Thailand enforces new laws against human trafficking

BANGKOK, Jan 29 (TNA) - The Thai permanent secretary for Social Development and Human Security said the government has enacted amended anti-human trafficking laws in a bid to improve prosecution processes in Thailand. Mai-tree In-tu-sut, Ministry’s permanent secretary, said the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act (No.3) B.E. 2560 came into effect from Jan. 28. The amended legislation is designed to improve victim identification as well as enhance law enforcement. Under the amended anti-human trafficking act, forced labor practices are punishable by one-year imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 baht. In addition, those committing abuses of children aged not more than 15 years could be jailed up to four years and face a maximum fine of 400,000 baht. Maitree added that the Ministry will provide police officers, entrepreneurs, fisheries organizations, and related sectors with training in order to ensure that they will fully understand and be able to comply with the newly amended laws. He said training sessions will initially be organized at 22 coastal provinces before going to the rest of the country. (TNA)