and enforcement practices continue to conflate consensual adult sex work with trafficking, while comprehensive legislative reform remains stalled despite commitments to decriminalization and meaningful participation of sex workers.