Bangkok Post – Minister sets ambitious target in fight against human trafficking

Varawut aims for level 1 on annual US list, while stressing need to eradicate scam hubs

Thailand aims to achieve Tier 1 status in cracking down on human trafficking, according to Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa, who stressed the need to combat the rise in trafficking. industry of scams and online trafficking operations.

The country currently ranks at Level 2 in the U.S. State Department's annual Human Trafficking Report. The 2024 report is expected to be released later this month.

Speaking at an event marking National Anti-Human Trafficking Day on Thursday, Varawaut said human trafficking is a serious transnational crime that violates human rights.

“We must take proactive measures to combat human trafficking,” he said. “In the meantime, we must evolve alongside technology to catch up with the increasing cyberscams and cybertrafficking.”

Thailand is doing its best to eliminate human trafficking online and offline, the minister said.

He said the government was carrying out anti-trafficking operations in an integrated manner in partnership with stakeholders from all sectors, following the 3P model – prosecution, prevention and protection.

Based on the standards used by the United States to comply with its Trafficking Victims Protection Act, Thailand is currently at Tier 2.

In the 2023 report, the State Department said the Thai government had not fully met minimum standards to eliminate trafficking, but had made significant efforts, such as increasing the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions for trafficking.

“We are aiming to reach level 1,” Mr Varawut said.

To achieve this goal, he said, authorities must work with law enforcement to prosecute those involved in human trafficking networks inside and outside the country. , among other measures.

Other objectives include building the capacity of key officials, developing guidelines to prevent human exploitation and providing protection and assistance to all workers working in Thailand, he said. declared.

Authorities must also protect the welfare of victims by adhering to a victim-centered principle and providing victim-friendly treatment and trauma-informed care, particularly for young people.

Mr Varawut said his ministry was also trying to push for legal amendments, such as the Child Protection Act 2003, to better meet the needs of modern times.

“Cooperation between all agencies is crucial. The road is long and the climb is steep, but if we work together, nothing is beyond our reach,” Mr Varawut said.