Abstract

Thailand’s strength to uphold human rights remains crucial in developing a positive international standard. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an extensive research debate to ensure human rights’ adequateness and protective framework. The objective of this research is to enrich our understanding of the legal frameworks related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1984 (CAT), and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017), which are significant legal instruments that impact the international and national population. This study adopted a comprehensive SWOT-PESTEL methodology, which involves internal variable assessment through Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats (SWOT) and external variables, including Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environment, and Legal (PESTEL). Case studies and the legal positivism approach are integrated to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of international and national legal frameworks. The research findings emphasize the need for Thailand to revise the National Human Rights Commission and relevant laws. Therefore, ensure the conduct of responsible investigations and the creation of a specialized court for protecting human rights, considering the limited availability of experts, specialists, judges, lawyers, prosecutors, researchers, academics, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).