The respect and protection of fundamental freedoms remains largely unchanged since the
submission of the baseline snapshot. There are some troubling developments looming,
however. Non-profit organisations still risk losing their freedoms to operate under the draft Act
on Associations and Foundations, which is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Interior.
In late February 2025, the Thai government deported 48 Uyghur detainees to China, despite
assuring civil society and international organisations otherwise. Individuals prosecuted for
exercising their right to free speech continue to face fair trial rights violations in court. Notably,
American academic Dr. Paul Chambers was charged under lèse-majesté for allegedly posting
statements inviting people to join a webinar on military and police reshuffles in Thailand. The
threat of criminal prosecution for exercising academic freedom sets a chilling precedent on
the academic space in Thailand.
