Thailand Passes Groundbreaking Legislation to Secure Rights of Indigenous Communities, Halting Centuries-Long Discrimination and Sidelining

In a significant step forward for Indigenous Peoples and ethnic minorities in Thailand, the country's parliament endorsed the Ethnic Groups Protection and Promotion Bill on August 6, 2025. The bill, which received 421 votes in favour, three abstentions, and two votes against, marks a historic achievement aimed at safeguarding the rights and cultural heritage of an estimated 6 million Indigenous Peoples and ethnic minorities in the country.

The bill offers opportunities for these communities to assert their identities and advocate for their rights. Nittaya Earkarnna, Director of Inter-Mountain Peoples Education and Culture in Thailand Association, highlighted the potential impact on their security and identities, questioning the government's reluctance to fully recognize the identity of Indigenous Peoples. She stated that the bill provides an opportunity for ethnic minorities to organize themselves, create a network from the grassroots, and build alliances at the national and international level.

The bill is Thailand's first legislation to legally recognize the existence of multiethnic communities in the country. It sets a precedent for the rights of Indigenous Peoples across Asia, following the footsteps of neighbouring countries such as the Philippines, Taiwan, and Nepal, which have advanced the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Council of Indigenous Peoples of Thailand (CIPT), an umbrella organization of Indigenous Peoples, played a significant role in leading the movement for legal recognition and securing the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Thailand. This decade-long effort culminated in the endorsement of the bill, with MP Manop Kiriphuwan describing it as a historic day for the recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand.

However, concerns have been raised about the effective implementation of the bill and the long journey towards full recognition and realization of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand. Phnom Thano, an Indigenous rights activist and journalist, expressed doubt about the effective implementation of the bill. He emphasized the need to raise awareness and strengthen the network of Indigenous Peoples to ensure their rights are protected and promoted.

A sub-committee will be established to study the process of declaring cultural zones, providing a platform for Indigenous Peoples to assert their identity and culture. The bill creates a political space for ethnic groups to thrive in Thailand, offering opportunities for them to transform into a force for nation-building through cultural and ethnic diversity.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was signed by Thailand in 2007. The endorsement of the Ethnic Groups Protection and Promotion Bill marks a significant step towards fulfilling this commitment and ensuring the rights of Indigenous Peoples are protected and promoted in Thailand.

The bill offers a beacon of hope for Indigenous Peoples and ethnic minorities in Thailand, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse nation. As the bill is implemented, it is crucial to ensure the voices of Indigenous Peoples are heard and their rights are protected, ensuring a brighter future for all Thais.