DSI speeds to solve human trafficking problem

BANGKK, July 10 (TNA) - Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Police General Chatchawan Suksomjit Thursday asked concerned government agencies to compile information on legal action taken against human trafficking wrongdoers during the first half this year. The order was given during a meeting held earlier in the day, said General Chatchawan, adding that his department is also preparing to cooperate with police and prosecutors in objecting to the temporary release on bail of the accused with an aim to display an intention to solve human trafficking problem in Thailand. The meeting was held after the US government on June 20 downgraded Thailand into “Tier 3” Watch List in the annual Trafficking in Persons report. The US has accused the kingdom of allowing human trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses. The US held Thailand on the Tier 2 Watch List for four consecutive years and advised the Thai government to take action. General Chatchawan said DSI may ask for an amendment of laws which could help solve the problem such as reducing the fee for foreign work permits. On private sector views of forced labour which Thai officials interpreted as not covered by debt bondage, General Chatchawan said each instance must be considered on a case by case basis. He said several cases showed that migrant workers were charged a low brokerage fee and were willing to work with fine living conditions. These cases should not be interpreted as forced labour and should not be regarded as human trafficking. Representatives of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and related agencies will be invited to attend the next meeting which is expected to focus on charges that government officials were involved in human trafficking issue in the kingdom. (TNA)