Thailand expects improved status in TIP Report in 2014

MANILA, June 21 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul says that the Thai government has taken concrete actions to solve human trafficking-related problems and Thailand's status evaluated by the United States in its annual "TIP Report" is, thus, expected to be improved next year. Surapong, who is paying a two-day official visit to the Philippines from June 20-21, told TNA from Manila on Friday that Thai authorities have arrested and prosecuted several suspects of human trafficking cases and have reported the development to Washington. According to the deputy prime minister, the US government has shown its satisfaction with Thailand's anti-human trafficking actions. The deputy prime minister acknowledged that Thailand's judicial procedures on human trafficking cases have remained slowed. The Thai deputy prime minister's remarks followed the US Department of State's release of "The Trafficking in Persons" (TIP) Report 2013, in which Thailand has been retained under Tier 2 status. The deputy premier said he has informed Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the TIP Report 2013 and she has expressed satisfaction with the latest development, but he, in his capacity as the chair of the Thai government's committee tasked with monitoring national anti-human trafficking solution, will soon call a meeting with relevant agencies to work out an updated report on the issue to be officially report to the prime minister later. The Thai deputy prime minister noted that he will also consult with Justice Minister Police Major General Pracha Promnok on how to speed up the trialing processes of human trafficking cases, namely the separation of such cases from others. (TNA)