English Subtitle of PM Weekly Televised Address on January 9, 2015
Start at 20.27 min
This past week, I chaired a meeting aimed at combating human trafficking which is a matter that the government has prioritized. Human trafficking can come in many forms such as prostitution, child labor and slavery. Our first priority is to create an understanding among our fellow foreign nations so as to allow Thailand to move to a more secure spot on the human trafficking watch list. We must resolve this problem in a timely manner. We have been given time and opportunities, and we must execute it now. The government which I lead attaches great importance to tackling human trafficking and implementing more concrete measure against such crime. Because matters of human rights, safety and dignity are of utmost importance, the government has resolved to tackle the problem of human trafficking with great urgency. I have ordered all related agencies to push forward with their respective tasks and deliver monthly reports on their progress in order to assure swift progress on the matter. I have appointed 5 subcommittees, who will mobilize efforts in solving the issue of human trafficking in the areas of the fishing industry, female and child prostitution, forced labor as well as foreign labor, among others. The subcommittees will urge all agencies to expedite their efforts and to make sure that all crimes pertaining to human trafficking be tried and sentenced in accordance with their degree of severity. Furthermore, protection and aid must be provided to those who have fallen victim to human trafficking. We must be extra careful, especially members of the press. The media should always present facts so as not to cause misunderstanding both domestically and internationally. The media should also be cautious about talking to the victim as some of them do not tell the truth about what actually happened. I ask that you make sure the information you are presenting is not distorted. In the fishing industry, we are restricted by a number of factors and let us not forget the fact that Thailand is one of the world’s top seafood exporters. I have ordered related agencies to swiftly agree to a memorandum of understanding pertaining to the fishery industry in the region which would lead to solutions to human trafficking as well as illegal fishing in order for Thailand to be a driving force in combating illegal malpractices within the fishing industry in hand with Thailand’s neighboring countries. We must do everything right and in accordance with the international rule of law. In addition, we would not be able to trade with other countries should we not comply with the rules and regulations. Illegal fishing must be stopped. All of these illegal activities must not happen. The government asks that fishing boat operators have all of their crews registered. A lot of Thai fishing crews have been arrested while being on foreign waters without authorization. You must comply with the maritime laws. Please think of the consequences, not the profits. I stress that the Thai government will never support illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing activities. The government will also cooperate with its neighboring countries in cracking down on human trafficking activities taking place in the fishing industry. On this matter, the Ministry of Labor has made notable progress in its amendment of its laws to protect those who work in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The amendments would prohibit children under 15 years of age from working in the agricultural sector as well as prohibit children under 18 years of age from working in the fishing industry. Furthermore, the amendments require a work contract to be signed before hiring fishing crewmembers. The work contract must provide sufficient down-time from work along with exact salaries as well as other rights guaranteed by international labor standards.
End at 25.17 min.
