Thailand downgraded to be among worst human trafficking centres

[Lite Beer]

TRAFFICKING IN PERSON
Thailand downgraded to be among worst human trafficking centres
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Kingdom may face sanctions after downgrade; Malaysia also 'shamed'

Thailand was yesterday downgraded to the lowest level in the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report - a move that could trigger sanctions by the United States.

After years of warnings, the US named and shamed Thailand, Malaysia and Venezuela, dumping them at the bottom of a list of countries accused of failing to tackle modern-day slavery, AFP reported from Washington.

Thailand had been on Tier 2 watchlist for four years for poor law enforcement before it dropped to the lowest rung - Tier 3.

The three countries, plus Gambia, found themselves added to a nations such as Iran, North Korea and Syria, which have already been languishing on the lowest tier of the State Department's annual report into human trafficking.

"We each have a responsibility to make this horrific and all-too-common crime a lot less common," US Secretary of State John Kerry wrote in the 2014 TIP report, denouncing what he called "the evil of human trafficking".

Tens of thousands of the world's trafficking victims end up in Thailand as migrants from neighbouring countries "who are forced, coerced, or defrauded into labour or exploited in the sex trade", the report said. The TIP survey was carried out before the military coup.

"Anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts remained insufficient compared with the size of the problem in Thailand, and corruption at all levels hampered the success of these efforts," the report said.

Earlier yesterday, the Commerce Ministry set up a working panel on trade and labour to increase efficiency in solving labour and related trade problems. Srirat Rasrapana, permanent secretary at the ministry, said the panel was made up of representatives from government, plus the public and private sectors.

"All sectors are waiting for the US [anti-trafficking] report. Thailand will move forward to solve labour problems no matter what the report comes out with. The committee will be a deep trilateral collaboration and will show Thailand's seriousness in resolving the [people smuggling] problem," he said.

The new working committee will raise efficiency in countering illegal labour and clearly communicate its unity with the international community in doing this. The panel will also support the work of the National Council for Peace and Order's committee on illegal migrant workers.

Srirat said the Thai government and private enterprises had continuously worked on labour problems.

The ministry had also assigned Thai trade representatives in Washington DC and Brussels, as well as trading partners to send clear letters of explanation to increase understanding about its efforts to solve labour problems.

The ministry also expects that the US will keep Thailand at the same level when it unveils its Worst Form of Child Labour report in September this year. Thailand is considering proposing to the US that five Thai products be withdrawn from exports because producers here allegedly use child or forced labour.

The five products are shrimp, garments, sugarcane, pornography, and fish. The proposal will proceed in August.

In a bid to alert Thai enterprises about issues of social concern, Srirat warned that the EU had serious environmental concerns over unregulated fishing, timber regulations, emissions trading and the greenhouse effect (global warming).

Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said last night that concern about a possible downgrade led to the junta's ongoing moves against illegal labour. He said this aimed at improving Thailand's image on the international stage in regard to human rights and labour.

Prayuth made the remark during the live broadcast of his weekly TV programme "Returning Happiness to the People".

He blamed criminal gangs preying on migrant workers for the rumour that the military was brutally cracking down on foreign labourers, particularly those from Cambodia. The rumour led to an exodus of over 100,000 Cambodian workers. He said those gangs could make more money smuggling the illegal labourers back to Thailand.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the downgrade would hurt Thai exports, as there could be punitive measures by other countries. He spoke after meeting US Ambassador Kristie Kenney at the party's headquarters. Abhisit called on the envoy to help create mutual understanding in order to ensure good mutual ties.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[cloudhopper]

"Anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts remained insufficient compared with the size of the problem in Thailand, and corruption at all levels hampered the success of these efforts," the report said.

Fortunately for Thailand there is no Tier 4.

[NongKhaiKid]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

[Thailand]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

[NongKhaiKid]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

let's hope it leads to a proper change in attitudes and not just window dressing.

[thumper101]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

Yes, and the military will get it sorted out... They are not screwing around now, when they say something, they mean business.

It really shows what the Thaksin regime has done for Thailand's image over the years.

The Yingluck administration got downgraded the last time and vowed to make changes..... they did nothing.... Why?

Because there was no money to be made from it for ministers.... that's why.

If their is money in it.... The PTP put 'their all' into it.

Looking forward to the huge clean up...... Many heads to roll on this one.... Maybe another gross negligence charge for Yingluck won't go amiss.

[Prbkk]

The military does not have a good track record for " getting this sorted". Couldn't be further from the truth if the past in anything to go by. Perhaps General Prayuth will prove to be different from the long list of predecessors. I hope so.

[pmarlin]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

It won't only be the US as other countries will look at this and act. Europe is already making noise about the Thai fishing industry.

[TimCM]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

Yes, and the military will get it sorted out... They are not screwing around now, when they say something, they mean business.

It really shows what the Thaksin regime has done for Thailand's image over the years.

The Yingluck administration got downgraded the last time and vowed to make changes..... they did nothing.... Why?

Because there was no money to be made from it for ministers.... that's why.

If their is money in it.... The PTP put 'their all' into it.

Looking forward to the huge clean up...... Many heads to roll on this one.... Maybe another gross negligence charge for Yingluck won't go amiss.

As stated in another thread, try reading the report.

Get it sorted out, lol. They are named as one of the causes.

Well done to America in this issue and hope they follow through with heavy sanctions and consumers boycott all products linked with slavery

[MaiChai]

"Thailand's image" is the problem. If that is the attitude then nothing will change. The poor have always served the rich in Thailand and society is truly hierarchical. Concepts of equality for all are alien in Thailand. The law is a prime example; the law works for those who can grease the system with money. For those without money there is no chance for fairness with the law. Until mindsets change then fairness and equality will remain a foreign concept.

[Thailand]

The military does not have a good track record for " getting this sorted". Couldn't be further from the truth if the past in anything to go by. Perhaps General Prayuth will prove to be different from the long list of predecessors. I hope so.

The problems do seem to be piling up for the junta and they seem to be trying to deal with far too much in too short a time.

Perhaps they should prioritize their "to do" list before it all gets out of hand?

[BudRight]

I hope John Kerry is charged with defamation against CP and the government. Let the world see what Thais really think about human rights and dignity.

Edited June 21, 2014 by BudRight

[englishoak]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

Yes, and the military will get it sorted out... They are not screwing around now, when they say something, they mean business.

It really shows what the Thaksin regime has done for Thailand's image over the years.

The Yingluck administration got downgraded the last time and vowed to make changes..... they did nothing.... Why?

Because there was no money to be made from it for ministers.... that's why.

If their is money in it.... The PTP put 'their all' into it.

Looking forward to the huge clean up...... Many heads to roll on this one.... Maybe another gross negligence charge for Yingluck won't go amiss.

BS There is no cop out on this one, voting against the UN resolution and changing its mind only when it realised the isolation of being the only country in the world to do so.

Trying to claim it has been doing a lot to "fix" the problems and deserving of a tier 1, another mistake, it could have just told the truth rather than lie.

This has been since the coup not before it... and it stinks of the same old blind eye being turned and totally miscalculation of the worlds view on human suffering now, its showing itself to be out of touch with modern societies demands.

Thai Navy involved in human trafficking the Rohingas... hardly the military's finest hour

This wasnt just PTP being incompetent this is the whole of Thai high society and business complicit and willingly involved.

The gross negligence is on the entire nation as is the shame of it and its not going to wash trying to pin the blame on past governments only. The world dosnt care it wants action and visible improvement... and its going to get it one way of another or Thai business can kiss goodbye to a lot of exports to the EU and US..

Now the question is will there be anything really done about it or as usual just a bit of lip service and pretend action.

Edited June 21, 2014 by englishoak

[Lingba]

well another bright spot on Thailands illustrious resume

[marcusd]

What about the criminal ways Thai employers deal with farang workers too?

[rhythmworx]

Just bought a new T-Shirt it says on the front "Good guys go to Thailand - Bad guy imports slaves ."

Was only 100 baht too, bargain.

[chooka]

The Thai Ambassador to the US said on BBC that the country could do more and will, he then detailed all that's being done and felt it was enough for LoS to remain in Tier 2.

Now it remains to be seen if any sort of sanctions will be imposed after 01 Oct or will the US decide that a warning to an ' old friend and ally ' will be enough ?

Does the US really think the Thais will worry about mere words from foreigners who don't understand Thainess whereas sanctions might actually get their attention ?

Considering how much time was given the this subject on the militaries live broadcast last night you can rest assured that there is a major concern over the perception of how other countries are currently viewing Thailand,it was even the first item on the broadcast!

Well the Junta should drop it's lawsuits being used to silence and cover up the problem.

[Paulzed]

Says the country that was built on Slavery

[Paulzed]

Just bought a new T-Shirt it says on the front "Good guys go to Thailand - Bad guy imports slaves ."

Was only 100 baht too, bargain.

I got mine for 30 baht at the Pratumam market, you got stitched Bro!

[Payboy]

Just bought a new T-Shirt it says on the front "Good guys go to Thailand - Bad guy imports slaves ."

Was only 100 baht too, bargain.

Probably made by children too.

[Paulzed]

"found themselves added to a nations such as Iran, North Korea and Syria"

[TimCM]

What about the criminal ways Thai employers deal with farang workers too?

Although this is bad and another blight on the country, it can hardly be compared.

Do you think murder and rape are the same as not paying wages on time, constant lies or no work permits?

[Payboy]

The five products are shrimp, garments, sugarcane, pornography, and fish.

Does this mean I've to pay more now for Thai BDSM videos?

Edited June 21, 2014 by Payboy

[mesquite]

The Thais absolutely do not care about this. If they did, they would have taken action to ensure the downgrading did not take place.

[NeverSure]

The US Ambassador is using US taxpayer money to limo around to meet with the likes of Mr. Abhisit, and pander to the party leader who led his party in to not showing up for a national election. US taxpayers are very happy to see this wasteful use of US tax dollars to hold such a meeting in a military dictatorship like Thailand, the day of the human trafficking report.

Yes, taxpayers must be livid because all other ambassadors ride bicycles and eat only at KFC.

This is serious business for anyone who cares about human rights. For some reason the full scope of this story doesn't seem to have hit the mainstream media in America and when it does... Americans of their own volition will stop buying anything made in Thailand. When Thailand refused to sign the UN resolution it really screwed the pooch.

Considering that Americans are the #2 buyer of Thai exports, have a major investment in manufacturing in Thailand, provide Thailand with some of its best military hardware, and have a treaty to defend Thailand if attacked, I'd say that Thailand had better wake up.

If Thailand loses America, Canada, Australia and the EU it is toast. It won't require governments. The people will boycott.

Edited June 21, 2014 by NeverSure

[dru2]

'...Thailand is considering proposing to the US that five Thai products be withdrawn from exports because producers here allegedly use child or forced labour.

The five products are shrimp, garments, sugarcane, pornography, and fish.'

It seems strange to see 'pornography' included in this list. Thailand is no doubt a counterfeiter and producer of pornography, but it's not legal and it's certainly not a recognised export. I would have thought it was largely sold within Thailand to domestic and foreign consumers. Why is it included in this list as though pornography was an export product like rubber or rice?

[Chris Lawrence]

"Thailand's new military government was the only government to vote against the treaty at ILO's annual ministerial conference, a protocol to the ILO's Forced Labour Convention of 1930, aims to halt the practice of forced or compulsory labour by requiring countries ratifying it to identify and release victims, ensure them access to compensation and punish perpetrators.

But Bahrain, Brunei, Iran, Kuwait, Omar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen were among those abstaining, they said. The Middle East is home to an estimated 600,000 people deemed to be forced labourers, Beate Andrees, head of the ILO special action programme to combat forced labour, told Reuters."

Thailand was the only one to vote? That in it self is a very poor judgement call. They did come back a few days later and reverse the vote, but in the eyes of the world community the damage has been done.

If Thailand wants to take advantage of Hi-tech industries, they really need to understand the ones they have got at the moment.

There is no need to send people to US to write letters or wait for reports. The areas that need to be cleaned are obvious with the best result being action.

A re-education of people in power on how to deal with these issues may be a good start. I read one report where a Thai offical was calling for all migrant worker/pregnant women to be deported?

[kannot]

Says the country that was built on Slavery

but finally had the sense to change................do you see any change here?

[Strangebrew]

This mess Thailand's in wasn't created overnight, The military is doing a good job so far so just let them do there work. It can't be fixed overnight.I feel more has been done since the coup then has been done in 20 years.

[englishoak]

What about the criminal ways Thai employers deal with farang workers too?

Although this is bad and another blight on the country, it can hardly be compared.

Do you think murder and rape are the same as not paying wages on time, constant lies or no work permits?

Yup it is murder and rape in question too, not just wages or work permits, damn right its comparable because its all part of it and happens... you do understand the term slavery and slave labour right ?

Edited June 21, 2014 by englishoak