June 5, 2019, at 09:30hrs, at Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana, Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan–o–cha presided over the opening of “National Anti–Human Trafficking Day 2019”. Lt. Gen. Werachon Sukondhapatipak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed gist of the Prime Minister’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony as follows:
The Prime Minister expressed honor to chair the event and underscored the importance to create awareness on anti–human trafficking. Thailand has seriously continued its effort in addressing trafficking in person, as a result of which the country was promoted from a watch list to Tier 2 in the latest US ‘Trafficking in Persons Report, and was lifted a yellow flag from EU for its tangible implementations against IUU fishing. For this, the Prime Minister thanked all concerned agencies, especially NGOs and international organizations, for their support, cooperation, and collaboration with Thai agencies.
Despite all the efforts made, human trafficking rings have always come up with new tricks and scams. In light of this, It is important for Thailand and other countries in the world to join forces in tackling and eradicating human trafficking acts. Strict law enforcement and prosecution is a must-do against human traffickers and smugglers, especially government officials involved in these criminal acts. Capacity enhancement of concerned agencies and officers must also be promoted.
The Thai Government has continued to develop new mechanisms and tools, as well as to work in an integrative manner with other parties, to provide protection and help to human trafficking victims. In terms of prevention, it has reorganized migrant labor in Thailand and uplifted the country’s labor protection standard to be on par with the international standard. In 2019, the Thai Government strives to continue with its “human trafficking prevention and suppression” policy with an aim to eradicate such criminal acts, and prevent vulnerable groups, especially children and youths, from falling victims of human trafficking. The Government has committed to bringing culprits to justice regardless of their influence or status. Victims will be indiscriminately protected and assisted in accordance with the humanitarian principles and international standard.
In closing, the Prime Minister congratulated awardees of the short film and animation competition under anti-human trafficking theme and individuals and agencies who were recognized for their excellence in prevention and suppression of human trafficking. He called on all concerned sectors to keep joining hands in promoting human rights and boosting confidence in Thailand at the international stage.
Source: Royal Thai Government
