Thai-UK cooperation helps alleviate human trafficking problem

BANGKOK, September 29 (TNA) - Thai Ambassador in London Kitti Wasinondh says that the problem of trafficking Thai women into the United Kingdom (UK) has been alleviated, thanks to sound bilateral cooperation between the Thai and UK governments. Ambassador Kitti acknowledged on Friday, however, that the problem has remained, as Thai women have still been trafficked into the UK in the forms of deception, use of fake visa or marriage to UK men. According to the top Thai envoy, there are currently some 8,700 Thai people living in the UK, most of them are students, as the ongoing economic downturn in European nations, including the UK, has prompted London to impose strict rules against foreign visitors to prevent illegal immigrant workers. The top diplomat said although the measure has not specifically directed toward Thailand, Thai students and chefs have found it harder to enter the UK, causing the problem of shortage of chefs and other workers. The ambassador noted that some 1,500 Thai restaurants in the UK have also faced the problem. Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to the Netherlands Weerachai Plasai revealed that some 16,000 Thai nationals in the Netherlands have enjoyed their good life and most have married Nederlanders, noting that the Thai community there focuses on organising activities to give support to each other. (TNA)