BANGKOK, 31 March 2015 (NNT) -The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai has reiterated, in the TV program “Thailand Moves Forward”, that the Thai Government’s efforts in countering human trafficking in the fishery sector are a serious commitment.
Mr.Don expressed the view that such problems still exist in Thailand as a result of a lack of direct control and close monitoring.
However, he confirmed that the Labor Ministry has continuously tackled the problem and is committed to enforcing more stringent measures.
There are many changes in laws and ministerial regulations, designed to improve the welfare of workers in the fishing industry.
Workers should have enough time for proper sleep, their working hours on board should be strictly monitored along with their identity when employed, and no workers can be under the age of 18. Otherwise the ship is not allowed to go offshore. Stronger punishment is being implemented for those who fail to comply with the new laws and regulations.
As for Thai workers on Ambon Island, Indonesia, the Ministry will figure out who is behind such an act of illegal labor exploitation.
Mr.Don believes the world will judge Thailand’s progress in the suppression of human trafficking, based on all that it has done since last October including genuine efforts to keep the world informed.
He also called on the EU, which seeks to give Thailand a yellow card for unsatisfactory human trafficking suppression, to give careful consideration to Thailand’s strong intentions.
However, the EU is still in the process of considering its view of progress, resulting in a postponement of a yellow card announcement. Meanwhile, Thai people are requested to help solve the problem of human trafficking.
Source: NNT (reprinted by Thai Visa News)
