Visit to Thailand of U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights

Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall visited the Kingdom of Thailand March 25-28 to engage senior government officials and representatives of civil society on issues of importance to the 183 year-old U.S.-Thailand partnership and the region. She reiterated the U.S. commitment to partnering with the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand in successfully combating the challenge of human trafficking. She urged Thailand to restore democratic governance and stressed the importance of ensuring full respect for freedom of expression and other human rights and fundamental freedoms in order to secure stable and sustainable governance and institutions.

Under Secretary Sewall raised the importance of Thailand continuing its long tradition of providing protection to refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable persons seeking safe haven. During a visit to Songkhla province, she highlighted the value of an inclusive peace process to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the Kingdom’s Deep South. At an anti-hate crimes training at the U.S.-Thai joint International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Bangkok, she emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to fight crime, promote respect for human rights and ensure equal legal protections for all people under the law.

For further information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Bangkok atPressBKK@state.gov.