Message from
General (Ret.) Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
on the Occasion of the “National Anti-Human Trafficking Day” for the year 2021
5th June 2021
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“Trafficking in person” is a problem that has serious consequences for the national security. This government has advanced important policies on the issue, in line with the 20-Year National Strategy for National Security, which aims to ensure the nation’s security and the public’s contentment. The Cabinet has therefore, passed a resolution designating 5 June of every year as “National Anti-Human Trafficking Day”, declaring the prevention and combatting of trafficking in persons a national agenda in order to demonstrate the serious commitment of Thailand in combatting trafficking in person in a consistent and earnest manner, so as to eradicate all form of trafficking by employing any and all measures. This includes amending related rules and regulations that are obstacles to operations, improving the efficiency of information sharing, prosecution and law enforcement, as well as increasing penalties for traffickers, while recognizing the rights of the victims and providing remedies and protection for the victims, both in normal situations and during the COVID-19 situation. It also includes preparation for the post COVID-19 situation.
I would like extend my sincere gratitude to all relevant agencies and officials, especially civil society, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and volunteers that have committed there steadfast and dedicated effort to working together to solve this issue of trafficking in person. As a result, the situation of trafficking in person in Thailand has improved, enabling Thailand to sustain a Tier 2 ranking for three consecutive years, as reported in the US Department of State’s 2020 Trafficking in person Report (TIP Report 2020). I encourage all of the relevant agencies and sectors to continue to integrated their work and cooperate effectively in all dimensions, to respond to the issue of trafficking in person in a seamless and coordinated manner, improving efficiency in solving the problem successfully and in a concrete and sustainable manner.
On the occasion of 2021 “National Anti-Human Trafficking Day”, I would like to send my best wishes to all organizations and officials working to combat trafficking in persons, and their families. May the power of all Triple Gems, all that is holy and the grace of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen bestow upon you with only happiness, prosperity, physical and mental strength, so that together we may completely eradicate trafficking in person from Thailand forever.
General (Ret.) Prayut Chan-o-cha
Prime Minister