DPM:Foreign diplomats satisfied with Thailand’s actions against human trafficking

BANGKOK, January 16 (TNA) - Foreign diplomats appear to be satisfied with Thailand’s attempts to address human trafficking-related problems. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong TovichakchaikulMr told journalists on Wednesday that the foreign envoys appeared to be relieved, after observing no labor abuses and realizing Thailand’s determination to solve the human trafficking-related problems. Surapong said that the foreign diplomats also expressed their appreciation to Thai police for integrating their information on crime nationwide. Earlier in the day, Surapong led a group of about 15 European ambassadors and diplomatic staff, as well as concerned Thai Cabinet members, including the social development and human security minister, a deputy agriculture minister and a vice minister for labor to inspect the employment of migrant and child labor at food-processing factories in Bangkok's suburban Samut Sakhon province, after the United States has placed Thailand in its Tier 2 Watch List relating to human trafficking problems for three consecutive years and, if there were no effective solutions, Thailand could be transferred to the US Tier 3 Watch List and could risk losing educational assistance from Washington and its positive image. Surapong acknowledged that he also plans to introduce foreign diplomats and journalists to other aspects of human trafficking solutions in Thailand in the future, including the protection of victims and prosecution against traffickers, assessing that the Thai government's anti-human trafficking measures should produce concrete effects within six months. Regarding assistance for Rohingya migrants, the Thai deputy premier noted that he will soon discuss the issue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), insisting that Thai authorities concerned have provided the Rohingya ethnics from neighboring Myanmar with humanitarian aid, but Thailand needs support for the ability to offer recommended assistance. Thai Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat then told reporters that the government has set up anti-human trafficking centers in Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Sa Kaeo provinces to watch out for human trafficking and to issue regulations to prevent new human trafficking cases, especially in fishing. Meanwhile, Thai Muslims in the southern Songkhla province have flocked to the provincial children and family aid house to donate food items and necessities to over 100 female and children Rohingya refugees who were arrested by Thai authorities on Tuesday. Songkhla Governor Krisada Boonrat has ordered local community leaders to help check whether there are more Rohingya migrants in their respective areas so that assistance can be provided for them; while the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has pledged humanitarian support for the detained Rohingya Muslims, pending an official move on their future is concluded. (TNA)