US offers help for Thailand to solve human trafficking, promises its non-boycott stance

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) -- Kari Johnstone, acting director of the US Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, expressed the support to Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai during their meeting in Bangkok on Oct 16. Both discussed issues relating to rankings in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report of the United States. After the meeting, Miss Johnstone said the US acknowledged Thailand's awareness of human trafficking problems that actually occurred worldwide and would continuously support solutions in Thailand. She assured that US President Barack Obama decided not to boycott Thailand or introduce any sanction although Thailand was included in the Tier 3 watch list of countries with the worst situation of human trafficking. The US was considering good ties with Thailand and mutual interest, she said. Mr Don said high-level US authorities would be arriving to advise on solutions to human trafficking and issues concerning Rohingya migrants. "I assured that Thai authorities are enforcing laws adequately and will prosecute wrongdoers quickly, within six months. The visit to Thailand shows a positive sign that the US will give a better rating to Thailand next year," Mr Don said. He insisted that Thai's ranking in the TIP Report had nothing to do with Thailand's decision whether to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement or not. (TNA)