Thailand, which has abstained at the vote on most recent UNGA resolutions on a moratorium on the death penalty, is at a critical time in its journey towards abolition. It is close to mark ten years without any executions, in 2019. This would be an important landmark which, coupled with a commitment not to implement death sentences, would allow for its reclassification as an “abolitionist in practice” country. Furthermore, the Thai authorities have committed to eliminate capital punishment in the Third National Human Rights Action plan, due to be implemented by 2018. In light of this progress and these commitments to further steps, Amnesty International is calling on the Government of Thailand to secure positive and concrete human rights change on the death penalty, which would resonate in the Asia-Pacific region and more broadly.
