Thailand may face trade sanctions over human trafficking

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Thailand may face trade sanctions over human trafficking
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Top US official highlighted the kingdom's dismal record in regard to the Rohingya; threat of downgrade possible

In a few weeks, Thai diplomats and officials will be hard pressed to explain the kind of progress, if any, the country has made in addressing the issue of human trafficking.

A US government report, on the Trafficking In Persons (TIP), could potentially affect bilateral relations between Thailand and the US and will be released next month.

US law requires that its State Department rate nations across the world with regard to human trafficking. Countries rated in tier one fully meet minimum standards while tier two nations do not meet the minimum standards but are making an effort.

Tier three countries, on the other hand, do not meet the standards and are not showing any signs of trying to make a meaningful effort. What concerns many Thai officials is that tier three countries, which could very well include Thailand, face the threat of sanctions by the US government.

At the discretion of the US president, Thailand has received a waiver from such punishment and allowed to remain in tier two for past two years. But time is up and Thailand is hard pressed to show that progress has been made.

Judging from the previous report, in which Thailand was accused of slow progress in prosecuting trafficking-related cases, there is a real chance that the country could be rated down.

A few days ago, a US Congressional panel reminded us how bad Thailand's performance and image is with respect to poor treatment of the Rohingya. The hearing in Washington DC was on "Effective Accountability: Tier Rankings in the Fight against Human Trafficking Lessons".

Representative Chris Smith, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisa-tions, listened to testimonies about how Thai government officials were involved in the trafficking of Rohingya.

Smith is not just another lawmaker. He is the author of the landmark law, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, that created this three-tier system of reward and punishment for countries that do not comply with the requirements.

On the surface, it sounds like a big country is bullying a smaller country. But no matter how one sees it, the fact remains. Thailand's record in dealing with the Rohingya and other victims of human trafficking has never been great; some might even say two-faced.

Moreover, allegations about Thai officials being involved in human trafficking in award-winning reports by the Reuters news agency have been met with a lawsuit filed by the Thai Navy against the Phuketwan online newspaper. A navy official has accused Phuketwan of violating the computer crime law by citing the Reuters report.

Smith gave the report considerable weight by referring to it and citing it during the recent hearing.

The question is whether others in the world community should go beyond the usual legislative requirements and focus more on the root cause of the issue and make sound recommendations to resolve the issue.

A top UN envoy on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, has said the most pressing priority for Muslims in violence-torn Rakhine state, who are considered illegal immigrants, is to get a path to citizenship.

Unless this is done the security of the Rohingya Muslims will remain threatened, "and that is sure to affect the international reputation of the country," Nambiar said at a recent international conference.

Communal violence and organised attacks against Muslims in Rakhine state over the past two years have claimed up to 280 lives and displaced some 140,000 Muslims from their homes.

-- The Nation 2014-05-04

[chooka]

"Thai diplomats and officials will be hard pressed to explain the kind of progress, if any, the country has made in addressing the issue of human trafficking".

They are suing a couple of reporters who lifted up the carpet in which it was swept under. It was all nicely hidden away and out of sight.

[marcusd]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

[noitom]

Thailand is a goldmine for investigative reporting. Notice how the the Thai press editorial is attempting to deflect focus away from Thai human trafficking for slave labor and sex to their contention that there is a "root cause." The Thai press is trying to make the "root cause" look like the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar or some such other "root cause." This is without doubt, part of the problem. However, everyone knows that it takes two to tango.

Thailand has to stop laying blame and culpability on others. Thailand needs to focus on cleaning up their racketeering and human rights violations, police and visa corruption and illegal activity. The Thai press needs to start reporting the truth. One reform that Thailand badly needs is suppression of the press for fear of reprisal and defamation suits. Thailand needs to bring racketeers and human traffickers to justice and stop them.

[simple1]

Unless the reporter has inside info from the US State Dept, Tier 3 does not usually impose trade sanctions, but other methods such as restrictions on non trade related aid, access to funding from World Bank & IMF and so on.

http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/210543.htm

It’s interesting to note that many of the Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand are also denied citizenship; there are many allegations this contributes to exploitation and trafficking of the Hill Tribe people.

[chainarong]

Probably the first on many to come , the PTP have a track record that speaks for it's self , nobody else they can blame , a systematic break down of administration seems to happen when the PTP get the hands on any subject , they are incapable of management structure and delegation of duties ,the PTP is a prime example of not what to do to run a country.

[geriatrickid]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

[geriatrickid]

Probably the first on many to come , the PTP have a track record that speaks for it's self , nobody else they can blame , a systematic break down of administration seems to happen when the PTP get the hands on any subject , they are incapable of management structure and delegation of duties ,the PTP is a prime example of not what to do to run a country.

The Thai military and police agency(s) have been highlighted in the human trafficking and the abuse of refugees and migrants. The highlighted abuses also occurred during the Abhisit regime. It doesn't matter which civilian government is in place, PTP, Democrat, The Somchai and Kitty Alliance etc. because the military and police who are implicated in the reports will still be there. I expect that the Thai navy will still be facing allegations of towing refugee boat people out to sea to die, Thai military border personnel will still be accused of taking bribes and or participating in the trafficking and the police will still be accused of profiting from the human misery. What's needed is an outright reform of the military and police services in Thailand. It won't happen.

Edited May 4, 2014 by geriatrickid

[jalansanitwong]

The Rohinghya issue is just small fry. What about the trafficking of thousands of Thai prostitutes domestic and international thats being going on for decades.

Politicans and gov officals profit greatly from it.

Maybe foreign diplomats say nothing because they've paid for Thai hookers in executive bars and brothels around the world.

[Robby nz]

But, But only yesterday : Government confident in human trafficking improvements .

[rreddin]

Probably the first on many to come , the PTP have a track record that speaks for it's self , nobody else they can blame , a systematic break down of administration seems to happen when the PTP get the hands on any subject , they are incapable of management structure and delegation of duties ,the PTP is a prime example of not what to do to run a country.

Congratulations on being the first poster to try and lay blame for this on the PTP. You do not get a prize, but you do look foolish. The problem raised in the OP has been going on for many years. Years when the Dems were in power and also when the miltary had seized power as well as under TRT and PTP. Corruption is endemic in Thailand and has been for hundreds of years and will continue to be so for many years to come, but that is only part of the problem. Thailand is in denial about its poor record on human trafficking especially where those concerned are not of the mainstream religion in Thailand or are refugees from neighbouring countries.

[EyesWideOpen]

Will be curious to see how this plays out. Thailand must occupy some sort of special place

on the group of nations that are on the trafficking watch list, as not only does it allow trafficking,

government officials are the ones doing it !!!! Amazing Thailand indeed.......

[Deez]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

That is what sanctions are for. Not to hurt the government, but to hurt normal people so they "disapprove" of the people in charge. Do you actually think the sanctions against Russia are hurting Putin?

[useronthenet]

Its been widely known about such violations, but no longer can they be tolerated by the rest of the world. If Thailand does NOT address this issue head-on, then more sanctions should come into play from those that have very little appetite for this type of behaviour. Thailand can ill-afford to ignore those that are pressing for reform, especially in times of political upheaval.

Bottom line is, Thailand relies on exports, and tourism, and the clock is ticking. The axe will come down from such countries that violate human rights with such impunity. You have been warned !!!

[Thaddeus]

But, But only yesterday : Government confident in human trafficking improvements .

Thanks for confirming that Rob, I thought I had read it in a strange dream.

[rubl]

Was it really only a year ago?

"Speaking to reporters on Thursday upon his return from a visit to Washington, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he had discussed several issues with his US counterpart John Kerry, highlighting the Thai government’s efforts in dealing with the problem of trafficking in persons."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/638472-u-s-concerned-by-slow-thai-response-to-human-trafficking-cases-surapong/

[WoopyDoo]

Obviously the US totally believe Reuters and that the navy were involved up to their necks in it...

I knew that suing the reporters would have a negative affect on Thailand, which is yet another abuse of human rights and freedom of the press.

They really don't help themselves do they?

Thailand is about to get its ticket punched, the government of the past 3 years is solely to blame ...... once again..... PTP wrecks Thailand.

[stockholm1995]

The Rohinghya issue is just small fry. What about the trafficking of thousands of Thai prostitutes domestic and international thats being going on for decades.

Politicans and gov officals profit greatly from it.

Maybe foreign diplomats say nothing because they've paid for Thai hookers in executive bars and brothels around the world.

There is no prostitution in Thailand.

Didn´t you get the memo?

[useronthenet]

Reuters recently won the Pulitzer prize for highlighting such violations

Thailands appauling treatment of the Rohingya people ...

http://www.pulitzer.org/works/2014-International-Reporting

http://tastythailand.com/rohingya-muslims-kept-in-overcrowded-dirty-cages-in-thailand-for-months-video/

http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2013/country-chapters/thailand?page=3

http://phuketwan.com/tourism/2008-2013-five-years-hell-boatpeople-thailand-secretly-tries-options-19358

[roguewo]

Unless the reporter has inside info from the US State Dept, Tier 3 does not usually impose trade sanctions, but other methods such as restrictions on non trade related aid, access to funding from World Bank & IMF and so on.

http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/210543.htm

It’s interesting to note that many of the Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand are also denied citizenship; there are many allegations this contributes to exploitation and trafficking of the Hill Tribe people.

Yes, true, and I agree!

However, telling everyone you know, and asking them to tell everyone they know.....is a trade sanction, with a greater and more human effect.

Too all you 'apologists' waiting to pounce, if you were doing it, supporting it or turning a blind eye to it, because it serves your interests, we wouldn't be talking about it....

Edited May 4, 2014 by roguewo

[chooka]

Obviously the US totally believe Reuters and that the navy were involved up to their necks in it...

I knew that suing the reporters would have a negative affect on Thailand, which is yet another abuse of human rights and freedom of the press.

They really don't help themselves do they?

Thailand is about to get its ticket punched, the government of the past 3 years is solely to blame ...... once again..... PTP wrecks Thailand.

I agree with what you say except for the last line.

The Yingluk Government IS NOT solely to blame for this as it was going on long before she came to power. She hasn't done much to squash it but can't pin this on them. I believe that the Dems actually had a boat load of humans towed out to sea and left to die. The problem is that this government and past governments couldn't and haven't given a damn.

[Briggsy]

Thailand is the USA's go to strategic partner in the region. The military links between the two countries run deep, albeit in a very lopsided relationship. USA ain't gonna hit Thailand hard about anything, period. Lots of nudging in the desired direction but that's all.

[useronthenet]

Thailand is the USA's go to strategic partner in the region. The military links between the two countries run deep, albeit in a very lopsided relationship. USA ain't gonna hit Thailand hard about anything, period. Lots of nudging in the desired direction but that's all.

I disagree, one of USA's largest trading partner apart from Canada & China is the EU. Given that the navy decided to prosecute two journalists based in Thailand has attracted the attention of the international media. If the Navy carries-on pursuing this issue rather than suggesting let's say an amicable solution, then the stakes will go up. I for one cannot imagine what will happen if Thailand does imprison those which advocate freedom of speech. The repercussions will be enormous. Whilst the USA may not want to impose sanctions it might have no other choice. I can assure you the rest of the world (especially Europe), will levy as much pressure as possible if Thailand does not drop these charges.

I for one have been extremely sickened by the lack of empathy of this present government, and their officials to actively tackle and address something as important as this is truly beyond reasonable comprehension.

Edited May 4, 2014 by useronthenet

[antimedia]

The Rohinghya issue is just small fry. What about the trafficking of thousands of Thai prostitutes domestic and international thats being going on for decades.

Politicans and gov officals profit greatly from it.

Maybe foreign diplomats say nothing because they've paid for Thai hookers in executive bars and brothels around the world.

There is no prostitution in Thailand.

Didn´t you get the memo?

Which one, the one from Chalerm or the one from Kittaratt?

[transam]

Perhaps they could add the ridiculous taxes on imported cars (and goods), when farangland accepts their exported rides (goods)............

[geriatrickid]

Obviously the US totally believe Reuters and that the navy were involved up to their necks in it...

I knew that suing the reporters would have a negative affect on Thailand, which is yet another abuse of human rights and freedom of the press.

They really don't help themselves do they?

Thailand is about to get its ticket punched, the government of the past 3 years is solely to blame ...... once again..... PTP wrecks Thailand.

You are in full false statement mode today aren't you?

In January 2009, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva chaired a meeting of Thailand's National Security Council that authorized the navy to intercept incoming Rohingya boats and detain the passengers in off-shore holding centers. Later that year, Thai security forces were captured on video towing boats with Rohingyas out to sea, which the government initially denied. Prime Minister Abhisit later stated in a media interview: "It's not exactly clear whose work it is. All the authorities say it's not their policy, but I have reason to believe some instances of this happened, but if I can have the evidence as to who exactly did this I will certainly bring them to account."

And now , would you like to explain why you distorted the facts? How did Abhisit's administration become the government of the past 3 years?

Do you want to take a stab at explaining why Abhisit did not bring anyone to account?

The Royal Thai Navy, like other branches of Thailand's military do as they please and do not recognize the authority of the civilian government. They have said repeatedly that they do not answer to the civilian government.

[TimCM]

This just is a reflection of a society that has a fake superior attitude to other nations. I hope the US and EU smash them with sanctions as money is the only thing they understand. Make sure they target those responsible with restrictions on movement and asset confiscation.

Those that complain about foreigners will then complain when foreign companies all pull out

[geriatrickid]

I like this classic as reported by Kaladan News 12 February 2011;

Chittagong, Bangladesh: Rohingya boat voyagers were set adrift in an engineless boat on the high seas by the Thai Navy, according to a member of a boatload of ninety-one Rohingya males that drifted ashore on remote islands in Indian territory.

In December 2008, nearly 300 Rohingya were rescued from the Andaman Sea after the engines were removed from their boats and they were towed out to sea by the Thai Navy

BTW Woopy, in 2008, guess who was in in charge. Here's a hint: It wasn't the PTP. The Royal Thai Navy, the same entity from which the "freelancing" PDRC security guards came from, certainly likes to help refugees doesn't it?

[rubl]

I like this classic as reported by Kaladan News 12 February 2011;

Chittagong, Bangladesh: Rohingya boat voyagers were set adrift in an engineless boat on the high seas by the Thai Navy, according to a member of a boatload of ninety-one Rohingya males that drifted ashore on remote islands in Indian territory.

In December 2008, nearly 300 Rohingya were rescued from the Andaman Sea after the engines were removed from their boats and they were towed out to sea by the Thai Navy

BTW Woopy, in 2008, guess who was in in charge. Here's a hint: It wasn't the PTP. The Royal Thai Navy, the same entity from which the "freelancing" PDRC security guards came from, certainly likes to help refugees doesn't it?

Guess who became PM on the 17th of December 2008 after a vote by MPs on the 15th?

[jpeg]

A lotta years ago, I was told that the reason for the disproportionate penalties on drugs, ANY drug, was because the US had told Thailand if it didn't clean up it's act within the Golden Triangle, it would stop it's handouts via the IMF (funny, considering ...). This was from a guy who'd openly sat smoking a spliff when first here, same as the locals And that worked out well didn't it? Life sentences/death for users of any drug except that which this, and all other countries profit hugely from. So Thailand really rather does care about what the US says. The UN is 'not their father' and they couldn't give a toss. Sooooo, contrary to public opinion, what with this (money) and the potential demotion of the national treasure that is Khao Yai National Park (face ) from the list of World Heritage Sites, Thailand in danger of occupying the status of that which it is worthy - 'failed state'.