The Permanent Secretary of Labor met with US Embassy Counselor to discuss the strengthening of cooperation on anti-labor trafficking and Thailand’s ranking on TIP Report.
On 10 March 2023, Mr. James L. Wayman, political counselor of the US Embassy in Bangkok, and his team met with Mr. Boonchob Suthamanuswong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, to discuss cooperation between Thailand and the U.S. on eliminating labor trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.
PS Boonchob reiterated that the Government has prioritized combatting human trafficking as a national agenda, along with strengthening the integration between agencies.
Pol.Gen. Thammasak Wicharaya, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has been appointed main coordinator for all relevant agencies in order for integration and harmonization.
For the Ministry of Labour, driving the policy on preventing and combatting labor trafficking has continuously been a priority, with all agencies operating under the Plan of Action on preventing and protecting labor trafficking among risk groups, such as migrant workers, child labor, and fishery workers.
The actions include, but not limit to:
- Initial screening for forced labor and labor trafficking among migrant workers according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and National Referral Mechanisms (NRM).
- The establishment of Command Center and Operation Center for labor trafficking prevention at the Department of Employment.
- Inspecting workplaces for employment and working conditions.
- Workers’ employment and working conditions screening.
- Monitoring the outbound labor-smuggling attempts.
- Combating illegal fishing and worst forms of child labor.
- Overseeing the import and export of labor by the MOU system.
“Ministry of Labor, as the main agency for protection, prevention, and combatting labor trafficking and forced labor, is pleased to join hands with all stakeholders, both from public and private sectors, including the NGOs, to drive the anti-human trafficking efforts and eliminate labor trafficking in Thailand, with an aim to meet the U.S.’ standards and improve the ranking in TIP Report to Tier 1,” said PS Boonchob.
