US hails Thai government on actions against human trafficking

BANGKOK, March 29 (TNA) - The United States has praised the Thai government for attempts to solve alleged human trafficking-related problems. Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists that US State Department’s Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Sarah Sewall, who is visiting Thailand during March 25-29, expressed the appreciation when she met Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha at Bangkok's Government House on March 28. The deputy spokesman said the visiting senior US official informed Prime Minister General Prayut that she had visited the Provincial Police Region 9 Command in Songkhla Province in the Thai Far South on March 26 and a boats inspection centre in Bangkok's neighbouring Samut Sakhon Province on March 27, where she witnessed the attempts of local police and authorities concerned. "Officials at the two places were working very hard to solve human trafficking-related problems on a sustainable basis", the senior US official was quoted by the deputy spokesman as saying. In response, the deputy spokesman stated, the Thai prime minister affirmed that his government has put efforts to solve the problems for the benefit of people in all sectors as the Thai government gives importance to listen to public opinions and protect their rights, while also observing good governance and law enforcement. Besides, the Thai government is prepared to work constructively with Washington on refugees and irregular migration and to holds talks with neighbouring countries on the issues regularly. The Thai prime minister also reiterated that his government has followed the roadmap on national reforms with the country's new general election expected in 2017. According to the deputy spokesman, the Thai prime minister also conveyed his thanks to US President Barack Obama for his support for the Thai government to successfully achieve the national reforms towards the new general election. Stressing that Washington has always attached importance to Thailand, the visiting senior US official noted that the US president is prepared to discuss and exchange views with the Thai leader during his upcoming trip to the United States to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington from March 31–April 1. (TNA)