On 18 February 2015, Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Chairman of the National Sub-Committee on Public Relations and Legal Affairs under the Policy Committee on Human Trafficking and Illegal Fishing, met the representatives from private sectors, Thai Chamber of Commerce and related industry associations, namely, fishing industry, garment industry, and fishery product manufacturers.

As the private sectors are key partners of the government in combating human trafficking, the meeting aims to provide a platform for constructive discussion and exchange of views and information in order to strengthen efforts to address human trafficking, forced labour including minors, and illegal fishery.

During the discussion, the Deputy Foreign Minister reiterated the importance of integrated and concerted efforts between public and private sectors in monitoring the operation of human trafficking networks, encouraging legal employment, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and affording adequate protection for labour. He also pushed for a more active role to promote cooperation between private sectors and civil societies is also important in tackling the human trafficking issue.

As a follow up measure, on 25 February 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a consultative meeting with civil society groups and non-governmental organizations in order to discuss strategies and ways to enhance cooperation in preventing and solving the issue. Then, on 26 February 2015, the Sub-Committee will have its first meeting this year in order to discuss the communication plans and formulate ways in which cooperation with all relevant sectors, both within the country and abroad, can be strengthened, with the utmost aim to prevent and solve the problem of human trafficking effectively and sustainably.