In a context where the security forces operate in many instances beyond Parliamentary control and that ordinary judicial recourse is usually fruitless or unavailable to most citizens, there is an urgent need to reform aspects of the legal-institutional framework to enhance the level of official transparency and accountability. The US State Department has reported that the police have been responsible for the summary execution and torture of criminal suspects. Thailand's record of adhesion to international human rights treaties indicates a certain ambivalence on the part of the state to the concepts of the universality and indivisibility of human rights. The Thai perception is markedly different from the international interpretation of human rights which advocates the rights of all persons without discrimination. Discrimination is still apparent in laws and social policies relating to the roles and position of women.
Women continue to be the victims of the hierarchical and paternalistic legal and social structures.
Much work is needed to broaden the notion of democracy and human rights to benefit women and the girl child at all levels. Paternalism, authoritarianism and excessive nationalism have also contributed to discriminatory practices against children. Discrimination, in this respect, is connected to the pervasive belief in Thai society that children should be grateful to the parents and show filial duty by undertaking merit-making tasks for their parents. At particular risk are the girl child, child labourers, children in prostitution and children of non-Thais on Thai soil. As a result of the numerous conflicts in the region, Thailand has received an influx of refugees from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and more recently Burma.