In February 2021, the Thai Cabinet approved in principle the draft Act on the Operation of Not-for-profit Organisations. This law would enable Thai officials to unilaterally order the temporary or permanent closure of non-profit organisations that, through their actions, adversely affect Thailand’s relations with countries. The international community has condemned the draft law since it would systematically violate fundamental rights like freedom of association and freedom of expression of non-profit organisations. Additionally, its provisions would restrict the collaboration between local and foreign CSOs. After resistance and pushback from both domestic and international stakeholders, the draft law was temporarily put on hold. In this podcast episode, Kunthika Nutcharut talks to Asia Centre about what drove the momentum of this draft law and forecasts its future after the 2023 general election.

Kunthika Nutcharut has been a lawyer since 2015. She moved back from abroad and chose to become a lawyer who helps young Thai political activists with cases related to freedom of expression. She is best known for her role as a criminal defense attorney, where she represents many of the leading political cases in Thailand at the moment.