UNDP conducted a study on “Laws and Measures Addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)” at the request of the Ministry of Justice to support the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights and the promotion of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in Thailand. This initiative is supported by the European Union.

The study illustrates patterns in SLAPP in the context of business and human rights in Thailand based on 109 cases from 1997 to 2022. It also presents an overview of the human rights defenders most affected, the business sectors most commonly involved, the types of proceedings brought and the most common charges. 

The study also analyzes gaps and challenges in implementing existing mechanisms for managing SLAPP cases and provides recommendations to key stakeholders including the judicial sector, government agencies, state-owned enterprises and businesses. The study has been submitted to the National Committee on the NAP Implementation.

UNDP is committed to working with its partners, including government agencies, business communities, human rights defenders and civil society, to translate the results of this study into concrete action and to further ensure full realization of human rights for all and successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Thailand.