Thai firms urged to help solve human trafficking problem

BANGKOK, January 13 (TNA) - The Thai government is urging more business owners take action over human trafficking, child labour and narcotics trade after a recent U.S. State Department report put Thailand on its Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year. Advisor to the Labour Minister Naruemol Tharndamrong said a failure to improve the ranking would hurt Thai seafood exports to the U.S., especially frozen shrimp. She said the U.S. could even consider issuing stricter trade protectionist measures or suspend assistance on Thai exports in future. A number of seafood factories in Thailand had been accused of employing child labour, including those in engaged in sugarcane and textiles production. (TNA)