Suggestions for Thailand and The Royal Thai Armed Forces Based on Canada’s Transition to Gender Equality

Abstract

The article “Suggestions for Thailand and The Royal Thai Armed Forces Based on Canada’s Transition to Gender Equality” is a result of a study of the transition to gender equality in Canada, a country that has played an important role in driving gender equality which has been recognized at the international level, along with the experience of having completed the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College in Canada.

One of Canada’s long-standing and unique national values is the recognition of diversity, including gender equality. Canada has important
laws that promote gender equality, including the “Canadian Constitution of Rights and Freedoms” and the “Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA). Gender equality for women and sexual orientation in Canada has been a long-standing struggle for more than a century. Currently, the Government of Canada is driving gender equality issues through the Gender-Based Analysis Plus: GBA Plus mechanism, and the Canadian Army through the GBA Plus Enterprise Approach: GBA Plus EA mechanism in the dimensions of capacity building, promotion of leadership and advancement in the civil service, resource management, good governance and accountability, and monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry of National Defence of Canada has established the position The Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), which plays a central role in driving the GBA Plus EA plan of the Department of Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. In addition, the Gender Advisor (GENAD) and Gender Focal Point, and the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre are important mechanisms for gender consultation and training, and sexual harassment management of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Policy recommendations for Thailand and the Thai military that policy makers should understand that “the principle of gender equality must take into account the avoidance of devaluing other genders” should lead to an awareness of persuaders’ agenda. Their behaviors should neither be shaped by “toxic wokeness” nor show “ignorant stupidity.” They should also have compassion that is not biased and adhere to principles of fairness so that the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of gender equality policies are based on the
principle of impartiality, reasonableness, and good governance.