Human trafficking: Thai govt seeks more Rohingya interpreters

BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) - Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Saengsingkaew has said that his ministry is seeking more interpreters who are specialized in three languages, including Rohingya, to help distinct human trafficking victims from illegal migrants suspected of crimes. The move is part of the ministry’s effort to prevent and solve the human trafficking problem concerning children and women in particular. Currently, the number of registered interpreters is 88 and the ministry plans to increase the number to 120, focusing on those who could communicate with Rohingya, Bangladeshi and Uzbek people, said Police General Adul. He said his ministry is coordinating with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts in recruiting new interpreters while language trainings would be organized for officials who work with Rohingya people in Thailand. According to statistics, there are a total of 334 Rohingya migrants under care of the ministry. Of the total, 191 are human trafficking victims and the rest are illegal migrants. From January 1- May 21, there were 118 children and women who fell victims of human trafficking. Of them, 75 were forced into prostitution, 40 into various forms of forced labour and three into begging. (TNA)