The Permanent Secretary of Labour revealed that Amnesty International applied for a license to work as a foreign NGO in Thailand after the original license expired. A committee was set up to consider many aspects, including past activities.
Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, revealed that Amnesty International Limited (AI) has applied for a license to operate as a foreign NGO to the Ministry of Labour, as their original license, which was issued on August 26, 2020, expired on January 20, 2022. The Foreign NGO Operations Committee will consider the approval of such a license, which has the Department of Employment as a member and secretary. This committee has the authority to oversee and inspect the activities of foreign NGOs to be in line with the rules under the regulations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on the entry of foreign NGOs operations in Thailand B.E. 2541 and the Foreign NGO Operations Committee’s regulations on the criteria for consideration and practice regarding the entry of foreign NGOs operations in Thailand and the establishment of regional offices in Thailand B.E. 2543. An authorized organization must operate without profit or not for political results, that is, not carrying out activities or any project with a hidden agenda in any manner suggesting, dominating, or influencing, which may affect public order or violate Thai law and affect national security.
The Permanent Secretary of Labour added that the Department of Employment sent a letter to the office and finance managers of Amnesty International to clarify the operating guidelines of foreign private organizations in asking for cooperation to carry out various activities with caution and impartiality conduct activities with all groups equally. They requested cooperation not to provoke unrest, closely coordinate operations with government agencies, and submit a report on the performance every six months. Amnesty International had not submitted its performance report as required. There are also statements, criticisms, news, and videos of the organization that was published during the period permitted for consideration by the Committee, on whether it impacts the confidence towards the Institute of the Constitutional Court, the judicial process, the legislative process, and the image of the Thai government, or not.
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Division of Public Relations
15 February 2022
