Bangkok: The Prime Minister delivered a speech on the occasion of 'International Women's Day' 2025. The Prime Minister praised and honored women in various roles leading to gender equality and increasing the role of all women and girls in driving national development in all dimensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, delivered a speech to celebrate and commemorate women's fight against discrimination to obtain rights, opportunities, equality, and justice. Thailand is one of 60 countries worldwide and one of 10 Asian countries that have ever had a female leader. Thailand also has the third-highest proportion of female CEOs in the world, reflecting that Thai society gives equal space to women. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that all women can become leaders at every stage and level, can be in every profession, can follow their dreams, and receive every opportunity equally, where being a woman is no longer an obstacle.
The Prime Minister thanked everyone who has joined together to fight against discrimination, leading to changes in social values and creating opportunities for Thai women up until today. However, Thai society still has to fight against gender bias in many issues, including violence that comes from hatred towards women, expectations of women based on patriarchal thinking, being watched over personal matters and appearances more than abilities, domestic violence, and many other issues that must be addressed collectively to make Thailand a space for all women, a space for people of all genders.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the government will drive gender equality policies to the fullest extent of its ability, both at the family, educational institutions, and workplace levels. This includes amending laws that discriminate based on gender, eliminating domestic violence, and developing policies that support women's work, such as extending maternity leave and providing parents with access to quality childcare centers. Additionally, the government will continue the Women's Development Fund policy, which is a source of low-interest revolving funds, creating opportunities for women to access financial sources for career development, promoting the potential of women's networks, and protecting the rights of women and the disadvantaged in society.
The Prime Minister congratulated everyone who received the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's honorary awards on International Women's Day 2025 under the theme "3 Decades of the Beijing Declaration: Opportunities and Challenges for Equality for Women and Girls". Everyone is a model of determination and dedication to work to promote gender equality in Thai society.