Pundits slam 'bid to curb' civil groups

Pundits slam 'bid to curb' civil groups

Academics and experts have slammed a bill which they say attempts to impose state control over non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

A clause was added to the bill on the promotion and development of civil society organisations, which subjects civil society groups and NGOs to unwarranted regulations, a seminar was told.

The bill, sponsored by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, was approved in principle by the cabinet on Feb 23. The clause was deemed problematic by participants of the seminar in Bangkok this week.

The clause requires NGOs and civil society groups to register with the Department Of Provincial Administration or face criminal action. Their activities must also comply with strict criteria, specified methodology and conditions set by the interior minister.

Also, foreign donations received by the organisations can only be used to finance certain activities. The sources of funds to pay for activities may be disclosed and the money must be audited and filed as income tax annually to the Revenue Department.

Jitti Mongkolchai-aranya, a lecturer at the School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, said the bill should aim to strengthen non-governmental and civil society organisations. However, it seeks to do the opposite by imposing control over them.

The bill reflects a bureaucratic mindset that is bent on imposing regulations and orders which run counter to promoting inclusiveness and participation, the academic said. If f it reaches parliament and is passed with that clause remaining intact, it would inhibit an organisation's ability to act independently, he said.

Sappasit Khumprapan, an education and civil society expert, said the government must accept the fact they need NGOs to help implement policies and programmes. NGOs play an important role in local administration and their work complements that of state agencies.

Shining examples of local-level, non-governmental individuals are public health volunteers, widely known as aor sor mor, who are credited with conducting surveillance and containing the spread of the Covid-19 outbreaks in the provinces.

Sunee Chairos, a former national human rights commissioner, said the push for a law aimed at the work of NGOs and civil society groups has been in the pipeline for at least five years.

A draft law was put forth, which subsequently passed a public hearing. However, the government added the control-seeking clause later which Ms Sunee described was an insult to the initial aim of the bill.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)