the Thai Constitution not proclaim the equality of men and women explicitly, rather than using wording that was open to misinterpretation? 73. Ms. PILATAXI PE ARENAS acknowledged the efforts made to eliminate discrimination and to enhance the corresponding legal mechanisms. That only increased her desire to see the early withdrawal of the reservations entered by the Government. What was the stumbling block - women's attitudes or government organs? What impact had the many consciousness-raising seminars for women had and had they been a government or a private sector initiative? 74. Ms. GONZALEZ MARTINEZ shared the hope of the preceding speakers that the reservations, which seriously affected the substance and goals of the Convention, would be withdrawn promptly. She said that she would like more information with regard to who decided on the membership of the National Commission on Women's Affairs, on whether minors below the age of 13 were protected against rape and on whether the five-year plan was part of the long-term plan. 75. Ms. OESER also expressed concern regarding the reservations, which affected the essence of the Convention. The report showed frankly the gap between the legal and the actual status of women. However, as the long-term plan indicated, a positive trend seemed to be developing. She wondered if the Government was applying that very detailed plan, which had been prepared by the preceding Government. 76. Ms. LAIOU-ANTONIOU said that she was pessimistic because of the observations she had been able to make personally during a stay in Thailand and because of her reading of the report, which drew attention to many reservations. The developing countries were of course experiencing great difficulties, but political will could overcome many obstacles. In that connection, she expressed satisfaction that a woman had been appointed Minister for women's affairs in the Thai Government. She 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a UN report on the status of women in Thailand, specifically the country's reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The speakers are expressing concerns about the reservations and the lack of progress in eliminating discrimination against women. The text also touches on the government's plans and initiatives to improve the situation.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education