Thailand addressing human trafficking problems

BANGKOK, August 7 (TNA) - Thai agencies concerned are on alert to work out solutions to problems related to transnational human trafficking, including those involving in migrant workforces. Labour Minister Padermchai Sasomsap told journalists that he informed US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenny of the development during his meeting with the US top envoy in Bangkok on Monday. Padermchai said he explained that the problems related to human trafficking appear to be complicated involving many agencies and his ministry is responsible for ensuring legal entry and registration of migrant workers. Padermchai acknowledged that, to solve the problems, his ministry will soon turn to focus on government to government (G-to-G) labour import agreements under which employers in Thailand who want migrant workers need to contact associations of their respective businesses for specific workforces in different areas or occupations to relieve or even stop the problem of unilateral movements of migrant workers without reporting to authorities concerned. The labour minister revealed that his ministry will also provide more registration service points and open more national verification centres for migrant workers, mostly for Myanmar nationals, from three to eight, and that his ministry will work closely with non-governmental organisations or NGOs as well to provide immediate support for human trafficking victims. The labour minister also ensured the US top envoy that the Thai government will send pregnant workers back to their home countries only those who illegally enter Thailand. The US ambassador, meanwhile, voiced her understanding and concerns over the problems, suggesting that the Thai government ensure legal migrant workforces through the official registration and raise employers’ awareness on human trafficking-related problems and adverse effects. (TNA)