Law needed to pull Thai investors into line, Thai and Myanmar groups say
COMMUNITY groups in Thailand and Myanmar have urged protection of human rights and prevention of environmental impacts – after Thai entrepreneurs were reported to have carried out abusive and environmentally damaging acts in neighbouring countries.
Some 27 Thai non-government groups and the Dawei Development Association (DDA), a communal rights group in Myanmar, issued statements Sunday urging the Thai and Myanmar governments, plus Thai companies to follow the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and international rights treaties.
The groups said rising investment by Thai companies in neighbouring states such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia had stirred growing concerns over a lack of accountability in regard to human rights and environmental impacts.
The organisations urged the Thai government to follow recommendations of a Cabinet resolution from May 16 last year, which established mechanisms to try to ensure that the private sector respects the fundamental rights of local communities.