Thai NLA passes amended anti-human trafficking law

BANGKOK, March 26 (TNA) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has unanimously approved the amended Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, showing the international community that Thailand is seriously against human trafficking issues. NLA passed the second and the third readings of the amended law on Thursday, with 160 votes and three abstentions. The law was amended to adapt to the changing situation, enhance efficiency in the prevention and suppression human trafficking-related issues, introduce incentives to encourage people who witness suspected human trafficking to provide tip-offs to authorities, increase the power of concerned authorities and adjust legal punishment. Under the amended law, an anti-human trafficking committee, chaired by the prime minister, will be set up to propose to the Cabinet measures to prevent and crack down suspected human trafficking cases at local workplaces, factories and even on vehicles. Besides, concerned authorities are empowered to temporarily close workplaces and factories, suspend business operating licences, ban the use of vehicles and take necessary actions to stop suspected human trafficking. (TNA)