Introduction

Thailand has been recognized as one of the countries that promotes human security among women, especially in the southern part of the country. Thus, on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the Council adopted the first resolution entitled “Women and Peace and Security” (WPS). With its adoption, it is essential to reflect on the political, economic, and social issues that the country is facing, particularly on WPS in southern Thailand.

This seminar reflects on the stories about Southern Thailand being a region where women are expected to be the agents of change. According to the WPS agenda, women’s equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, peace building and security must be promoted and supported as WPS recognizes that women must be critical actors in all efforts to achieve sustainable international peace and security. In addition, National Action Plans (NAPs) are strategic instruments for policymakers to operationalize this international mandate within the domestic context. However, Thailand until todays has chosen to institutionalize the principles of WPS through domestic gender equality legislation whereas the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Resolution has gained enormous support from people around the globe.