Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Stepping up against discrimination
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 14/03/2026
» Amidst the global turmoil happening today, it is easy to yield to a sense of despair and despondency. Yet, there are positive changes at the national-local level which seem incremental at first glance, but which are, in reality, monumental; they act as a gentle palliative projecting hope. On this front, Thailand experienced a sense of elation a year ago, when the possibility of same-sex marriage became the norm in the country due to reform of the Thai Civil Code.
Bridge-building for ethnic concerns
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 08/05/2025
» Recent months have witnessed intense negotiations in Thailand's parliament concerning the proposed new law on the protection and promotion of the livelihood of ethnic groups. Can the various gaps be truly bridged?
Supporting women as bridge-builders
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 28/03/2025
» How is the situation of women's rights and their role as bridge-builders today, connecting the multilateral and local settings? A recent seminar at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted by its International Studies Center, elaborated upon the situation in a world that is witnessing tumultuous changes.
What's next after same-sex marriage?
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 20/01/2025
» Jan 23, 2025 will be remembered as a historic day for both Thailand and Southeast Asia. As a result of the amendments to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code -- which will come into effect on that day, 120 days after it was royally endorsed in the final months of 2024 -- same-sex couples will be able to register their marriage, and enjoy the rights of spouses under the law, regardless of their gender, without discrimination.
Reimagining human rights and China?
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 23/09/2024
» Should human rights be reimagined, especially in the context of China? From one angle, the answer is obvious. Plenty of norms are already agreed upon globally without the need for reimagination, and China is part of that universality. Yet given the situation on the ground level and the evolving nature of human rights, there might be room for some innovative reimagination, and this deserves balanced reflection.
From Asian values to Asian narratives?
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 01/07/2024
» A debate is emerging over whether Asia should claim its own "narratives". The humble onlooker might well ask whether this is another version, a cliché, of the "Asian values" of the 1990s.
Govt kindles same-sex marriage hopes
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 23/11/2023
» The top of the executive branch has given a welcome signal that it will fast-track in parliament a law to recognise same-sex marriage in Thailand.
Heed the global messages against discrimination
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 03/02/2022
» The past couple of months have seen two global developments sending strong messages against discrimination and exclusion. On Jan 13, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a key resolution against denial of the Holocaust, advocating stronger action against such a refutation on an international level.
Advocating for Afghan girls' education
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 20/10/2021
» Afghanistan is a rugged country of great beauty straddling Asia and Europe, and it has been the scene of warfare and contestation for decades. The Taliban, a group connected to extreme violence, especially in the late 1990s, emerged as the power in control of Afghanistan recently, due to the void left by outsiders. This is their second time in power and the world can remember all too well that from the mid-1990s until 2001, their rule at the time was harsh and brutal, especially in their clampdown on the rights of women and girls. The latter suffered immensely from a lack of access to school, while the former were also prevented from employment.
Same sex civil unions: off to a good start
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 12/07/2018
» The momentum towards the passage of a law in Thailand to register same sex civil unions is most heartening and needs our fullest support. This is especially because it will legitimise mutual love and friendship without discrimination and without distinction.