English subtitle of PM weekly televised address on 27 March 2015
Start at 36.06 minute
In reference to human trafficking in the fishing industry, some people don’t understand that the problem is very deep-rooted and has been lingering in our country for a very long time. I have read the report and discussed it with Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon who is responsible for combating all human trafficking activities and problems in the fishing industry. I would like to inform you that officials have been assigned to visit the Indonesian island village of Benjina to seek cooperation from Indonesia in tackling human trafficking and assisting the victims. The government is adamant to help all Thais detained there. We have to admit that these persons have committed a crime in another country. When international organizations intervene, the country has to be responsible for its people. You need to tell us what needs to be done and we will help you. I heard that some employees are abandoned by their employers once there have been arrested. The employers will not take responsibility for their staff. Some boat operators are not willing to pay the money and leave the responsibility to the government. This conduct is wrong. Do you still remember when Thais were detained in Somalia for five years? Fortunately, they have returned home.
Not only that, the Thai government will take serious measures against all companies, large or small, that continue taking advantage of their employees with no regard for human rights. These companies will be permanently shut down and face legal charges. Authorities including those from the Marine Department will be assessed for their performances. Related agencies need to make sure that the processes are done correctly, be they registration, equipment installation, and joint venture with other countries. Thailand is slated to form a joint venture with Indonesia. Boat operators need to avoid going into unauthorized areas. This sort of thing cannot be allowed, or else, the law will not be respected. If we didn’t have the law to regulate this sector, what will happen then? What happens is that they will ban fishery products from Thailand. If the IUU see us as a country that violates human trafficking laws and IUU regulations, and the EU and the US have the same outlook, what if one day they decide to stop importing products from Thailand, starting with fishery products? And what if they decide to ban other products like fruit, rice, and rubber? How are we to cope? Violating human trafficking law needs to stop as you are damaging the whole country. No other government can fix this problem, but the current one. You cannot keep taking advantage of other people. Some entrepreneurs get richer and richer and own more than 10 fishing vessels. You need to adhere to the law when doing business.
I can assure you that the government places great significance on this matter and will have zero tolerance when it comes to human trafficking. The government will do whatever it takes to fight human trafficking. Although the government is pioneering its best effort, we cannot solve a problem that has been in Thailand for more than a decade in just 7-8 months. What have you been doing all this time? Why didn’t anyone do something? Don’t say you don’t know what is going on. It is obvious that human trafficking exists here. Don’t say this government has not done anything to resolve it. We are doing our best. Don’t forget what it was like before we took over. Everything was a mess. Both the government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) are committed to removing all illegal activities and making human trafficking as the nation’s first priority. All sectors must join hands like the time when we fought drug abuse. Laws will be strictly enforced. Preparation must be made. Time is required. The government will push for cooperation with Indonesia in tackling all illegal, unregulated, and unauthorized fishing activities and human trafficking. I also had an opportunity to talk to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei about the matter. I will also seek cooperation from the Philippines, Cambodia, and other countries in this region. We need to work together as friends to tackle a common issue. I know that Thai and foreign media have reported considerably on this matter, so thank you.
End at 41.20 minute
