US takes Thailand off Tier 3 in TIP Report following significant progress

[webfact]

US takes Thailand off Tier 3 in TIP Report following significant progress



BANGKOK, 30 June 2016 (NNT) – The United States has released its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, with Thailand being moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 Watch List, while the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has attributed the better ranking to Thailand’s commitment to ending human trafficking.

The 2016 TIP Report publicized by the US Department of State indicates that a resolution has been made to upgrade Thailand’s status to Tier 2 Watch List. The report says the government of Thailand does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.

Mr Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the improved ranking signifies the US’s recognition of the Thai government’s hard work to stamp out human trafficking over the past year. It also shows that the US values its cooperation with Thailand in the prevention of trafficking as well as protection of victims and prosecution of culprits.

After the country is moved up one level in the TIP Report, Mr Sek asserted that the government will not become complacent and will continue striving to achieve higher goals. He said efforts from all sides will be further integrated in a bid to eliminate human trafficking worldwide in a sustainable and effective manner.


-- NNT 2016-07-01

[webfact]

US takes Thailand off human trafficking blacklist
By MATTHEW PENNINGTON

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States removed Thailand from its human trafficking blacklist on Thursday, though forced labor remains widespread in the nation's lucrative seafood industry.

The State Department made the assessment in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which examines 188 governments' efforts in combating modern-day slavery.

Key U.S. trading partner Malaysia was taken off the blacklist controversially in 2015, soon after the discovery of mass graves of suspected trafficking victims. Malaysia retained its ranking, though it has initiated fewer trafficking investigations and prosecutions in the period covered by this year's report.

The report was released by Secretary of State John Kerry, who called it an attempt to bring public attention to the full nature and scope of the $150 billion human trafficking industry that has snared some 20 million people. He said the conclusions were based on facts and did not take into account political or other factors.

"There were some tough calls. In the end, they come down to an element of discretion, but not much, because we have a fixed set of rules that Congress has created, and we follow those rules," he said.

The promotion for military-led Thailand could ease tensions with the U.S., its longtime ally. The Thai government reported an increase in prosecutions and convictions for trafficking and had lobbied hard for an upgrade after two years on "tier 3" — the lowest ranking in report, which it had shared with the likes of North Korea and Syria. It is now on the "tier 2 watch list," which is for governments that do not fully meet the minimum standards of combating trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so.

Labor abuses in the Thai seafood industry gained in prominence around the globe after a two-year investigation by The Associated Press that led to the freeing of more than 2,000 slaves and the arrest of more than a dozen alleged traffickers. Several have been convicted.

Neighboring Myanmar, which recently shifted to a popularly elected civilian government after decades of military domination, was demoted to tier 3. It had faced a mandatory move up or down the rankings after four years on the watch list. The department said forced labor persists and that military and children are still being recruited into the armed forces. Myanmar's denial of legal status to minority Rohingya Muslims also increased their vulnerability to trafficking, it said.

Rohingya have been targets of communal violence, and tens of thousands have fled the country.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry said the downgrade was regrettable and called on the U.S. not to impose restrictions that would hamper U.S.-Myanmar cooperation. President Barack Obama now has 90 days to determine whether to apply sanctions on tier 3 nations. But the U.S. often chooses not to, based on its national security interests, as it did last year for Thailand.

Uzbekistan was put on tier 3 because of state-led forced labor in the cotton harvest. Djibouti, Haiti, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Suriname and Turkmenistan were also demoted to the blacklist, while Kuwait was taken off. There are now 27 nations on tier 3.

The advocacy group Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking welcomed the downgrades for Uzbekistan and Myanmar. Human Rights Watch echoed that, and said that the report generally reflected the record of countries around the world, but that the rankings of Thailand and Malaysia were "problematic."

Thailand has been under immense international pressure to clean up its $7 billion annual seafood export industry. AP's reporting followed slave-caught seafood from fishing boats, to the Southeast Asian nation and on to American dinner tables. This month, the European Union warned Thailand to take "swift and determined action" to improve its fisheries and labor practices or face a possible EU ban on Thai seafood by year's end.

The Thai Embassy in Washington said the report "recognizes the progress and significant efforts made by Thailand in the fight against human trafficking."

The State Department credited Thailand for undertaking legal reforms; for convicting 241 traffickers during 2015, compared with 104 in 2014; and for filing criminal charges against 34 officials in 2015, up from seven in 2014.

But the department said reports persist that some government officials are directly complicit in trafficking, and migrant workers, especially those who are undocumented, are fearful of reporting trafficking crimes and cooperating with authorities.

Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, author of the legislation that mandates the trafficking rankings, said the Obama administration has failed to correct last year's "egregious" upgrade for Malaysia, which he linked to its participation in the U.S.-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. He also accused the administration of turning a blind eye to abuses in Cuba, which was removed last year from tier 3 after diplomatic normalization with Washington.

Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey said Malaysia had failed to prosecute anyone in connection with the discovery of the mass graves at the Malaysia-Thai border in May 2015. He said he would introduce legislation to reform the tier ranking process.

____

Associated Press photographer Aung Shine Oo in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-07-01

[EricBerg]

So it will be business as usual again. The 34 accused officials will get a slap on the wrist and then they'll walk. New slaves will be brought in and sold. Everybody happy. Except the slaves of course, but that's why they're slaves. Mai pen rai... TiT

[anotheruser]

golf clap

[BigBadGeordie]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

[Winniedapu]

Disappointing and unlikely to reflect actual progress of any kind. A political convenience as usual for the USA.

How many people have been tried and convicted for what is known to be widespread abuse in Thailand?

Winnie

[alant]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Spot on.

[jlwilliamsjr18]

Another metaphorical example of premature-ejaculation. As a used car salesman once said to me, "Son...everything is negotiable."

[lostmebike]

So it will be business as usual again. The 34 accused officials will get a slap on the wrist and then they'll walk. New slaves will be brought in and sold. Everybody happy. Except the slaves of course, but that's why they're slaves. Mai pen rai... TiT

Agreed.

Has the situation been so 'cleaned up' since last September when the accusations seemed rife and to run real deep?

Excuses accepted for thinking other motives involved.

[robblok]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Same as that much of the punishment Thailand gets would not have gotten if no junta. Its simple its never really about objective data its always about politics. The US (and even EU) are just as hypocrite as any other country.

[xtof2]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Spot on. But it won't prevent China and Thailand to become closer allies and business partners. Business wise, US is out.

[Srikcir]

No moral high ground in this decision.

I suspect it's all about business - a tradeoff to get Thailand to apply for TPP.

Given the RTM's recent history of favoring China in its security and trade relations, a vey naive action by the Americans.

[Maggusoil]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Spot on.

The US support the Junta. Its just another tick. Not a sound not a word of reality in it. Keeping democracy down, is a popular trend in international politics.

Brexit tickled the belly of the same beast. People beginning to wonder it its possible to control your own patch.

[SOTIRIOS]

....isn't it 'the lower the number the higher the risk'.....???

[anon467367354]

Since we upgraded your status, you should reciprocate by signing theTPP. Then we own you!

[HappyinNE]

Actions like this bring discredit to the country I came from. This is just part of Obama's tilt to Asia. Just political and not the benefit of either the US or Thailand. As the Fourth of July approaches this does not make me proud at all.

[nakhonandy]

....isn't it 'the lower the number the higher the risk'.....???

No, the other way round.3 is the lowest.

[phoenixdoglover]

You guys complaining about the lack of objectivity might want to read a TIP report. The reports are supported by plenty of data.

Here is the relevant link (pg 363 for Thailand)

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/258882.pdf

However, there is no great solace in being placed in Tier 2, which simply means the country does not meet minimum standards, but is making an effort. I suspect Thailand is right on the edge. In that case, yes, global political concerns might sway the decision. But that also means Thailand could easily fumble and drop down to Tier 3 again.

There is a very long way to go.

Edited July 1, 2016 by phoenixdoglover

[bark]

So it will be business as usual again. The 34 accused officials will get a slap on the wrist and then they'll walk. New slaves will be brought in and sold. Everybody happy. Except the slaves of course, but that's why they're slaves. Mai pen rai... TiT

Do you think that it is like the USA in 1860 ? There are no slaves in the Seafood Factories in Thailand.

True that they bring in Burmese and pay them less then Thai people( jobs that Thai people will not do anyway . But the amount that they get paid is double , what they would earn in Burma. No different then the 8 million illegal Mexican in the USA.

When the Hollywood actors made a big deal about Nike paying Thai people $ 6.00/ day ( which was legal wage) 2005; to make Jordon shoes and sell for $ 150/ pair. Nike moved the factory out of Thailand. 2000 people lost their jobs. Hollywood celebrated , but the Thai workers were out of work.

[swerver]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Spot on.

The US support the Junta. Its just another tick. Not a sound not a word of reality in it. Keeping democracy down, is a popular trend in international politics.

Brexit tickled the belly of the same beast. People beginning to wonder it its possible to control your own patch.

As a Post above says, "SPOT ON".

Europe has been roiled by Brexit. Already, there are rumblings of a French exit from the EU ("Frexit"). Far-right movements in the Netherlands and Germany have pushed for "Nexit" and "Dexit," for Deutschland, respectively.

Could the exit suffix also be heading to the U.S.?

Well, sort of. Britain's surprising decision to leave the European Union is breathing new life into secessionist movements in the United States, with some activist groups, individuals and lawmakers across the country calling for their own version of the so-called "Brexit." Something most people do not know, The Texas breakaway organization, yes, organization, has already their own monetary coins, their own Constitution, their own regular meetings, etc. if you do in-depth Internet Search you will find all the info about Texas Independence. And now with Brexit things are percolating to the top again, and not only in Texas now.

So why care what US says about Thailand, Washington can't even control its own house anymore.

[EricBerg]

So it will be business as usual again. The 34 accused officials will get a slap on the wrist and then they'll walk. New slaves will be brought in and sold. Everybody happy. Except the slaves of course, but that's why they're slaves. Mai pen rai... TiT

Do you think that it is like the USA in 1860 ? There are no slaves in the Seafood Factories in Thailand.

True that they bring in Burmese and pay them less then Thai people( jobs that Thai people will not do anyway . But the amount that they get paid is double , what they would earn in Burma. No different then the 8 million illegal Mexican in the USA.

When the Hollywood actors made a big deal about Nike paying Thai people $ 6.00/ day ( which was legal wage) 2005; to make Jordon shoes and sell for $ 150/ pair. Nike moved the factory out of Thailand. 2000 people lost their jobs. Hollywood celebrated , but the Thai workers were out of work.

Did you forget the slaves aboard the trawlers? No pay there, not even one satang. Thrown overboard when sick or wounded; dumped on some uninhabited island when the captain is warned about inspection or when going to harbor. Then later caught on the island to slave more after the "holiday".

True that one cannot judge Thai/Asian conditions to western standards, but there is slavery. The type of forced labor without pay or acceptable working conditions where the victims are prisoners. Please don't mix things up.

[tuanku]

Thanks to the Associated Press and the demotion to tier 3 there is more attention focused on human trafficking right now. Not just seafood but also in the entertainment/sex industry as the recent bust on the massage parlour/brothel in Bangkok shows. Maybe the US action will encourage the Thai Junta to keep going on this. It also allows for the powerful threat of a demotion next time if things backslide. Politics and diplomacy is a complicated game with commercial interests and geopolitical power struggles at the centre of it, but if a by-product is some progress in this area of trafficking then that must be welcomed.

Right now the domestic and international media is on the lookout for any human trafficking stories in the region so it becomes harder for the traffickers to run their businesses.

[momtaz]

Holy script this report or what?

[Canuk23]

Oops sorry let me rephrase that Good one its a joke no ????

Edited July 1, 2016 by Canuk23

[sugarcane24]

This has nothing to do with the actions or inactions of Thailand. It is all about the current geo-political sitiuation, in particular the rise of China.

The slavery will, sadly, continue whilst the big boys play the politics of influence.

Same as that much of the punishment Thailand gets would not have gotten if no junta. Its simple its never really about objective data its always about politics. The US (and even EU) are just as hypocrite as any other country.

Indeed - wasn't the US involved in renditions - sending suspected terrorists to Thai army base for torture? If correct, wouldn't that also qualify as human trafficking?

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JA25Ae01.html

[amja]

My humble guess would be that the junta allowed The US of a to set up another of their black holiday camp in exchange for a better official grade!

Amja

[GAZZPA]

Just read the report. Thailand has made some progress according to the report, however on the chart is labelled as T2WL, this stands for tier 2 Watch List, this seems to be somewhere between Tier 3 and Tier 2 judging by the graph in the report.

So, it seems there is some acknowledgment of effort but the report also states that there are many cases of corruption and Thailand remains a hub for human trafficking in the region.

I guess it will hold it's position unless there are reports of serious human trafficking violations and then it could slip back down again as has previously happened.

Have to make the point though, as rife as it still is according to the report measures have been put in place and conviction rates are rising.

[Chris Lawrence]

What fantastic news, I bet there are still some parties going late into the night over such a change. You know the old men and very young go-go girl type of parties? The fact your country is on a tier is not something I would be promoting.

[Muzarella]

AND WHO WILL TAKE THE US OFF THE LIST

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2016/06/30/teens-as-young-as-12-keep-vanishing-from-nyc-streets-forced-prostitution-feared/?intcmp=obinsite