English subtitle of PM weekly televised address on 5 June 2015
Start at 10.00 minute
June 5th is not only the World Environment Day; it also marks National Anti-Human Trafficking Day in Thailand. This day aims to raise awareness among government agencies, the private sector, and the public as well as to encourage them to be a part of the anti-human trafficking effort. As a transit country, Thailand needs to eradicate all possibilities and channels of human trafficking.
However, the problem must also be addressed at the upstream level which is the country of origin, while cooperation must be sought at the downstream which is a third country. Today, we have seen much progress. At least, we have a short-term plan to tackle human trafficking at the moment. As for a long-term plan, we must prevent the problem at the upstream level by disallowing illegal migration. Everyone should place importance on this issue. All lives are worthy regardless of nationality, race or religion. They have the same rights and should be treated equally.
The government attaches great significance to human trafficking as it has made the issue a national agenda. This morning, I chaired the opening ceremony of the “Anti-Human Trafficking Day” activity held at Government House. During the event, I stressed that the government always takes it seriously when it comes to law enforcement. Security measures have been tightened. Offenders will be prosecuted. Victims will be rehabilitated. And subsequent problems will be addressed.
Human trafficking has a widespread effect in our society and the world. It is a problem that needs great collaboration from all sectors, be they Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Labor Ministry, Interior Ministry, Royal Thai Police, the private sector, independent organizations, foundations, and the general public.
The government wants to make everyone understand the severity of this problem and how it is affecting our society. Some of you may think that it does not concern you, which is not true. Social inequality exists when human trafficking takes place, and will be followed by different types of crimes. We must separate human trafficking from illegal immigration entry which takes place on a daily basis. Illegal migrants come here to look for jobs. But some are illegally brought in by human trafficking ring. Panhandling can also be treated as a human trafficking offence if done as a group. Women and children can fall victim to human trafficking when forced into doing things against their will. If there is a middleman, it is a human trafficking offense. Without a middleman, it would be treated as illegal migration. Both types of problems exist in Thai society.
Migrant workers have already registered with the Thai government. We shall look into whether these migrants came through the right and legal process. Registration helps migrants secure their status without having to worry if they will be left stranded. Before you actually come here, please make sure the recruitment agency can be trusted. You should always ask for a license or related documents.
The Thai people are very generous. We always feel the need to provide for the poor, the underprivileged, and the disabled. It is a common practice in Thailand. With that being said, I would like everyone to help our society by being the eyes and ears for the authorities and report any suspicious activities to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The ministry has recently initiated the “Thailand AGAINST human trafficking” campaign. It tells us how human trafficking rings are tricking people into joining them. Victims are told that they would be offered high wages. This is what they use to lure the victims. The same goes to other illegal migrants such as Rohingyas who were told that they would find a job that offers high wages in the third country. Believing that, they risk their lives travelling to another country. Some of them died on the boat. This conduct is wrong. If they came by themselves without any agency bringing them in, it would be a different case. Please use your highest discretion when it comes to such sensitive issues and help prevent all human trafficking activities. We need to keep all the vulnerable people out of this circle of human trafficking. When in this circle, female victims are normally harassed and forced, while some can be kidnaped for ransom. This problem has been lingering in Thailand for a long time. We will turn the realization of this crisis into an opportunity to do get it right. There will be no more harassment and assaults.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will produce a short film to raise awareness and educate everyone on the issue of human trafficking. You will be informed of various consequences that will follow. Panhandlers have been moved to Thanyaburi where they are being trained under the “Thanyaburi Model”. We have to take care of this group as well. Perpetrators will face both disciplinary action and criminal charges. If we do not have this problem removed now, there will be more in the future. The upcoming short film will tell us about human trafficking operations and how victims are treated. It will help us understand the problem and be aware of such crime. Do not join human trafficking operations and help our country fend off this threat. Factors contributing to human trafficking are poverty and social disparities. They would not be scammed if they were not poor. The government will therefore build security and ensure sufficient income for the people.
The project also opens doors for donors who would like to make contributions to foundations working to help human trafficking victims. Donations can be made until September 5th, 2015. Postcards and T-shirts with barcodes will be sold and given away. People who would like to make donations can go to counter service and show the barcode on the T-shirt or the card. You can also directly wire your money to a Krungthai bank account under the name “Ruam Jai Thai Fight Human Trafficking by Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Account number is 021-0-17650-4. Your contribution may be tax deductible. Please keep your receipt or payslip. The Revenue Department is considering whether the contributions to help victims of human trafficking will be tax deductible. The department will inform you when there is an update. I believe that all the donors will be rewarded for their merit in the end. The deeds that we have done will finally pay off. There is no doubt that people donating to these victims will be rewarded with good merits. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the authorities and related agencies as well as counter services for joining such a great project.
End at 18.32 minute
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E95DK6eD3Ko[/youtube]
