PUBLISHED: 9 Mar 2025 at 05: 47
The state will be unrelenting in its press for gender equality by eliminating gender-biased regulations and tackling local assault, says government official Jirayu Houngsub.
The note was made on Saturday by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to indicate International Women’s Day.
Mr Jirayu said the top delivered a discourse celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day, honouring the fight against sex discrimination and the achievement of equal right, options, and justice for people.
He noted that Thailand is among 60 countries world-wide– and 10 in Asia– that have had a female head. Also, the state ranks third worldwide for the highest proportion of female Directors, reflecting its dedication to gender equality.
Ms Paetongtarn expressed confidence people can assume leadership roles in all areas and achieve their goals without their identity being an problem.
She thanked those who have worked to fight discrimination, change political conventions, and develop options for Thai people.
She acknowledged problems persist, including gender-based crime, societal expectations rooted in sexism, an emphasis on children’s look over their abilities, and domestic crime.
She called for collective efforts to make Thailand an inclusive space for all genders.
Ms Paetongtarn added the government is committed to promoting gender equality in all settings through various policies, including amending discriminatory laws, eradicating domestic violence, extending maternity leave, improving access to quality childcare, and supporting the Thai Women Empowerment Fund.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who chairs the National Health Security Office ( NHSO ), highlighted the role of Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, in ensuring healthcare equality for Thai women.
He stressed that breast cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer among Thai women, adding the NHSO has expanded benefits to cover mammograms and ultrasounds for at-risk women aged 40 and above with a family history of breast cancer.
Democrat Party spokeswoman Janejira Rattanapian emphasised that International Women’s Day should drive real and meaningful change rather than serve as a symbolic occasion.
” The day shouldn’t be about honouring women with words.
” We must back them up with policies that recognise their roles,” Ms Janejira said, insisting more political positions must be opened to women and that the gender pay gap must be narrowed.
Equally important, she said, is the need to establish safe spaces to protect women from all forms of violence.
Ms Janejira called for three key changes– equal access to leadership positions in politics and workplaces, stronger legal protections against gender-based violence, and economic support for women.
This support, she said, should extend to single mothers and informal workers.