Thailand setting up anti-human trafficking centres in 37 at-risk risk provinces

[webfact]

Thailand setting up anti-human trafficking centres in 37 at-risk risk provinces
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 23 -- The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has ordered the setting up of centres to solve trafficking in women and children in 37 provinces which are at risk from the problem.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Sangsingkeo said Monday that letters were sent to inform governors of the 37 provinces about the order on February 9.

The provinces are those situated on the country’s borders or those which gather a many ‘entertainment complexes’, including Chon Buri and Nong Khai provinces, said the minister after chairing a ceremony to deliver his anti-human trafficking policy in Bangkok.

The centres will be tasked to carry out the ministry’s operations to prevent and address trafficking in women and children, covering victim identification, strict law enforcement against traffickers, protection of victims, boosting understanding with local pornography operators, and arrangement of female investigators and interpreters to facilitate investigation into trafficking cases, he said.

The centres will have governor of the concerned province as a chairperson and chief of the provincial social development and human security as a secretary, he said. It will report operational results to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha monthly.

Under the order, each government is required to work with local agencies including police and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to handle trafficking cases, which occurs in their provinces, he added. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2015-02-23

[clockman]

Never heard anymore about the Thai navy. And trafficking.?

[chainarong]

This is a step in the right direction , although when the money is there so are the hit men , I haven't heard what the end result was with that human rights lawyer that disappeared a few years back ,the problem in Thailand that if you get to close, sometimes you disappear and sometimes you wake up dead, risky business being in this game.

[Bluespunk]

Good move at last.

Won't do any harm with getting access to that lucrative EU market as well.

[Costas2008]

Heard all that before.

They are very good opening centres and compiling reports of their future intentions.

As about doing any real work or policing, it's out of the equation.

Just another set up to justify some extra salaries and also sounds good for the ears of the USA or EU condemning Thailand for their human trafficking problem.

Edited February 23, 2015 by Costas2008

[iReason]

Did they suddenly think this all up by themselves?

Out of the kindness of their hearts?

Naa.

They had to be shamed into doing something.

[khwaibah]

Never heard anymore about the Thai navy. And trafficking.?

There too busy with their aircraft carrier.http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802690-thailand-has-an-aircraft-carrier-with-no-aircraft/

[angiolo]

Trying to impress the USA.. Just words and no actions

[Squeegee]

When are they going to clear up the begging women with babies sitting next to the BTS stations?

Those babies all look drugged as well.

[Jeremy50]

All brothels in Nong Khai and Udon have been closed for at least a month now. That's 30 establishments and about 400 girls, all Laos. It does kind of beg the question, what are all those Thai customers, and a few westerners going to do of a weekend? Go to Laos?

[scorecard]

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Heard all that before.

They are very good opening centres and compiling reports of their future intentions.

As about doing any real work or policing, it's out of the equation.

Just another set up to justify some extra salaries and also sounds good for the ears of the USA or EU condemning Thailand for their human trafficking problem.

Agree but in reality if there was much better actions to actually stop this activity by very severe punishment then maybe 'centres' would not be needed.

What really annoys me is that this has been a very serious problem for around 40 years that I know of and obviously even longer and in the past almost nothing done to catch and very severely punish anybody involved in this activity.

Shame.

[surangw]

more collection points for tea money ?

[Hugh Jarse]

Heard all that before.

They are very good opening centres and compiling reports of their future intentions.

As about doing any real work or policing, it's out of the equation.

Just another set up to justify some extra salaries and also sounds good for the ears of the USA or EU condemning Thailand for their human trafficking problem.

So lets hear your ideas about trying to resolve this menacing problem!

[Baerboxer]

Thailand is at last doing something. The previous regime did nothing, absolutely nothing except huff and puff as usual.

However, results need to be seen, actual prosecutions of arrested guilty parties and not just the minions.

Other countries are as bad or worse. Thailand should put it's house in order for once.

Will it - maybe, or maybe just have lots of committees and reports and arrests where cases simply fizzle away as usual.

[issanaus]

Human trafficking is and has been a massive problem for Thailand - a problem that exists in most countries to a greater or lesser extent. This is just one of many problems that was inherited when the current administration decided to take power.

The assumption that the responses are a result of external pressure fails to take into account that human trafficking is also prohibited by Buddhist teaching. The trafficking has (and is) occurring in a country that is dysfunctional in almost all its operations. Trafficking will not stop without tackling corruption but equally corruption will not stop without tackling human trafficing. What Thailand is facing is a situation where respect for laws, culture and people has gone out of the window with individuals grasping for their own greed and desires.

When the administration rescues a few hundred VICTIMS then the are been criticised for not getting organisers and promoters. What should the government do - leave underage girls to be used and abused while they conduct investigations?

This latest move places responsibility at a regional level as well as the national level. It provides the Governors with the power (and the responsibility) to coordinate the resources of National government to target the within their region as well as a mechanism to report back to the national government. The measures in the OP are part of the solution and as such should be welcomed. Yes it does remain to see how well they are implemented and what actions the national government takes against individuals who fail in their responsibilities.

As well as providing the required resources to facilitate these plans the National government also needs to continue to improve coordination with other governments and organisation within SE Asia and surrounds. Any success in the reducing human trafficking and its human costs will flow on to the fight against corruption and lack of accountability that plagues Thailand.

It is very easy to criticise the government for not taking more action sooner - but if it had we would have then had a bunch of posters claiming that the speed in which plans were announced were proof that the Military had been planning a takeover Blah Blah .....

So a move in the right direction - watching to see what the outcomes are and what additional measure are take to address one of the putrid issues facing Thailand.

Edited February 23, 2015 by issanaus

[slipperylobster]

All brothels in Nong Khai and Udon have been closed for at least a month now. That's 30 establishments and about 400 girls, all Laos. It does kind of beg the question, what are all those Thai customers, and a few westerners going to do of a weekend? Go to Laos?

Westerners should be aware that, even though prostitution exists (not openly) in Laos, that one can get a hefty fine for "doing the deed" with "any" Lao women while in their country.

Although it is quite certain that brothels exist, the laws work against you, and you will certainly get caught...just for the fines. (Read Travel Advisories related.)

You are still better off in Thailand...for those endeavors. Not even worth the trip (for just that).

Edited February 23, 2015 by slipperylobster

[Sydebolle]

Some 37 provinces out of 77 - whopping approach. Makes you wonder how this is possible given the rannygazoo the immigration performs daily among all those alien

[ggt]

International pressure and condemnation of Thailand's efforts to clean up this ugly problem is finally having an impact...kudos to the Thais for finally taking human trafficking seriously...nasty business...

[tif]

International pressure and condemnation of Thailand's efforts to clean up this ugly problem is finally having an impact...kudos to the Thais for finally taking human trafficking seriously...nasty business...

Yeah.

[slipperylobster]

Amazing....

Many Japanese are Buddhists...but if you ever want to see real trafficking...go there.

[bangkapi]

What the hell is wrong with prostitution?

Prostitution does not equal human trafficking...

I'm disgusted with this world and all these self-righteous do-gooders.

The system/government/politicians will let them work construction or be indentured servants working in factories for 90 hours a week.

But anything to do with selling their groin areas to help the men relieve their testosterone induced stress is not okay.....

Marriage is a much bigger scam than prostitution...

Rant over.

[slipperylobster]

What the hell is wrong with prostitution?

Prostitution does not equal human trafficking...

I'm disgusted with this world and all these self-righteous do-gooders.

The system/government/politicians will let them work construction or be indentured servants working in factories for 90 hours a week.

But anything to do with selling their groin areas to help the men relieve their testosterone induced stress is not okay.....

Marriage is a much bigger scam than prostitution...

Rant over.

Nothing wrong with a girl selling the sex. It is how it is marketed. They do not really profit. If they did, they would own all the bars...which they do not.

You are a naive one...are you not?