BANGKOK, 24 September 2012 – A Thai representative in the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) has suggested that Thailand should now focus on national developments, rather than preparing to enter the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Thai ACWC representative Suree Chutikul said ASEAN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child covered all issues concerning children. As for Thailand, she indicated that the country gave high priority to three issues, including the increasing violence against children, whether physical, verbal or sexual.
Another issue is the continued violation of laws related to children’s rights, such as the Child Protection Act B.E.2546 and the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E.2550.
Ms Suree remarked that the last issue is the necessity of more work on educational development for Thai children as well as emotional development and physical development.
Regarding Thailand and the AEC, Ms Suree said she did not believe that Thailand would be able to prepare its children for the AEC by the time it entered into force three years from now. She therefore suggested the country to pay more attention to improving itself, rather than preparing for the regional integration.
