Article 5 “Officials should regard detainees as people with dignity and rights” Commentary Mr. Nathee Chitsawang, Director-General of the Corrections Department, says that the abovementioned case is controversial because the investigation is still ongoing. It is therefore preferable not to comment on the specifics of the case. Torture and ill treatment is prohibited by Thai law. Thailand became a party to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) on 2 October 2007. This was a very significant step for human rights in Thailand, Mr. Chitsawang reports. The rights of detainees have greatly improved since the 1997 Constitution came into force, he explains. Several independent agencies have been monitoring the performance of state officials, making them more cautious and aware of the rights of detainees. However, he says that there is still a need to develop various systems to Mr. Nathee Chitsawang protect the rights of detainees and ensure that they are able to fully enjoy their rights. To achieve this, he says that officials should strictly comply with and enforce the law. In addition, proper surveillance systems should be set up in prisons, including the installation of closed circuit cameras, while prison environments should generally be improved. Both officials and detainees should be educated on human rights and both sides should change their attitudes towards one other – officials should regard detainees as people with dignity and rights, and detainees should not view officials as their enemies. State and public agencies should cooperate in realizing these objectives on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Mr. Chitsawang adds. Our Voices are Heard in Thailand 29