Thailand has retained its Tier 2 status on the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, signifying the country’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Despite not meeting the minimum standards for eradicating trafficking, the Thai government is recognized for making significant progress.
According to the US Department of State, Thailand demonstrated increased efforts compared to the previous reporting period. These efforts included a rise in the number of trafficking investigations and prosecutions, as well as an increase in the number of identified victims referred to services.
However, the report also pointed out areas where Thailand continues to fall short. Issues such as inconsistent and ineffective interviewing practices during labor inspections and victim identification interviews have left many trafficking victims unidentified and without care, particularly those exploited in forced labor. Additionally, the police were criticized for insufficient efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims exploited in forced criminality in online scam operations in neighboring countries.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa acknowledged the mixed results of the report. He expressed gratitude to various parties, including the Justice Ministry and the Royal Thai Police, for their hard work over the past year. Minister Varawut highlighted the ministry’s ongoing coordination with US authorities and the submission of detailed reports on human trafficking investigations. He agreed with the US report’s findings on Thailand’s challenges, particularly in suppressing online scams and improving the effectiveness of victim interviews. He emphasized the continued collaboration with government agencies and civil society to enhance anti-trafficking efforts.
Minister Varawut expressed optimism for the future, stating, “We hope to see Thailand advance to Tier 1 next year. The fact that Thailand was not downgraded proves that the government and related agencies have maintained their efforts continually in the past year.”
A Tier 1 ranking is awarded to countries that fully comply with the minimum standards of the United States’ Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as reported by The Nation.