The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and deputy spokesperson Mrs. Petcharat Sinouy, spoke about the media’s presentation of survey findings on the worsening situation of human trafficking. She explained the Ministry of Labour’s efforts on solutions to the issues which has resulted in Thailand’s move up to Tier 2 on the Watch List from its previous position in Tier 3 this last year. The ministry has also devised measures to promote equality amongst workers of all nationalities, which focuses on thorough process inspections in all industries and organizations of all sizes, prioritizing those with risks of child labour, slavery, debt bondage and human trafficking. Furthermore, effective foundations on foreign worker management systems have been placed which has involved closer collaborations with neighbouring countries including governments, the private sector, international organizations and NGOs. The framework on policy comprises 5Ps; policy, protection, prosecution, prevention and partnership.
Mrs. Petcharat stated that the Ministry of Labour would continue its anti-human trafficking efforts by integrating work with government units, the social sector and all other relevant units with the aim to be categorized in Tier 2 again this year. Another important policy belonging to Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul is the enforcement of zero tolerance and zero corruption, in addition to the ratification of ILO Convention 188 on working in the fishing industry, ILO Convention 98 on right to organize and collective bargaining and ILO Convention 29 on slavery.The ministry has also prioritized the establishment of 10 foreign worker assistance centers (Samut Sakhon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Samut Prakarn, Chon Buri, Ranong, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen) which will operate under collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and NGOs, creating more effective communication channels. The centers will give employment opportunities to foreign workers as communication coordinators, allowing the opportunity to be involved in helping the community.
“The Ministry of Labour will add another 1,500 members to the inspection workforce in compliance with ILO standards to ensure workers’ rights align with the laws and to resolve human trafficking sustainably,” concluded Mrs. Petcharat.
————————————————
Bureau of Public Relations – News/
Center of Prevention of Human Trafficking on Labour and Monitoring Labour Situation (CCPL) – Information/
9 May 2017
