A/HRC/19/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twelfth session from 3 to 14 October 2011. The review of Thailand was held at the 6th meeting on 5 October 2011. The delegation of Thailand was headed by Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Special Envoy of the Royal Thai Government. At its 10th meeting held on 7 October 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Thailand. 2. On 20 June 2011, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Thailand: Cuba, Indonesia and Nigeria. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Thailand: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/THA/1 and Corr.1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/THA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/THA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Thailand through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. In its opening statement, the delegation stated that the UPR process had helped to promote dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues among all stakeholders. In particular, 14 consultations were held between Government agencies and civil society organizations, with a view to identifying human rights progress and challenges, and five public hearings on the draft national report were held in all regions. The review process provided an opportunity for self-assessment on the human rights situation and served as a catalyst for change in society, particularly in terms of human rights awareness-raising among all stakeholders. 6. Thailand was a party to a number of international human rights instruments, including seven core treaties, and had been considering becoming a party to other human rights treaties and withdrawing reservations made under some treaties. 7. The delegation provided information on the new Government’s commitment to further promote democracy and prioritize human rights in its policies. Thailand indicated that it had achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals, including reducing the poverty rate. Fifteen years public education has been ensured to all children. The right to health has been guaranteed through improved health security and the Universal Healthcare Coverage Scheme. The delegation also provided information about the Government’s efforts to protect marginalized groups, such as children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, ethnic groups and migrants. 3