Thailand Makes Compelling Case for Upgrade in The US State Department’s 2014 TIP Report
During May 5-7, 2014, the group of Thai government officials led by M.L. Puntrik Smiti, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Mr. Songsak Saicheua, Director General for the Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pol-General Chatchawan Suksomchit, Deputy Commissioner General, Royal Thai Police, Ms. Panjit Pisawong, Deputy Director General, Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Ms. Sunee Srisangatrakullert , Director of National Operation Center on Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security visited Washington DC to highlights significant progress in Thailand and countered the charges on human trafficking and labor and rights abuses while meeting with Members of the U.S. Congress and officials in the Administration.
In 2013, the numbers of arrests, prosecutions and convictions against traffickers rose substantially last year, as did the numbers of trafficking victims identified and provided with assistance. The Thai government convicted 225 people for human trafficking in 2013, with 13 people receiving sentences of 20 years or longer. Identified trafficking victims rose to 428, with most receiving compensation, shelter and permission to work in the Kingdom. Criminal actions have been launched against nine employment companies allegedly involved in trafficking, and 155 cases launched against illegal job brokers. Furthermore, the government has taken a multi-disciplinary approach and coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Police, nongovernmental organizations and members of the private sector to harmonize their actions, catch traffickers and identify and protect victims. For more details of the Thai’s government accomplishments in order to combat human trafficking, Child Labor and Forced Labor, please kindly visit www.commercethaiusa.org
– Office of Commercial Affairs
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