A recent UN report highlights concerns about systemic discrimination against women in Thailand's justice sector. In particular, experts condemn a policy change at the Royal Police Cadet Academy that effectively bars women from becoming commissioned officers, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes.

"The working group expresses strong regret about the 2018 decision of the Royal Police Cadet Academy, the only police institution in Thailand to produce commissioned police officers, to require the completion of a pre-cadet academy, which is open only to boys. This requirement, which effectively banned women from enrolling in the Academy, is a clear manifestation of gender discrimination and a dangerous precedent that reinforces negative gender stereotypes of women being unfit to work as police officers. While other pathways remain for women to become police officers, the ban has resulted in women missing out on valuable networking and career opportunities, lowering their chance of entering and advancing in the profession. The Working Group therefore strongly urges the Academy to revoke the ban and encourages the Government to expand pathways for women to enter and advance within the justice sector."

This call by the UN Working Group underscores the urgent need for structural reform to ensure that gender equality is upheld within Thailand’s policing institutions and broader justice system. The report serves as a reminder that equal access and representation are essential for building a fair and inclusive society.

**Read more about this news story: here