US TIP report: Thailand stays on Tier 3

[NongKhaiKid]

The PM says he will respect the report however I see a lot of BUT's coming as in :

BUT we are doing out best

BUT the US doesn't understand

BUT everybody else does it and we get punished, and on and on.

The PM should check the music archives for a pop song from the '50s, regret the name escapes me, with a rebellious teenager singing about the problems in his life and includes the line

" why is everybody always picking on me ? "

Charlie Brown, by the Coasters:

Fe-fe, fi-fi, fo-fo, fum

I smell smoke in the auditorium

Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown

He's a clown, that Charlie Brown

He's gonna get caught

Just you wait and see

(Why's everybody always pickin' on me)

Memories Are Made Of This, oh damn that's another one.

[Tony125]

In related news...

Satellites track missing slave fishing boats on secret journey from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea

27 July, 2015

In this July 14, 2015, image provided by DigitalGlobe, a high-resolution satellite photograph off the coast of Papua New Guinea shows two fishing trawlers loading slave-caught fish onto Silver Sea 2, a refrigerated cargo ship belonging to the Thai-owned Silver Sea Fishery Co. Photo: AP

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/1843976/satellites-track-missing-slave-fishing-boats-secret-journey

‘SEA SLAVES’: THE HUMAN MISERY THAT FEEDS PETS AND LIVESTOCK

27 July 2015

SONGKHLA, Thailand — Lang Long’s ordeal began in the back of a truck. After watching his younger siblings go hungry because their family’s rice patch in Cambodia could not provide for everyone, he accepted a trafficker’s offer to travel across the Thai border for a construction job.

It was his chance to start over. But when he arrived, Mr. Long was kept for days by armed men in a room near the port at Samut Prakan, more than a dozen miles southeast of Bangkok. He was then herded with six other migrants up a gangway onto a shoddy wooden ship. It was the start of three brutal years in captivity at sea.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/world/outlaw-ocean-thailand-fishing-sea-slaves-pets.html

http://www.therakyatpost.com/world/2015/07/28/ap-tracks-missing-slave-fishing-boats-to-papua-new-guinea/

Here is another link or anyone can Google AP tracks slave ships to papua new guinea There are a number of articles about it. AP asked a high resolution satellite company to help them locate the ships. They did.You can't hide from space even on the ocean and the whole world can access and see for themselves when someone is lying when they say sorry you don't understand us , there is nothing going on your mistaken. Don'y try to deny work with the other countries and stop the slave fishing , if they don't Thailand will see what repercusions the sanctions and loss of tourism to a country using slaves will cause.

[TheAppletons]

Lets see, America who control the finances of the world through fear. Do as we say or else, economic defeat,

do as we say and we will make lots of money from raping you. America only looks after the rich America, it cant even protect its own children in schools, in its "long" history it has only had four years when it wasn't fighting someone, it has made multi billions from other peoples misery and death. Who are these people to judge others human rights?????

Yes i believe that in time Thailands work on eradication of human trafficking will work. Dont let America judge, their judgment isnt worth a bucket of hot cocky shit.

You should have included the part about how America created Darth Vader and he's the one who cut off Luke Skywalker's hand because that's based in as much reality as the rest of your post.

[Tony125]

Lets see, America who control the finances of the world through fear. Do as we say or else, economic defeat,

do as we say and we will make lots of money from raping you. America only looks after the rich America, it cant even protect its own children in schools, in its "long" history it has only had four years when it wasn't fighting someone, it has made multi billions from other peoples misery and death. Who are these people to judge others human rights?????

Yes i believe that in time Thailands work on eradication of human trafficking will work. Dont let America judge, their judgment isnt worth a bucket of hot cocky shit.

Its not just the USA the EU has set a deadline for Thailand to stop the human trafficing on fishing boats or will ban Thai sea products . The US is just telling Thailand you need to do more to prevent trafficing although they can also sanction Thailand (not buy or sell products to Thailand) if they want.

If Thailand is doing the morally correct things other nations will have no reason to tell them to clean up their act, if they don't then other nations don't have to trade or deal with Thailand.

[Lupatria]

Thailand remains committed to fight human trafficking despite US ranking

Nice headline if they wouldn’t have typed the word ”remains”

[Nobb]

Khun Pm you did your best but you best was not good enough. Still your government appointed people do not care about human slave labor but only the amount of bahts that it takes for them and the police to turn there heads. Enough said!

[SuwadeeS]

The "word" Tier origin in German, and means "animal" ..... .........

[oneday]

Nothing of any significance was done until May 1st when they stumbled on the mass graves.

TIP report cut-off...March 31st.

Connect...the...dots...

[PilotEd]

Persecution of the dissenting press will keep Thailand on tier 3 until they allow total free speech.

They have to learn the concept of I abhor what you have to say but will defend to the death your right to say it.

Only people who are afraid and paranoid try to throttle free speech.

If the Junta thinks that negative statements prevent them from moving forward they will see what stifling them will do in the future.

[lovetotravel]

This is a great read:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/09/us-thailand-trafficking-specialreport-idUSKCN0PJ14520150709

Police spearheading the campaign on the ground told Reuters they encountered official indifference about the evidence they had gathered on trafficking networks - even after the U.S. State Department identified Thailand in June 2014 as one of the world’s worst trafficking offenders.

.......

Police Major General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, who led early anti-trafficking efforts in southern Thailand was told his investigation was damaging Thailand’s image, though he declined to be more specific about who was telling him that.

“No one cared,” he said.

[Baerboxer]

Undersecretary of State Sarah Sewall denied political considerations had come into play.

Be honest, Sarah:

If you ain't our poodle we ain't love you. You are either with us or against us.

That's not democracy but bullyism.

Leadership may have changed but philosophy has not.

It's no defense of Thailand's past history on this subject. Or the total lack of interest shown by previous governments to actually do anything.

However, what exactly has Malaysia done to warrant its upgrade.

Also, why is there no condemnation of India. The problem of bonded labor, slave labor, sex trafficking and appalling treatment of the low castes is rife and often well reported in very corrupt India. A country whose police make the BiB look energetic. When was the last time anyone was successfully prosecuted in India for these crimes. Of course, India is a pally pally country with a democratically elected government. Interesting the amount of Indian MP's who have outstanding court cases.

As usual, it's not about justice and right or wrong. It's about the politics and agenda the reports writers want to follow.

Hypocrisy has become the byword for US and EU condemnation - do as we say, not as we do; our "friends" can do different to our not so friends; business and money interests trump everything.

[Baerboxer]

This is a great read:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/09/us-thailand-trafficking-specialreport-idUSKCN0PJ14520150709

Police spearheading the campaign on the ground told Reuters they encountered official indifference about the evidence they had gathered on trafficking networks - even after the U.S. State Department identified Thailand in June 2014 as one of the world’s worst trafficking offenders.

.......

Police Major General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, who led early anti-trafficking efforts in southern Thailand was told his investigation was damaging Thailand’s image, though he declined to be more specific about who was telling him that.

“No one cared,” he said.

Yes and of course we can believe everything the RTP say. Their reputation for honesty, integrity, efficiency and effectiveness precedes them. Indeed they are world renowned.

How come they looked the other way for so long? How come they never ever managed any arrests this century?

Edited July 28, 2015 by Baerboxer

[Down the rabbit hole]

Thailand remains committed to fight human trafficking despite US ranking

Nice headline if they wouldn’t have typed the word ”remains”

They're not even very good at planting suggestion-laden words.

If this government is not concerned with what foreign countries think of them. why are these propaganda releases usually in English?

[dageurreotype]

It's no defense of Thailand's past history on this subject. Or the total lack of interest shown by previous governments to actually do anything.

However, what exactly has Malaysia done to warrant its upgrade.

Also, why is there no condemnation of India. The problem of bonded labor, slave labor, sex trafficking and appalling treatment of the low castes is rife and often well reported in very corrupt India. A country whose police make the BiB look energetic. When was the last time anyone was successfully prosecuted in India for these crimes. Of course, India is a pally pally country with a democratically elected government. Interesting the amount of Indian MP's who have outstanding court cases.

As usual, it's not about justice and right or wrong. It's about the politics and agenda the reports writers want to follow.

Hypocrisy has become the byword for US and EU condemnation - do as we say, not as we do; our "friends" can do different to our not so friends; business and money interests trump everything.

I remember the sight of Indian police chasing and beating hawkers with long heavy sticks along the beach in Kerala. Was tad taken aback at the time. Could you imagine this on Patong Beach?

[simple1]

Undersecretary of State Sarah Sewall denied political considerations had come into play.

Be honest, Sarah:

If you ain't our poodle we ain't love you. You are either with us or against us.

That's not democracy but bullyism.

Leadership may have changed but philosophy has not.

It's no defense of Thailand's past history on this subject. Or the total lack of interest shown by previous governments to actually do anything.

However, what exactly has Malaysia done to warrant its upgrade.

Also, why is there no condemnation of India. The problem of bonded labor, slave labor, sex trafficking and appalling treatment of the low castes is rife and often well reported in very corrupt India. A country whose police make the BiB look energetic. When was the last time anyone was successfully prosecuted in India for these crimes. Of course, India is a pally pally country with a democratically elected government. Interesting the amount of Indian MP's who have outstanding court cases.

As usual, it's not about justice and right or wrong. It's about the politics and agenda the reports writers want to follow.

Hypocrisy has become the byword for US and EU condemnation - do as we say, not as we do; our "friends" can do different to our not so friends; business and money interests trump everything.

India is still on Tier 2 and fair amount of detail on Country issues starting at Page 43 at URL below.

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/243559.pdf

[wabothai]

Not fair......reminds me of a 4-year old, after being set straight by a parent.

[Lorn]

M'S STATEMENT

Thai Foreign Ministry says US TIP report not fair

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Monday night, expressing its disagreement to the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2015 that maintained Thailand in Tier 3 for second consecutive year.

The statement said Thailand took note of the evaluation but the placement of Thailand in Tier 3 did not accurately reflect the efforts by the country to combat human trafficking during the past year.

The statement say:

"In reference to the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2015 that was released in Washington DC on Monday 27 July 2015, Thailand is maintained in Tier 3 for the second consecutive year.

Thailand takes note of such an evaluation but believes that the placement of Thailand in Tier 3 does not accurately reflect the significant efforts undertaken by the Government and its partnership with private sector and civil society in making the tangible progress that has occurred on all fronts in the previous year.

Since August 2014, the Thai government has translated its genuine political will to combat human trafficking into practical policies, effective implementation, and concrete results: On policy & policy implementation, the government has (i) declared combating trafficking in persons a national priority, (ii) set up a Policy Committee on Combating Human Trafficking and Illegal Fishing chaired by the Prime Minister and 5 sub-committees chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers and relevant Ministers and (iii) revised and enacted several laws and regulations including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. On prosecution & law enforcement, relevant agencies intensified their efforts, which led to the crackdowns of trafficking syndicates as well as many arrests and punishments of high-ranking officials complicit in human trafficking. On prevention, the holistic solution to address labour exploitation in the fishery sector was introduced in tandem with the expedited registration and legalization of more than 1.6 million illegal migrants. These policies provided them with legal protection and, therefore, reduced their vulnerability to human trafficking. On protection, victim identifications by multi-disciplinary teams and victim care have been improved. On partnership, Thailand has played a leading role in forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships to ensure that this highly complex issue was addressed in a concerted manner and achieved the appropriate balance between human rights and security considerations.

Despite the tier ranking, Thailand will continue to do its utmost to overcome the remaining challenges, while also promoting security and upholding our long and distinguished tradition of adherence to humanitarianism. We will also seek to further strengthen cooperation and partner with all stakeholders including private sector, civil society, international organizations and international community."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Thai-Foreign-Ministry-says-US-TIP-report-not-fair-30265372.html

-- The Nation 2015-07-28

Thailand has been involved in this slave fishing game for at least the past 20 years and just started several months ago with cleaning up their act. I am sure next year they are on Tier 2.

Have any fishing captains/companies been prosecuted for the alleged slavery/beatings/murders? Can't see any reason for an upgrade.

[Oziex1]

The Thai administration have said they are committed to ending human trafficking, the test is the effective investigation, prosecution and severe punishment of all perpetrators of this crime. Regardless of their standing in Thai society.

Even the most casual observer can see this is not happening.

[Fat Haggis]

The irony of a bully PM being bullied by another Bully President seems lost on many here ;-)

[Just1Voice]

When I see a court docket full of Thai fishing boat captains about to be sentenced and punished for many years in prisons, and massive fines, then I'll believe Thailand is serious. Until then, nah, I don't think so.

[davidstipek]

There is a difference....

Doing something and sticking to the plan.... is not the Same as:

We said we were going to do this... Then Backed down when we were against an Industry that was going to go on Strike if we Implemented the Plan... Saying it is still on the books to do something..... So now what is wrong with them going on Strike? They are going to loose the Export Trade anyway with what is being discussed abroad now anyway.... "Go on strike" Because if you don't your fish is going to rot here as no-one is going to buy.... I would have called the Industries Bluff!! Now Government by not doing anything is placing a Rotten Stigma to any Thai Seafood. <deleted>!!! Oh I guess this is the Limits to Thai Male thinking??? Maybe we need more standup Females who are not looked at as 2nd Class to finally be able to Correct a Social Problem and gain the respect of the Thai Majority... Actually cleaning up some of the B.S. that has been piling up here for years. When they do... Thai Citizens will finally see the light of day and "To disagree" when the alternative answer is the correct one.

If you wanted Higher status on TIP report.... saying your "going to do something"! Is 180 degrees from "Doing something" There is nothing lost in this translation... Nothing to hide behind as an excuse here... Europe and the U.S. saw the results quite plain as Day!

Now I think someone is going to have to explain to the P.M. that this Ministers B.S. answer before and followup actions resulted in this. Mr. P.M. I think a Cabinet Shuffle here is more then over due... Request this Minister to explain to the Country why his actions resulted in these results....

[lovetotravel]

The irony of a bully PM being bullied by another Bully President seems lost on many here ;-)

The report is from the US Department of State, not from the President. Like in your country, I doubt the president is involved in every single part of what goes on in the country.

The report is a good effort at leadership. Hard to argue with what's trying to be accomplished. Elimination of human slavery. A very difficult goal. But an admirable one that should be applauded and supported.

[Oziex1]

The irony of a bully PM being bullied by another Bully President seems lost on many here ;-)

Not seeing bullying, just a fair critique of a very serious crime against humanity.

The argument of those who are not perfect should mind their own business is flawed, as I have posted before if countries like Thailand clean up their act then maybe all countries will have a look at themselves.

[gemguy]

Thailand received a low rating???....No Kidding...who would have thought???

I guess Thailand will just have to work harder at doing the right thing instead of the self serving thing....especially when the world is watching the Thai officials while caught with their pants down around their ankles....lol

Cheers

[Frederickxx]

The PM says he will respect the report however I see a lot of BUT's coming as in :

BUT we are doing out best

BUT the US doesn't understand

BUT everybody else does it and we get punished, and on and on.

The PM should check the music archives for a pop song from the '50s, regret the name escapes me, with a rebellious teenager singing about the problems in his life and includes the line

" why is everybody always picking on me ? "

The song is "Charlie Brown" by "The Coasters"

[gemguy]

No worry my friend...all the other countries that you mention have long been criticized by the USA and many other countries who can criticize at leisure.

Meantime, Thailand is now in the lime light while blaming others, while claiming innocence, while absolving themselves of any complicity is typical and to be expected, so no surprise.

Cheers

Undersecretary of State Sarah Sewall denied political considerations had come into play.

Be honest, Sarah:

If you ain't our poodle we ain't love you. You are either with us or against us.

That's not democracy but bullyism.

Leadership may have changed but philosophy has not.

It's no defense of Thailand's past history on this subject. Or the total lack of interest shown by previous governments to actually do anything.

However, what exactly has Malaysia done to warrant its upgrade.

Also, why is there no condemnation of India. The problem of bonded labor, slave labor, sex trafficking and appalling treatment of the low castes is rife and often well reported in very corrupt India. A country whose police make the BiB look energetic. When was the last time anyone was successfully prosecuted in India for these crimes. Of course, India is a pally pally country with a democratically elected government. Interesting the amount of Indian MP's who have outstanding court cases.

As usual, it's not about justice and right or wrong. It's about the politics and agenda the reports writers want to follow.

Hypocrisy has become the byword for US and EU condemnation - do as we say, not as we do; our "friends" can do different to our not so friends; business and money interests trump everything.

No worry my friend...all the other countries that you mention have long been criticized by the USA and many other countries who can criticize at leisure.

Meantime, Thailand is now in the lime light while blaming others, while claiming innocence, while absolving themselves of any complicity is typical and to be expected, so no surprise.

Cheers

Edited July 28, 2015 by gemguy

[atsiii]

Thailand just needs to negotiate a trade agreement with Obama, then (just like others) Thailand can be magically lifted from Tier 3. Obama will never let a little human trafficking get in the way of U.S. corporate greed.

[sambum]

The PM says he will respect the report however I see a lot of BUT's coming as in :

BUT we are doing out best

BUT the US doesn't understand

BUT everybody else does it and we get punished, and on and on.

The PM should check the music archives for a pop song from the '50s, regret the name escapes me, with a rebellious teenager singing about the problems in his life and includes the line

" why is everybody always picking on me ? "

"Fee fee fi fi fo fo fum - I smell smoke in the auditorium" Title - "Charlie Brown" by the Coasters.

[Shaunduhpostman]

Aside from Thailand's obvious longstanding culture of disregard for anyone's rights and the fishing industry, Rohingya problems being no exception, and bearing in mind also the notion that perhaps there is some element of the TPP arm twsiting going on here, then perhaps we could stretch things a bit and say that what the US state department is basically saying to Thailand is this: hands off our international corporate patrons' slaves. As stewards of the TPP, It is our job to make sure that they may enslave them and not you, and it will all be neat and tidy and legal and internationally approved and under the aegis of an international trade agreement framework soon enough, so that all will be fine and dandy and morally upright in in our minds in time for Christmas, so back off.

[sammygood]

just another hub they can be proud of