ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF LGBTI GROUPS IN THAILAND © 2018 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. This work was originally published by The World Bank in English as Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand in 2018. In case of any discrepancies, the original language will govern. Cover design by Quo Global Contents Acknowledgments vi Abbreviations viii Glossary of Terms ix Executive Summary 1 1. Introduction 12 2. How Was the Research Done? 13 3. Thailand: Societal and Legal Context 16 Societal Context 16 Legal Context 18 4. Challenges in Accessing the Labor Market 21 Highlights 21 Incidence of Discrimination 22 A Closer Look at Individual Sectors 23 Manifestations of Discrimination in the Labor Market 26 Consequences of Discrimination 29 5. Access to Services and Markets 31 Highlights 31 Access to Government Services 32 Access to Health Services and Insurance 37 Access to Educational Institutions and Vocational Training Institutions 40 Access to Finance 42 Access to Housing 45 6. Moving Forward—Policy Options 48 Focus Area 1: Public Policy Awareness 48 Focus Area 2: LGBTI Equality and SOGI Nondiscrimination in Employment 52 Focus Area 3: Equality in LGBTI Health Care 53 Focus Area 4: Inclusive Education for All 54 Focus Area 5: Equality of Legal Rights 57 Focus Area 6: Research to Fill Knowledge Gaps 60 References 64 Appendix A. Development, Testing, and Dissemination of Online Surveys 69 Appendix B. Survey–Quotas per Group 71 Appendix C. Regression Analysis—LGBTI and Employment Discrimination 73 Acknowledgments The report was prepared by a World Bank Group team overseen by Ulrich Zachau (country director, Thailand) and Susan S. Shen (practice manager); the task team leader was Maria Beatriz Orlando (lead social development specialist). The team included Zuzana Boehmová (senior gender consultant), Clifton Cortez (SOGI adviser), Philip Crehan (LGBTI consultant), Asif Mohammed Islam (economist), Dominik Kohler (LGBTI consultant), Piotr Pawlak (senior gender consultant), and Pamornrat Tansanguanwong (senior social development specialist). Funding for this work was generously provided by the Nordic Trust Fund, a knowledge and learning platform for World Bank staff that promotes a human rights-based approach to development. The team acknowledges great dialogue and comments from UNDP Thailand as well as from the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Ministry of Justice; National Human Rights Commission of Thailand; Gender Equality Promotion Committee; and Committee on Consideration of Unfair Gender Discrimination. The study was made possible thanks to a solid research partnership, including with Thammasat University, particularly James Burford, Nada Chaiyajit, Adisorn Juntrasook, and Timo Ojanen, and with Love Frankie, particularly Ruici Tio and Mike Wilson. Our partners helped refine the methodology and many of the ideas that led to this report. Acknowledgment and thanks are also owed to dissemination partners, particularly Workplace Pride, Hornet, and B-Change for their invaluable help in facilitating access to LGBTI populations throughout Thailand. Finally, Kaona Saowakun (a.k.a. Toto) provided enormous support in sharing the survey link with the wider LGBTI audience in Thailand. The team also acknowledges contributions from the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Ministry of Justice; National Human Rights Commission of Thailand; Gender Equality Promotion Committee; and Committee on Consideration of Unfair Gender Discrimination. vi Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Friends, colleagues, and organizations in Thailand that participated in focus group discussions and key informant interviews were instrumental to the development and finalization of this study. Special thanks are due for several nongovernmental organizations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. In Bangkok, they are APCOM, Asia Pacific Transgender Network, OUTBKK, Plan International Thailand, Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, Thai Transgender Alliance, Togetherness Equality Action, UNDP Asia-Pacific Office, UNESCO Bangkok, USAID Asia, and Workplace Pride. In Chiang Mai, they are MPlus Foundation; in Phuket, Andaman Power & Rung Andaman, and Phuket Pride; and in Pattaya, the Sisters Center for Transgender. The team thanks Ulrich Zachau for his guidance, constructive comments, and continuous support of this work. Gabriel Demombynes (program leader for human development), Eva Kloeve (senior program officer), Jorge Luis Rodriguez Meza (program manager), and Lars Sondergaard (program leader) provided technical guidance at different stages of the study. Peer reviewers German Freire (senior social development specialist), Markus Goldstein (lead economist), and Georgia Harley (senior governance specialist) provided valuable suggestions. Thanks to the Nordic Trust Fund Secretariat and management (Anna Autio and Asmeen Khan) for their support at different stages of this project. The report benefitted from notable administrative support by Elizabeth Acul, Lourdes Anducta, and Poonyanuch Chulsukon. Kanitha Kongrukgreatiyos (communications officer) and Ben Alex Manser (communications analyst) provided superb communications support. Special thanks to Barbara Joan Rice for editorial support. The team is indebted to all LGBTI and non-LGBTI people in Thailand who took part in the surveys and interviews and shared their views, opinions, and experiences. Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand vii Abbreviations AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome HIV human immunodeficiency virus LGBTI lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex NGO nongovernmental organization SOGI sexual orientation and gender identity UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund USAID U.S. Agency for International Development WHO World Health Organization Note: The LGBTI abbreviation is used in the report when all subcategories are represented in the referenced material or are being discussed generally. LGBT is used when intersex issues were not specifically incorporated— mostly in secondary research or in the analysis of findings. Additionally, the use of the SOGI abbreviation notes that the bulk of secondary research and analyzed data from the research focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity. viii Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Glossary of Terms Bisexual  A person who is sexually or romantically attracted to or has sex with people of more than one gender. Bullying  Repeated aggressive behavior that intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort through physical contact, verbal attacks, fighting, or psychological manipulation. Bullying involves an imbalance of power and can include teasing, taunting, and use of hurtful names, physical violence, or social exclusion. Bullying may be direct, such as one child demanding money or possessions from another, or indirect, such as a group of students spreading rumors. Cisgender  A term used to describe a person whose gender identity aligns with those typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gay A person who is primarily sexually or romantically attracted to or has sex with someone  of the same gender. Commonly used for men. Gender  The social attributes and opportunities associated with being male and female. It encompasses the relationships between women and men and girls and boys as well as the relations between women and those between men. Homophobia  Fear, discomfort, intolerance, or hatred of homosexuality or sexually diverse people. Homophobic bullying  Bullying that is based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Homophobic violence Violence that is based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Intersex An umbrella term for people born with sex characteristics, such as physical, hormonal, or chromosomal features that do not fit typical binary notions of male and female bodies. Intersex persons may have any sexual orientation or gender identity. Lesbian A self-identified woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to or has sex with other women. Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand ix MSM Men who have sex with men. They may or may not identify as “gay” or “homosexual.” School-related gender-based violence Acts or threats of sexual, physical, or psychological violence occurring in and around schools that are perpetrated as a result of gender norms and stereotypes and typically facilitated by an imbalance in physical strength or power. Sexual orientation gender identity (SOGI) a person’s physical, mental, romantic, or emotional attraction (sexual orientation), and a person’s internal sense of gender (gender identity). A person’s gender identity may differ from the sex assigned at birth. Stigma Opinions or judgments held by individuals or society that negatively reflects on a person or group. Discrimination occurs when stigma is acted on. Tom An adaptation of the English “tomboy” used in the Thai language to describe a female who may inwardly feel more like a man. Toms may appear masculine in appearance. Transgender An umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned at birth. Transgender identity does not depend on medical procedures. It includes, for example, people assigned female at birth but who identify as a man (female to male or transgender man) and people assigned male at birth but who identify as a woman (male to female or transgender woman). x Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Thailand is widely considered progressive among developing and middle-income countries regarding the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) people. Yet, a growing body of research shows they still experience discrimination, limited job and housing opportunities, and barriers to accessing many common services. Most information on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in Thailand is qualitative in nature. A new study led by the World Bank, in partnership with Thammasat University, Love Frankie, and the Nordic Trust Fund, includes the first endeavor to gather and analyze quantitative data on economic and financial outcomes for a large, statistically significant sample of LGBTI people in Thailand. Qualitative data from in-depth “live story” interviews with 19 SOGI-diverse participants from across each of Thailand’s main regions complement the online survey data and provide further insights into the lives of LGBTI respondents. For the first time in Thailand, the study also presents information on non-LGBTI people and their attitudes toward LGBTI groups, based on survey responses from a statistically representative non-LGBTI reference group. The study focuses on how LGBTI people fare in Thai society economically and financially: their opportunities and inclusion, or discrimination and exclusion. It highlights outcomes for the LGBTI and non-LGBTI population in the labor, housing, and financial markets, along with LGBTI people’s challenges in their access to education, health, and government services. Based on the study’s results, international experience, and literature reviews, the report offers policy and programmatic options to widen opportunities for the LGBTI population and share prosperity among all the people in Thailand. Responses from LGBTI Community When responding to the study’s online survey, 60 percent of transgender people, 30 percent of lesbians, and 20 percent of gay men report discrimination at work. More than half assert their job applications were rejected because of their LGBTI identity. An intersex person from Bangkok said: “ I applied, but they told me, ‘This position is for women only, you’re not a woman.’ So, they couldn’t hire me. ‘I know that you’re skilled, people praise you, but for this position, the leadership wants a real woman, you’re not a woman, you have a male personal title. — Intersex individual, 27, Greater Bangkok “ © Flydragon/Shutterstock.com Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 1 Executive Summary These findings are in contrast with the progress that Thailand has made in developing legislation to stop LGBTI discrimination. Thailand also is a signatory of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, which also formulates general recommendations against discrimination that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Thailand also adopted the Gender Equality Act of 2015, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people who look different in appearance from their sex at birth. Nonetheless, significant numbers of LGBTI participants in the survey report discrimination in accessing jobs, government services, education or training, and health services as well as buying or renting property. Figure 1 shows the responses to the online survey from 3,502 people living in Thailand: 1,200 non-LGBTI people and 2,302 LGBTI people who identify themselves as gay male, lesbian, transgender, intersex, or other in their sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey is the largest quantitative data collection effort on the economic inclusion of LGBTI people in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. LGBTI People in Thailand Report Discrimination in All Dimensions of Economic Figure 1.  and Social Life, by Subgroup (in percent) 29.2 Job or work 18.9 60.1 Accessing 8.0 5.3 government services 26.1 A  ccessing education 11.0 6.0 or training 23.3 12.9  Renting property 9.4 17.5 27.0 Buying property 14.3 21.4 8.0 Financial services 9.0 15.8 11.4 Health insurance 8.6 15.2 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 % Respondents Lesbian Gay male Transgender (n=301) (n=1,515) (n=253) 2 Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Key Survey Results Among the results, five stand out as key findings around the question of how LGBTI people are faring economically and financially in Thai society today. Few LGBTI and non-LGBTI people surveyed are aware of laws prohibiting anti-LGBTI discrimination Result 1: Only 7 percent of LGBTI and only 1 percent of non-LGBTI survey participants say they are aware of laws in Thailand prohibiting anti-LGBTI discrimination. More than half (51 percent) of LGBTI respondents and more than two-thirds (69 percent) of non-LGBTI respondents report they are not aware of any such laws (see figure 2). Thailand adopted specific legal protections for LGBTI people, including through the Gender Equality Act of 2015. Figure 2. Most Respondents Are Not Aware of Laws Prohibiting Discrimination and Exclusion (in percent)  am not aware of I 69.0 any such laws 51.0 I  have heard of such 30.0 laws or policies, 42.0 but I do not know/ remember the name 1.0 Yes 7.0 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 % Respondents Non-LGBTI LGBTI (n=1,200) (n=2,302) Result 2: LGBTI survey respondents report the most severe discrimination in the labor market, followed by the housing market when renting or buying property (see figure 1). Job discrimination of lesbian, gay, and transgender respondents takes many forms, most commonly application rejection and harassment at work (see figure 3). Transgender respondents fare the worst: 77 percent of respondents report the rejection of job applications because of gender identity; 40 percent report being harassed. About half (49 percent) of gay men and 62 percent of lesbians report application rejection because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. About one-fifth of gay men say they were overlooked for a promotion or denied certain work benefits for being LGBTI. Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 3 Executive Summary Figure 3. Discrimination in the Labor Market Is Widely Reported by LGBTI Survey Respondents For all regions, discrimination in the labor market is experienced extensively by LGBTI: 77% 62.5% 49% 40% 22.7% 77% transgender, 49% gay male 40% of transgender 22.7% of gay male respondents and 62.5% lesbian respondents respondents experienced weren’t promoted because said their job applications were harassment or were they were LGBTI refused because they were LGBTI ridiculed at work 24.5% 23.7% 19% 24.5% of lesbian, gay male and 23.7% of transgender 19% of gay men experience transgender respondents were told respondents were told to significant discrimination not to show or mention being LGBTI use the toilet according in the labor market to their birth sex 60% 60% of transgender respondents face workplace discrimination Job and work discrimination varies across occupations and sectors. The police and law enforcement, the military, and religious institutions are particularly inaccessible for LGBTI people (figure 4). By contrast, agriculture, retail, and beauty and wellness are more accessible. This finding indicates potential occupational segregation by SOGI and low mobility of LGBTI people in the labor market. More than half (nearly 53 percent) of all LGBTI respondents report emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, and frustration because of discrimination or exclusion in the labor market. 4 Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Figure 4. Sectors Where Openly LGBTI Respondents Report Finding It Hard or Impossible to Have a Job (in percent) Police/law 51.6 enforcement Military 50.5 Religious institutions  45.8  ivil service/ C 31.0 government Primary/secondary 16.2 education  Higher education 13.5 M  edical and health 12.2 Banking, insurance  and financial 10.0 institutions Other private  9.9 company Sports 8.3 Manufacturing 6.6 Entertainment 6.3 Hospitality/travel 5.8  Beauty and wellness 4.2 Retail 3.6 Agriculture 3.1 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 % Respondents LGBTI (n=2,302) Result 3: LGBTI respondents face major challenges in accessing government services, such as obtaining identity cards, passports, and other personal documentation. Most important, 40.6 percent of gay men, 36.4 percent of lesbians, and 46.9 percent of transgender people participating in the survey report they could not obtain the services they sought from the government (see figure 5). Half of LGBTI respondents report being treated disrespectfully when accessing government services, and more than 30 percent say they were harassed or ridiculed and faced more requirements to gain access to the services they needed. Large groups of LGBTI respondents suffered financial, emotional, personal, or legal difficulties because of discrimination in seeking government services. Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 5 Executive Summary Figure 5. Consequences of Discrimination When Accessing Government Services, by Subgroup (in percent) I have emotional 72.7 60.9 problems 82.8 I  had to prove my identity in 22.7 a difficult or unpleasant way 15.6 57.8 I  had to fulfil additional 36.4 requirements in order to 26.6 receive the service I needed 53.1  had to dress, speak or I 31.8 behave according to my 25.0 birth sex 46.9 36.4  was not able to get certain I 40.6 services 46.9 31.8 Legal problems 12.5 37.5 31.8  Financial consequence 17.2 25.0  have physical health I 13.6 17.2 problems 23.4  had to use toilet that I 22.7 10.9 matches my birth sex 21.9 I  experiences conflicts in 27.3 18.8 personal life 20.3 13.6  It had no consequences 14.1 1.6 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 % Respondents Lesbian Gay male Transgender (n=22) (n=65) (n=64) 6 Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Result 4: Among LGBTI respondents, transgender people report the most frequent and severe discrimination and exclusion in society. Lesbians report worse outcomes than gay men. For example, 60 percent of transgender people report experiencing job discrimination in contrast to 29 percent of lesbians and 19 percent of gay men. The same pattern—the highest discrimination against transgender persons followed by lesbians and then gay men— also emerges across accessing government services, education and training, life or health insurance, and financial products as well as renting property. The only exception is buying real estate, where lesbians experience the most discrimination, followed by transgender persons and gay men. A transgender woman and a gay man report: “ Transgender people are treated unequally in the community. They are looked down on as second-class citizens. — “ Gay man, 26, South Thailand “ The main problem is my personal title. When I have to deal with the bank, they usually have a problem with my ID card because it still says Mister. The photo is also an old one. They usually feel suspicious and have to investigate more. — Transgender woman, 20, “ Central Thailand Result 5: More than one-third (37.4 percent) of non-LGBTI survey respondents find it acceptable for employers to discriminate against LGBTI individuals. Almost half (48 percent) found it reasonable for LGBTI people to experience some form of discrimination when seeking government services (see figure 6). © WKanadpon/Shutterstock.com Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 7 Executive Summary Figure 6. Proportion of Non-LGBTI Respondents Who Believe Some Form of LGBTI Discrimination Is Acceptable (in percent)  overnment G 48.0 agencies  ducational E institutions and 45.3 vocational training  roperty owners or P 43.9 landlords Employers 37.4  ublic and private P health and life 33.8 insurance providers Financial institutions  32.7 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 % Respondents Non-LGBTI (n=1,200) Options for Improving Inclusion of LGBTI People in Thailand’s Society Thailand is well placed to become a global leader on LGBTI inclusion and a model for other countries in Asia. Moving from tolerance to full economic and social inclusion calls for more policy and programmatic action toward greater awareness and implementation and advancement of the country’s legal framework. This report offers options for policy and program action that take into account international and national experience and good practice, with a view toward ending discrimination and promoting equality, fairness, and shared prosperity among all Thai citizens. 8 Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Policy and program options with specific actions in six focus areas are summarized in table 1, along with possible lead responsibilities and timing. Table 1. LGBTI Inclusion in Thailand: Policy Options Recommended Lead Agencies and Timing Policy Actions Organizations Focus Area: Public Policy Awareness 1.  Develop and implement a public campaign to Primary: Short and promote awareness of gender equality legislation, •M inistry of Social medium SOGI and LGBTI rights, and SOGI nondiscrimination Development and term laws and policies across government, the private Human Security sector, civil society, media organizations, and In collaboration with: throughout society at large. Specifically: • Ministry of Justice Conduct training, raise awareness, and build a.  • Ministry of Labor capacity on gender equality, LGBTI, and SOGI •C ommittee on the issues in the labor, education, health, and other Determination of key services provided by ministries and the Unfair Gender government agencies. Discrimination Sensitize government employees, teachers, b.  •H uman Rights doctors, and other education and health sector staff Commission and other about SOGI nondiscrimination laws and policies. line agencies 2. As part of transforming Thailand and promoting •O ffice of Public the new, modern “Thailand 4.0” at home and Servants, Prime internationally, establish a high-level government Minister’s Office commitment to LGBTI inclusion and affirmequal •M inistry of Information rights and   equal rights and opportunities for all and Communication Thais, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation,  Technology or gender identity. Consider, for example, •T hai Journalists Association, Office of a public statement by the head of state or National Broadcast and government, or the assignment of nationwide Telecommunications, and responsibility for LGBTI inclusion to an “LGBTI other relevant news champion.” regardless of their sex, sexual agencies orientation, or gender identity. Consider, for example, a public statement by the head of state or government, or the assignment of nationwide responsibility for LGBTI inclusion to an “LGBTI champion.” Focus Area: LGBTI Equality and SOGI Nondiscrimination in Employment Develop and implement an equality and 1.  Primary: Medium nondiscrimination in employment and occupation • Ministry of Labor term law to guarantee nondiscrimination based on SOGI In collaboration with: status. •C ommittee on Unfair Establish an effective enforcement and monitoring 2.  Gender Discrimination mechanism for compliance with new legislation Complaints and provide redress in cases of discrimination, •M inistry of Social particularly for transgender people. Development and Human Security •P rivate sector resource groups Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 9 Executive Summary Table 1. LGBTI Inclusion in Thailand: Policy Options Recommended Lead Agencies and Timing Policy Actions Organizations Establish and promote the role of the Equal 3.  Employment Opportunity Commission as a complaint mechanism at the national level. Encourage social dialogue between private sector 4.  employers, employee resource groups, and LGBTI workers to protect the rights of LGBTI employees and promote SOGI nondiscrimination. Focus Area: Equality in LGBTI Health Care  evelop guidance and include a SOGI 1. D Primary: Short and nondiscrimination component in health service • Ministry of Health medium delivery personnel training. In collaboration with: term Develop and implement a measure preventing 2.  •Department of Health private health insurers from inquiring about sexual •Department of Mental orientation and gender identity. Health 3.  Develop and implement legal measures requiring •Department of Health private life insurers to issue life insurance policies Services Support that allow partners—married or unmarried—of any •Ministry of Justice sex and gender identity to be beneficiaries. •Office of Insurance Commission at the Ministry of Commerce •Office of Social Security Administration •Private sector (insurance companies) Focus Area: Equality in LGBTI Inclusive Education for All ncorporate gender equality and SOGI 1. I Primary: Short and nondiscrimination guidance in pre- and in-service •Ministry of Education medium training for current and new school administrators In collaboration with: term and teachers. •Ministry of Social Raise awareness of the whole school community 2.  Development and about SOGI nondiscrimination, violence reporting, Human Security and referral mechanisms, and build its capacity to •Committee on prevent and respond to violence and SOGI-based Consideration of Unfair discrimination, including bullying and cyber-bullying. Gender Discrimination •Bangkok Metropolitan Administration •Other institutions overseeing education systems including the Departments of Local Administration, which  oversee local schools in some subdistricts 10 Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand Executive Summary Table 1. LGBTI Inclusion in Thailand: Policy Options Recommended Lead Agencies and Timing Policy Actions Organizations Focus Area: Equality of Legal Rights 1.  Adopt a national gender recognition law. Primary: Medium Adopt a national same-sex partnerships law. 2.  •M inistry of Justice term A best practice partnerships law will permit and In collaboration with: validate stable partnerships between any two •D epartment of Rights persons, on an equal basis regardless of their sex, and Liberty sexual orientation, or gender identity. •M inistry of Justice, Fully integrate SOGI in the Gender Equality Act of 3.  Human Rights 2015 and in the promotion of gender equality in commission, and other national plans and policies generally. line agencies Explicitly include lesbians and bisexual and 4.  transgender women in all efforts to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and women’s empowerment and to prevent violence against women and girls. Strengthen and enforce legal protection against all 5.  forms of gender-based violence, including against any LGBTI or other person of diverse SOGI status. Focus Area: Research to Fill Knowledge Gaps Collect SOGI-disaggregated quantitative data among 1.  Primary: Short and key sectors. •M  inistry of Social medium Develop an integrated database that combines 2.  Development and term cases and data on LGBTI exclusion from relevant Human Security government agencies and civil society organizations. In collaboration with: Add sections on SOGI to national surveys and 3.  •M  inistry of Education registry data from line ministries. •N  ational Statistical Analyze best practices in preventing and responding 4.  Office and other line to violence on the basis of SOGI, particularly in Thai agencies schools, to build an inclusive society for all. •N  ational and academic Evaluate various policies and programs addressing 5.  research institutions SOGI in Thailand. • Nongovernmental Systematically collect data on reporting of violence 6.  organizations against LGBTI people. Fund research to quantify the economic and financial 7.  cost to society of exclusion and disadvantaged treatment of LGBTI people and the benefits of inclusion. Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 11 CONTACT US World Bank Thailand 30th Floor, 989 Siam Piwat Tower 989 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +662 686-8300 Email: thailand@worldbank.org www.worldbank.org/thailand facebook.com/worldbankthailand Supported By: Economic Inclusion of LGBTI Groups in Thailand 76