The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand was established under Section 199 and 200 of the Constitution as a mechanism to guarantee the respect for human rights. The Commission consists of a President and ten other members appointed, by the King with the advice of the Senate. The President of the Senate countersigns the Royal Command appointing the Commission President and members. Under Section 9&10, Members shall perform their duties with independence and impartiality and shall have regard to the interests of the country and the public and shall be a State official under the organic law on counter corruption. They shall also hold office for a term of six years as from the date of their appointment by the King and shall serve for only one term. The Commission has powers and duties as follows: (1) to promote the respect for and the practice in compliance with human rights principles at domestic and international levels; (2) to examine and report the commission or omission of acts which violate human rights or which do not comply with obligations under international treaties relating to human rights to which Thailand is a party, and propose appropriate remedial measures to the person or agency committing or omitting such acts for taking action. In the case where it appears that no action has been taken as proposed, the Commission shall report to the National Assembly for further proceeding; (3) to propose to the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers policies and recommendations with regard to the revision of laws, rules or regulations for the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights; (4) to promote education, researches and the dissemination of knowledge on human rights; (5) to promote co operation and co ordination among Government agencies, private organizations, and other organizations in the field of human rights; (6) to prepare an annual report for the appraisal of situation in the sphere of human rights in the country and submit it to the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers and disclose to the public; (7) to assess and prepare an annual report of the performance of the Commission and submit it to the National Assembly; (8) to propose opinions to the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly in the case where Thailand is to be a party to a treaty concerning the promotion and protection of human rights; (9) to appoint a sub committee to perform the tasks as entrusted by the Commission; (10) to perform other acts under the provisions of this Act or as the law prescribed to be the powers and duties of the Commission.

COMMISSION MEMBERS