BANGKOK, 18 April 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has unveiled the procedures to punish government officials involved with human trafficking, as urged by the Prime Minister.
The MSDHS’ Spokesperson Saowanee Khomepatr has revealed that the committee on the prevention of government officials’ involvement in human trafficking chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai has issued regulations on the prosecution and punishment of government officials who are found to be involved with human trafficking. The new protocol has been put into motion since 31 March 2016.
The regulation calls for the supervisor of the official, found to be initially involved with human trafficking activities, to command further actions within 10 days and report the progress of the case every 30 days since the investigation order was issued.
Disciplinary punishment must be reported within 10 days, as well as criminal prosecution which will be reported every 30 days. Reports on court progress must be issued every 60 days until the case is closed.
The MSDHS’ spokesperson has said the government will strictly pursue officials found to be involved with human trafficking practices, and this protocol was issued to bring all involved persons to justice as these actions gravely violate international human rights principles.
Since last year, 34 government officials have been found to be involved with human trafficking activities. The MSDHS is the main agency responsible for the elimination of human trafficking activities in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Source: National News Bureau of Thailand
