Thailand’s proposed “Associations and Foundations” legislation threatens civil society organizations (CSOs) and media exiles from Myanmar based in the previously tolerant kingdom, according to rights groups.
Numerous CSOs and media outlets fled to Thailand after the February 2021 coup in Myanmar as the military regime oppressed media freedom, human rights work and humanitarian aid.
Last month Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior drafted the Association and Foundations Bill.
Critics say the legislation would force groups already operating under severe security and resource challenges to close, risking vital advocacy and humanitarian work.
The proposed law says groups in Thailand must register or face a US$3,000 fine. The organizations must have at least 30 Thai members, including more than half the leadership.
The International Center For Not-For-Profit Law said this month that criminal penalties like fines and imprisonment for failing to register meant the legislation would criminalize the fundamental freedom of association.
The group said international law prohibits the imposition of criminal penalties against non-profit organizations for not registering with the authorities and other minor transgressions.
The center said the proposed restrictions could violate a non-profit organization’s right to privacy, adding that international law requires minimal government interference in non-profit activities.
Human Rights Myanmar (HRM) said the proposed law would violate international laws protecting freedom of association which could severely impact groups from Myanmar, which are unable to register due to safety concerns.
The group said the requirement for Thai majority leadership barred groups from Myanmar from operating in Thailand as many members lacked clear legal status in Thailand.
It said the legislation would allow the Thai government to directly interfere or shut down organizations from Myanmar and suppress their ability to function.
The registration process would require organizations to publicly disclose their leadership in the national gazette and display a sign at their offices.
The bill would allow the Thai authorities to inspect offices and documents, including meeting notes, notices, new member lists and balance sheets. It would allow them to dissolve organizations or dismiss the leadership for vague reasons, such as threats to “peace or public order”.
Under the proposed legislation, organizations would need to report large foreign donations to the Thai authorities and prohibit redistribution to partner organizations.
HRM said CSOs and media outlets depended on foreign funding and the restrictions would add bureaucratic hurdles and prevent groups from collaborating with other organizations or distributing resources effectively.
The rights group said the proposed law would ruin Thailand’s reputation as a safe haven for those fleeing bloodshed in Myanmar.
The group called on the Thai government to withdraw the bill or to relax current restrictions on CSOs and media groups in Thailand.
