53rd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the on the human rights situation in Thailand
delivered by Ms Marita Sørheim-Rensvik, Minister,
Deputy Permanent Representative.
Check against delivery
9 November 2026
Thank you Chair,
and a warm welcome of the delegation.
Norway welcomes Thailand’s participation in the UPR and recognizes the progress made on legislation addressing torture and enforced disappearance and the accession to the ICPPED. However, we remain concerned about shrinking civic space and the insufficient protection for refugees and human rights defenders.
Norway recommends that Thailand:
- Prevent refoulement by ensuring access to the national screening mechanism, individual risk assessments, legal assistance, and effective review before any removal.
- Protect human rights defenders from threats, reprisals, unlawful surveillance and abusive litigation through accessible protection measures, effective investigations and remedies.
- Fully implement legislation on enforced disappearances and torture, guaranteeing safeguards from the outset of detention, and ratify OPCAT and establish an independent national preventive mechanism.
- Review the lèse-majesté law and other legislation affecting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly to ensure conformity with international human rights law and discontinue criminal proceedings against individuals for peacefully exercising these rights.
We wish you a successful review.
Thank you