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Article 20

“A modern state should have the maturity to accept
that the rights of expression are a justifiable means

for the public to hold the ruler accountable”

Commentary

Mr. Dej-udom Krairit
Mr. Dej-udom Krairit, Chairperson of the Lawyers assembly) are not effectively respected in
Council of Thailand, expresses his view that since Thailand because both articles encourage the
Thailand adopted the Universal Declaration of poor and the marginalized to use their voices, to
Human Rights 60 years ago, the Thai government claim their rights, thereby disrupting the social
has had a tendency to violate the right to hierarchy. “A modern state should have the
peaceful assembly, even to this day. This is maturity to accept that the rights of expression
somewhat inconsistent with the democratic stipulated in these two articles are a justifiable
development that has taken place in Thai society, means for the public to hold the ruler
he says. accountable. It is important that the government
respects these principles,” he asserts.
Mr. Krairit explains that there are two types of
human rights that are open to interpretation. In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the
First, individual rights that need to be protected Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he
and ensured; and second, the right to free suggests that an emphasis should be given to
expression and free will. The rights in the second creating more understanding on how the law
category are sometimes questioned as to should be interpreted in different social
whether or not they infringe on individual rights. circumstances. “A law or a declaration will be
According to Mr. Krairit, this issue is often strictly abided by, only when its principle is well
exploited in Thailand to suppress the right to understood by the general public. It is the duty of
peaceful assembly. the United Nations to support the development
of legal education, dissemination of legal
He also adds that Article 19 of the Universal information, and legal enforcement at all levels,”
Declaration (regarding freedom of expression) concludes Mr. Krairit.
and Article 20 (regarding freedom to peaceful

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