Thailand
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
34 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
39 / 100
Not Free
While its 2023 elections were comparatively open and competitive, Thailand's leading opposition party, Move Forward, was blocked from forming a government by the military-appointed Senate. Press freedom remains constrained, due process is not guaranteed, and there is impunity for crimes committed against activists.
Research & Recommendations
Thailand
Not Free
34
100
| PR Political Rights | 11 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 23 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
36
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Following five years of direct military rule, Thailand transitioned to a military-dominated, semielected government in 2019. Protests calling for further democratic reform in 2020 and 2021 prompted authorities to use repressive tactics including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, lèse-majesté charges, and harassment. While 2023 elections were comparatively open and competitive, the leading opposition party, Move Forward, was blocked from forming a government by the military-appointed Senate and subsequently dissolved by the Constitutional Court. The second-largest opposition group, the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), entered government in coalition with several military-aligned parties, but its initial prime minister was later removed by the same court over an alleged ethics violation, signaling the continued dominance of the country’s unelected institutions. Press freedom remains constrained, due process is not guaranteed, and there is impunity for crimes committed against activists.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Thailand
Not Free
39
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 17 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 14 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 8 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
39
100
Not Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Following five years of direct military rule, Thailand transitioned to a military-dominated, semielected government in 2019. Protests calling for further democratic reform in 2020 and 2021 prompted authorities to use repressive tactics including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, lèse-majesté charges, and harassment. While 2023 elections were comparatively open and competitive, the leading opposition party, Move Forward, was blocked from forming a government by the military-appointed Senate and subsequently dissolved by the Constitutional Court. The second-largest opposition group, the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), entered government in coalition with several military-aligned parties, but its initial prime minister was later removed by the same court over an alleged ethics violation, signaling the continued dominance of the country’s unelected institutions. Press freedom remains constrained, due process is not guaranteed, and there is impunity for crimes committed against activists.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
For decades, Thailand has served as a haven for people escaping war and political repression in countries throughout Southeast Asia and the broader region. However, protection for individuals from foreign governments in Thailand is limited and ad hoc.
Policy Recommendations: Transnational Repression
Raising awareness about the threat of transnational repression.
Like-minded governments and international organizations should work together to highlight the threat of transnational repression and establish international norms for addressing it.
Limiting the ability of perpetrators to commit transnational repression.
This includes agreeing on a common definition of transnational repression, and prohibiting the use of Interpol notices on their own to deny immigration or asylum benefits or conduct arrests.
Bringing accountability for acts of transnational repression.
Among other tactics, governments should deploy a robust strategy for targeted sanctions against perpetrators of transnational repression.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
34
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
39
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 71,700,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
May 14, 2023
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
69.72%
Election Year
2023
Vulnerability Index
30
/ 100
Transnational Repression
STATUS
HOST COUNTRY
KEY ORIGIN STATES:
Cambodia, China, Laos, Vietnam
BEST PRACTICES
Cooperation with UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Responsive to pressure from civil society about incidents
