On 20 February 2015, Mrs. Barbara Lochbihler, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Human Rights, called on H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and had a frank and fruitful discussion about the development of human rights situation in Thailand.
  
The Deputy Minister affirmed Thailand’s commitment to international obligations related to human rights and humanitarian principles.  In this transition period towards a strengthened democracy, Thailand continues to push forward the country’s human rights development agenda, including the recently launched 3rd National Human Rights Plan. 

The Deputy Minister also stressed Thailand’s real and concrete progress on many fronts in combating human trafficking, which is the current government’s top priority.  Most importantly, fighting corruption among public officials is an integral part of Thailand’s reform effort. The past year has seen an increase in the number of law enforcement officers involved in human trafficking punished.

Mrs. Lochbihler took note of new laws and progress made by the Thai government.  She expressed willingness to explore ways for constructive cooperation.  She also exchanged views with senior government officials from line agencies involved in combating human trafficking, namely the Department of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Commerce, as well as the President of the Thai Tuna Industry Association. 

This visit followed Mrs. Lochbihler’s trip to Cambodia to study the current situation regarding land rights and trafficking in person.  Before becoming an MEP, Mrs. Lochbihler is an active social worker, caring deeply about the living conditions of those in extreme poverty, violent conflicts, and wars.