More rigorous measures against human trafficking set for 2016
BANGKOK, 11 January 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Interior will be implementing stricter measures against human trafficking activities throughout 2016 with concentrated efforts in risk areas, says the Interior Minister.
The Minister of Interior Gen Anupong Paojinda has revealed that the Ministry will be increasing operations designed to eliminate human trafficking activities in Thailand, executed at the provincial and district levels nationwide.
A special unit for human trafficking elimination, operating under the Department of Provincial Administration, will be established. Acting as a fast response unit, the task force will inspect areas that are suspected to host activities that involve human trafficking, including entertainment venues, bars, hotels, companies, and factories.
The operation will be carried out with special focus on areas with human trafficking risk, such as seaside fishery provinces, provinces with industrial parks, provinces with border crossing facilities, and popular tourism provinces.
Authorities will ensure cooperation from the local public by encouraging public participation and surveillance for human trafficking. The general public can report suspicious activities to the Damrongtham Centers in all provinces, while government officials will undergo training courses to enhance their anti-trafficking operations in accordance to international standards.
Meanwhile, the government is working to solve the nationality and status issue of certain groups to reduce the risk of human trafficking among them.
The Ministry of Interior will be working to carry out the government’s anti trafficking policy to yield concrete outcomes, and to regain public trust on the protection of their rights and freedom that shall not be violated by any other person.
-- NNT 2016-01-11