CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/THA/CO/2 17 March 2006 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Forty-first session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: Thailand 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of Thailand (CRC/C/83/Add.15) at its 1113rd and 1115th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.1113 and 1115) held on 24 January 2006, and adopted at the 1120th meeting (CRC/C/SR.1120), held on 27 January 2006, the following concluding observations: A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the second periodic report submitted by the State party and the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/THA/Q/2), and expresses its appreciation of the State party’s open and self-analytical reporting approach in identifying a number of areas of concern. It further notes with appreciation the constructive efforts made by the high-level, intersectoral delegation to provide additional information in the course of the dialogue. B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party 3. The Committee commends the State party for the adoption of the Child Protection Act (B.E. 2546) in 2003, which defines the child as a person below 18 years of age and eligible for protection and welfare assistance in compliance with the principles of non-discrimination and the best interests of the child. It also welcomes the amendment or adoption of several laws aimed at enhancing implementation of the Convention, inter alia, the National Education Act of 1999 and the Compulsory Education Act of 2002, the Act on Redress for the Damaged and Compensation and Expenses for Offenders in Criminal Cases of 2001, and the 2004 amendment to the Penal Code with the effect that capital punishment and life imprisonment cannot be imposed on GE.06-40936 (E) 240406