Thailand fears downgrade in human trafficking report could draw US sanctions

[webfact]

TRAFFICKING IN PERSON
Anxious wait for TIP report
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation



Thailand fears downgrade in human trafficking report could draw US sanctions

BANGKOK: -- Thailand awaits with bated breath the release today for the 2014 "Trafficking in Persons" (TIP) Report by US Secretary of State John Kerry, with the threat of a downgrade over its poor practices and inadequate efforts to eliminate human trafficking, which would bring the risk of sanctions.

As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the TIP Report assesses governmental efforts around the world to combat modern slavery, according to the US Department of State.

Thailand is currently on the Tier 2 Watch List, the second-lowest rank, and could fall further if the US sees no improvement or progress in Thai efforts to eliminate human trafficking. Dropping to Tier 3 status could theoretically bring the threat of US sanctions.

The country has escaped from being downgraded to Tier 3 for four years and officials in the Foreign and Justice ministries are confident that it will survive another year.

Justice Ministry deputy permanent secretary Chanchao Chaiyanukij said Thai law enforcement on human trafficking had improved.

"We have reports on prosecution of human traffickers and we showed the US that we have put in a lot of effort to fight trafficking," he said. "I think we will escape from sanctions, and be upgraded."

There were 627 cases concerning human trafficking under prosecution. The court has sentenced 225 traffickers and many of them were jailed for more than two years, according to statistics of the Department of Special Investigation.

The authorities have explained to the US the improvement in manufacturing processes where Washington sees heavy use of child and forced labour, Chanchao said.

However, there were worries that a recent media report about the use of forced labour by Charoen Pokphand Foods in its production chain might be taken into consideration in the report.

The Thai treatment of Rohingya boat refugees is also problematic. Thai officials were accused of trading the refugees to traffickers and media reports on this matter were heavily discussed in the US Congress recently during the consideration of the draft TIP Report.

A status downgrade and sanctions would affect many sectors of the economy, notably the labour-intensive fishery and food industries.

Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, said Thai shrimp farmers and enterprises would be closely monitoring the report today. If Thailand were downgraded, exports could be affected, he said.

He pointed out that if Thailand were moved to Tier 3, the US would boycott Thai products, mainly fishery products. Some private companies are already planning a worst-case scenario by negotiating with trading partners to continue their businesses.

Poj Aramwattananont, president of the Thai Frozen Foods Association, said manufacturers were hoping that the US would not downgrade Thailand's status, as the country has put in significant efforts to get rid off illegal labour in many industries.

He urged the US to evaluate the labour situation without political prejudice. Poj added that if Thailand were downgraded, it would immediately affect the country's image among other countries, but for exports many factors could be considered in the long run.


-- The Nation 2014-06-20

[chooka]

If it doesn't go Thailand's way then slap a defamation charge on the U.S. That seems to be the way this issue is handled in Thailand, anyone who speaks out about Thailand's Trafficking gets sued.

[Jdietz]

Do something or Thai Pornography products will forever be tainted...

[Payboy]

Lucy Thai will be devastated.

[siampolee]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

[NongKhaiKid]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Over the years so many leading Americans have said " the US isn't the world's policeman " yet the country keeps on acting as if it is.

[timewilltell]

So Thailand has made 'significant efforts' to improve which is why it is so transparent about the issue and actively encourages companies to clean up their act and encourages journalists to report on the whole clean up campaign the Thai government has been waging against human trafficking, slave labour and so on.

The truth is not hard to see if you go looking for it.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[Seastallion]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Ahhhhh, ok, the US has some cases of cheap slave labour, so that makes it OK for Thailand to actively encourage (by turning a blind eye) the ferocious and inhumane slave trade.

[Seastallion]

"The court has sentenced 225 traffickers and many of them were jailed for more than two years, according to statistics of the Department of Special Investigation."

VVTF? "many" and not all? Less than 2 years!?

[siampolee]

Seastallion post # 8

Ahhhhh, ok, the US has some cases of cheap slave labour, so that makes it OK for Thailand to actively encourage (by turning a blind eye) the ferocious and inhumane slave trade.

I also pointed out that the U.K. suffered from such matters as well,however I did neglect to mention that just about every semi and fully developed industrial country in the world suffers from the same blight.

But if one wishes to cast stones one should be innocent of the charges one is laying.

The problem is not the country. It is ''human nature,'' (greed and need) , the problem is people, those who want cheap labour and those who seek employment so as to better their lifestyles and live as opposed to existing.

Edited June 20, 2014 by siampolee

[thumper101]

'"We have reports on prosecution of human traffickers and we showed the US that we have put in a lot of effort to fight trafficking," he said. "I think we will escape from sanctions, and be upgraded."'

This guy has been sniffing glue or something.

Kerry has a cob on with Thailand at the moment, and add that to the recent scandal with CP and their supply chain of slaves via the Guardian report... To think that he actually thinks there will be an UPGRADE is crazy... they will be very lucky to stay in the present tier if anything.

Also, I bet these DSI reports are all faked... The US are not dumb, this place is the hub of fake everything including passports, ID cards, Rolex watches and obviously now... human trafficking convictions.

[UbonRatch]

'"We have reports on prosecution of human traffickers and we showed the US that we have put in a lot of effort to fight trafficking," he said. "I think we will escape from sanctions, and be upgraded."'

This guy has been sniffing glue or something.

Kerry has a cob on with Thailand at the moment, and add that to the recent scandal with CP and their supply chain of slaves via the Guardian report... To think that he actually thinks there will be an UPGRADE is crazy... they will be very lucky to stay in the present tier if anything.

Also, I bet these DSI reports are all faked... The US are not dumb, this place is the hub of fake everything including passports, ID cards, Rolex watches and obviously now... human trafficking convictions.

Methinks he needs a round of golf....

....with these: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10892219/Boobs-bums-and-golf-Who-the-hell-designs-Fathers-Day-gifts.html

Funny article by the way...

[Bluespunk]

"A status downgrade and sanctions would affect many sectors of the economy, notably the labour-intensive fishery and food industries."

So sanctions would affect the industries that rely on slave labour or slave labour like conditions the most.......good.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Bluespunk

[Pib]

All of this is just a case of not understanding Thailand and how it's Thainess makes it unique in the world...just ask any Thai govt official (and maybe just any Thai).

[selftaopath]

Poj added that if Thailand were downgraded, it would immediately affect the country's image among other countries

LOL Does Lack of Sanctions (LOS) think other countries believe the "save face" mentality of Thai words/statements ?

That's the real concern eh? How Thailand "looks" lol not how it is. Oh man.

[bangkokheat]

"the country has put in significant efforts to get rid off illegal labour in many industries."

you see, thailand is active in getting rid of the illegal labour problem, near all the workers from myanmar and cambodia have fled

[Seastallion]

Seastallion post # 8

Ahhhhh, ok, the US has some cases of cheap slave labour, so that makes it OK for Thailand to actively encourage (by turning a blind eye) the ferocious and inhumane slave trade.

I also pointed out that the U.K. suffered from such matters as well,however I did neglect to mention that just about every semi and fully developed industrial country in the world suffers from the same blight.

But if one wishes to cast stones one should be innocent of the charges one is laying.

The problem is not the country. It is ''human nature,'' (greed and need) , the problem is people, those who want cheap labour and those who seek employment so as to better their lifestyles and live as opposed to existing.

I take your point, but if we all followed Jesus' "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone", our prisons would be empty and no punishments would ever be made to anyone. I think the point is, America (and the UK and whatever other country endorses the anti-trafficking treaty, do actively try to stem the trade and the practice, and thereby are higher on the so-called righteous horse.

If America doesn't condemn Thailand, who will? Good on them, I say.

[Searat7]

If Thailand is not downgraded I think it will be because of the coup and the USA's confidence in the junta to make substantial improvements quickly.

[thaidiver]

God help us all if they cut Thailands pornography exports, the economy will plummet!

[1plumber]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Over the years so many leading Americans have said " the US isn't the world's policeman " yet the country keeps on acting as if it is.

I don't know that this really constitutes a police action. It's more of "If you want this money, jump through this hoop" sort of thing. I like it

[pmarlin]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Ahhhhh, ok, the US has some cases of cheap slave labour, so that makes it OK for Thailand to actively encourage (by turning a blind eye) the ferocious and inhumane slave trade.

and the difference is that the US does something about it when discovered and the guilty go to jail.

[mesquite]

Why would Thailand give a sh_t? They didn't when the US imposed sanctions over the coup.

[Halion]

Do not think the recent mass exodus of the 180,000 Cambodians will do much to help bolster Thailand's reputation and efforts in this issue.

[Baerboxer]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Yes there is. But those countries are all trying to do something about it. And don't have repressive defamation laws that can be used to suppress the truth becoming public. Slight difference.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Baerboxer

[Baerboxer]

If Thailand is not downgraded I think it will be because of the coup and the USA's confidence in the junta to make substantial improvements quickly.

Then you need to think harder and do some research of the past performance of previous administrations.

Do you really think the new military government can put years of corrupt practices to right in a few months?

I'm don't think the USA's confidence in the previous regime to tackle this, or indeed anything, would have been higher, do you?

[klauskunkel]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Over the years so many leading Americans have said " the US isn't the world's policeman " yet the country keeps on acting as if it is.

I believe your statement is wrong in this particular case as the US is rather acting as an educated consumer and not like a policeman:

if Thailand were moved to Tier 3, the US would boycott Thai products, mainly fishery products.

[Benmart]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

The report and the program I believe is US created and administered. All other countries are certainly free to create their own version and use it as a tool such as it used now. I don't think any are interested or capable of doing so, but then I may be wrong.

Like it or not, it is effective to a degree and the US does a good job keeping its own house clean in this area.

[kleelof]

Of course there are no cases of ''human trafficking and illegals in working as cheap slave labour in the U.S or elsewhere for that matter are there?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Morecambe_Bay_cockling_disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback

Over the years so many leading Americans have said " the US isn't the world's policeman " yet the country keeps on acting as if it is.

I believe you are misunderstanding the situation.

This is not a case of policing.

U.S. Laws require evaluations of countries who receive funds from the U.S. government. Similar to how they cut back some military aid when the coup happened.

This TIP report is just that. The U.S. sends money to Thailand for social, educational and military support. It would be irresponsible of them to send money to a country that allows something like human trafficking go unchecked.

[peterbkk9]

"Thailand fears downgrade in human trafficking report could draw US sanctions"

The country seems more concerned about the sanctions than the issue of human trafficking itself.

[kleelof]

No doubt a negative report will bring about more anti-American propaganda.