Thailand downgraded to be among worst human trafficking centres

[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?

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 ?

If you think slavery (which involves rape, beatings and murder) is comparable to <deleted> (hate that racist word) workers issues then you may have moved to the right country. I am sure most of the expat community are free to go home when they like and don't have their daughters taken to be locked up as sex slaves for the entertainment of the locals.

It is a complete different issue as we have choice

[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 ?

If you think slavery (which involves rape, beatings and murder) is comparable to <deleted> (hate that racist word) workers issues then you may have moved to the right country. I am sure most of the expat community are free to go home when they like and don't have their daughters taken to be locked up as sex slaves for the entertainment of the locals.

It is a complete different issue as we have choice

You clearly have no clue just what it encompasses do you ? wake up bud the worlds wayyy ahead of you here.

[jpeg]

I read that a Thai journalist, caught up in the Rohingya scandal, when attempting to ask questions of a Thai General was asked by him 'Are you Thai?. How many times have we seen examples of this ultra nationalist mindset? And no, it won't ever change.

[madmitch]

Usually this type of announcement is followed by a knee-jerk reaction as the country's effort to save face.

Will they do anything this time?

[Thanet]

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.

Trying to pin all of Thailand's evils on Thaksin makes me think that you are part of the propaganda machine, or that you have just got off the plane and see things through an inexperienced eye.

Sadly for Thailand, this and other evil manifestations of corruption are problems that have remained constant for years, regardless of who runs the government.

Human trafficking in Thailand goes back waaaaayyy beyond Thaksin.

[AGareth2]

hope so

maybe we will start to get more exposure in the press

[ramrod711]

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.

You may very well be correct about the military, but let's consider this. Thaksins elected governments have been in power for over a decade (barring coups) and what did they accomplish? I love it when people try to disregard the unpleasant issues that occurred during that time. They were elected, what did they do to stop human trafficking, SFA, that's what.

[MZurf]

This issue is already making headlines in the international press:

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/20/world/asia/thailand-trafficking-report/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

[Rimbuman]

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?

So true and evidence how much everything has spun out of control (especially the past three years), the damage is incredible and will take a long time to fix.

The sad thing is that I still don't believe they learned anything from this and that the whole funfair will start over again after the so called democracy is installed again.

So far, over a long time these people (Thai) have proven they can't manage them selves and what about face if you have been with your pans down all this time.

Time for a real lasting change this time, I might be dreaming though.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Rimbuman

[Thailand]

This issue is already making headlines in the international press:

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/20/world/asia/thailand-trafficking-report/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

I think the junta must have seen this.

If you saw last night's live " information" broadcast you will know what I mean. There was an attempt to justify what has gone before and what will be done. It seemed a bit like a panic attack.

Same thing with the Cambodian, Myanmar worker issues, a major about face.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Thailand

[AGareth2]

10.30

we hear the response

[Richard Hall]

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?

Yes, and the "Premium World" countries ain't helpful to assist but rather prefer to blow whistles and being nothing but a mere pain in the a.. Despite haven proven more than once already that they are just experts in pointing fingers and messing things up even more than they are.

The Thai military must not succeed in getting the Kingdom's problems solved 'coz this would be evidence that the big brothers do nothing than just barking in the wrong tone themselves and hence the target appears to be worsen the situation rather than trying to improve it. Pathetic, isn't it?

Therefore, keep going General Prayuth and stay focussed to the benefit of the Kingdom and its people.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Richard Hall

[Lupatria]

Abhisit called on the envoy to help create mutual understanding in order to ensure good mutual ties.

Of course he did. Knowing that CP was among the accused.

When Abhisit became Prime Minister, Athasit (his father) was appointed director of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP), Thailand's largest agribusiness firm and part of the Charoen Pokphand Group.

[Emster23]

Says the country that was built on Slavery

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

The US couldn't have built on slavery without the very active involved efforts of Europeans catching and bringing Africans over. Plus they supplied many other places in Americas. Now that is trafficking!

[6NS]

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?

I agree with you here. I think the Junta has done way too much too soon. It's all good,,,,I think, but how can they do a good job with everything at once when they aren't even trained in these matters. Who's pulling the Junta's strings? Think about it. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing, then everything. Something is going on behind the curtain.

[razer]

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!

It all starts with the children understanding what national pride is, but I am glad that the army cares about the perception of how other countries view Thailand

[junk1e]

Add to that list the main centre for trading in endangered species. Most of the trade to China comes via Thailand, and most of Thailand's own endangered species will soon be extinct owing to corruption.

[apalink_thailand]

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.

Hmm...oil producing countries. Two of which are at odds with the USA at the moment. What a load of &lt;deleted&gt;.

[Nickymaster]

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.

You may very well be correct about the military, but let's consider this. Thaksins elected governments have been in power for over a decade (barring coups) and what did they accomplish? I love it when people try to disregard the unpleasant issues that occurred during that time. They were elected, what did they do to stop human trafficking, SFA, that's what.

Spot on.

Who didn't win an election in over ten years? Correct, the Dems. Who was the government the last 10 out of 12 years or so...? Correct, Thaksin's clan. I think it is fair to say that most of the mess Prayuth is trying to clean up is caused by Thaksin and his team of self serving corrupt politicians.

[apalink_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!

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

Don't you think its strange the that US is suddenly taking a stand on this matter, even though its been common knowledge for years? Isn't it possible they are just looking for ways to punish the Thai Military for instigating a Coup and toppling their chosen government in power? The US knows exactly what is going on here despite all the stupid comments and stupid moves they have made. Money and power are again at the enter of the issue. As always. They got stung and they are not happy.

[FangFerang]

A very nasty detail of Thai law makes human trafficking perfectly legal. Any couple who has a either parent unregistered here and who has a child born here cannot get a birth certificate. Having a birth certificate, keep in mind, does not confer Thai citizenship, and so this situation has no justification. The implications are horribly profound because there are over 2 million illegal foreigners here and MORE than that number of native Thais in the rural areas who cannot get a birth certificate. Some natives' families have been here for more than a century and are WAY exploited for the gain of a few. There are entire villages of illegal Thais in the north and south. They have no rights, get no public health care, and cannot vote.

How convenient for all concerned.

The unregistered Thais set aside, which is a sticky way to discuss this I know, foreign parents who have a child born here when either parent is not registered are grisly grist for the pancreas mill. These couples are the unwilling source for a huge number of deprivations.

Grieving parent: "My beautiful child was taken away by bad Thai men."

Police: "What child? Show us their birth certificate"

Parent: "You have made it illegal to give us a birth certificate, and my child does not even have a country at all."

Police: "Your child does not exist. Please leave. And thank you for your contribution."

These children, literally, have no country, and in many circumstances cannot be registered even in the home country of either parent in question....because...those countries require a birth certificate. This is no loophole -- it is a deliberate malapropism of law that every color has as a stain, and some of both sides have this stain on their underwear.

It's not a red or yellow issue -- it's a Thai issue. It is a matter of shame and well-earned contempt. The route to Laos for such landless children is as well established as a Filipino Visa run. No Laos government official, officer or lowly deputy volunteer has ever been prosecuted for human trafficking. Ever. Makes it so easy even the maid could pull it off.

I cannot be kind about this. This issue is stone cold, barbaric buffalo thinking made into a mandate. This issue is the only thing I truly despise about Thai law, and the only thing. All law is imprecise, that is how lawyers make their money, but this is horrendous. This is inhumane, and if the King knew about this detail I think things would change abruptly.

One such couple was told, and this is a damning quote, "It is sad you lost your daughter, but at least you are alive."

The threat was subtle, and perfectly legal. If anyone has no documentation to prove their existence in the blind justice court of law their very existence is perfectly questionable. It always seems so reasonable to be a beast in certain circumstances.

If I think about this for more than an hour I literally puke. All you siders -- red, yellow and every other color -- this turd is on the plate of your favorite players.

Would you like some cheese for your shit sandwich? Go on ranting about corruption and evil politicians all you like -- the real problems are not being fixed. The real problems are far too profitable.

Edited June 21, 2014 by FangFerang

[marstons]

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.

Was it not the Thai armed forces taking migrants boats out to sea and disabling their engines and leaving little feed. Nothing will change, to much at at stake and would imagine the Army have no idea where to start. Thaskin did not start this Thai people and business started it and still do it.

[Oziex1]

As foreigners all our countries history is tainted with slavery, colonialism and all manner of atrocities against the people of other countries.

What made us change our ways? if in fact we have. Was it pressure from other countries, visionary statesman, a maturing of our societies?

Thailand must change but I also believe to help the change any western corporation or individual that makes even the smallest financial gain from these crimes are severely punished and ignorance cannot be used as an excuse. Those who travel to Thailand to abuse women or children should expect no leniency.

This simply has to end and the sooner the better.

[Sakeopete]

Americans and Europeans will continue to buy Thai products. They are addicted to cheap goods. Look how we sold out our loca manufactures to buy cheap Chinese made products.

[bobthomas]

and all along I thought they would be, "upgraded" to that status!

[captnhoy]

Says the country that was built on Slavery

How much do you know about the Spanish Inquisition? The British Empire? French Indochina? The Russian Gulags? etc etc etc. This is a shameful practice and the world is watching. You seem to be having a good time pointing fingers and just HAVE to say something rather than have SOMETHING to say. What does that make you? Wise? If you have a better idea about how to address the problem please do enlighten us.

[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!

It all starts with the children understanding what national pride is, but I am glad that the army cares about the perception of how other countries view Thailand

I don't think they did but they do now.

[bhatmasterson]

Says the country that was built on Slavery

To put it more precisely, "One of the countries that was built on slavery".

England, Portugal, Spain, France & The Netherlands all became rich off the slave trade. Would you happen to be from one of these countries? No need to answer but certainly something to think about. Also, perhaps a little knowledge of world history would have prevented the need to post a smiling face with hands clapping to emphasize your ignorance of man's cruelty to man throughout the world..

[Krataiboy]

Over to you, generals! Here's a chance to do something that will make your power grab memorable for the right reason.

[bhatmasterson]

These Americans come here to the Royal Kingdom Of Thailand and say these slanderous things because they dont respect you.

I, for one, appreciate the warning you give us readers with your TV handle.