Ethnic Protection Bill
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| Ethnic Protection Act (draft) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Thailand | |
| |
| Territorial extent | Thailand |
| Considered by | |
| Legislative history | |
| Second reading | 5 February 2025 |
| Third reading | 5 February 2025 |
| First reading | 17 February 2025 |
| Status: Pending | |
The Bill on the Protection and Promotion of Ethnic Ways of Life (Thai: ร่างพระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองและส่งเสริมวิถีชีวิตกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์), commonly known as the Ethnic Protection Bill, is a proposed Thai law to recognize and enshrine the rights of ethnic communities in Thailand.[1][2][3][4]
Background
[edit]As of May 2025, Thailand has an indigenous population of 6 million.[5] These include over 60 ethnic groups, including Moken, Mlabri, Karen, and Mani.[3] Indigenous peoples in Thailand face discrimination and eviction from ancestral lands as a result of modern conservation laws, and include a large number of stateless individuals.[5][6]
Legislative history
[edit]On 5 February 2025, the House of Representatives passed the third reading of the bill 312 to 84, with 2 abstentions and 4 absences.[2]
The bill does not include the term "indigenous peoples", which serves as a point of contention for lawmakers.[7][8][9][10]
On February 17, 2025, the Senate voted 160–1 to pass the bill in principle, with three abstentions, establishing a 27-member special committee.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "A licence for eviction? Thailand's ethnic protection bill sparks fierce opposition". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ a b "Parliament passes Ethnic Way of Life bill despite opposition from civil society | Prachatai English". prachataienglish.com. 2025-02-14. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ a b Editorial (2024-09-29). "Legal protection for ethnic groups". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ bussarin (2025-02-04). "ส่องรายละเอียด หมวด 5 มาตรา 27 พื้นที่คุ้มครองวิถีชีวิตกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์ สาเหตุที่ประเทศไทยยังคงต้องรอกฎหมายชาติพันธุ์ต่อไป". iLaw (in Thai). Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ a b Wachpanich, Nicha (2025-05-17). "Will Thailand finally recognise its six million indigenous citizens?". HaRDstories. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "A licence for eviction? Thailand's ethnic protection bill sparks fierce opposition". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Wachpanich, Nicha (2024-09-27). "A battle over words derails ethnic recognition in Thailand". HaRDstories. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Bridge-Building for Ethnic Concerns and Indigenous Identity". nationthailand. 2025-05-19. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "Parliament removes "indigenous" from Ethnic Way of Life bill | Prachatai English". prachataienglish.com. 2025-01-22. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Muntarbhorn, Vitit (2025-05-08). "Bridge-building for ethnic concerns". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "สว. รับหลักการ 'กม.ชาติพันธุ์' ตั้ง กมธ.ถกร่างฯ ใน 30 วัน" [The Senate accepts the principle of the 'Ethnicity Act', establishing a committee to discuss the draft within 30 days]. theactive. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
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