NLA accepts Human Trafficking Criminal Procedure Act

Suwit Rattiwan

BANGKOK, 30 January 2016 (NNT) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has voted 175-0 with 3 abstentions to accept in principle the Human Trafficking Criminal Procedure Act.

The draft act was proposed by Justice Minister, Gen Paiboon Koomchaya who explained to members of the NLA that human trafficking is a major threat to all mankind as it violates human rights. In addition, he said the severity of human trafficking threatens national security, social security, and sustainable development of the nation.

Therefore, he said more effective measures must be taken against all human traffickers and that criminal procedures against one of the world's most shameful crimes must be conducted fairly, promptly, and according to international standards.

After hearing Gen Paiboon’s statement, the NLA approved the draft act while making a number of suggestions including 1) human trafficking victims must be protected and categorized according to the circumstances, 2) when rescued, victimized children shall not be separated from their parents, and 3) judges and lawyers handling human trafficking cases must be knowledgeable about the issue.

-- NNT 2016-01-30

The NLA votes to "accept in principle" the draft Human Trafficking Criminal Procedure Act.

Why not just vote to PASS the Act as law?

In principle, so still dragging their feet on this.

What laws are currently used to convict traffickers?