On 25 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 with key Thai NGOs to listen to discuss ways to combat human trafficking.

In recognition of the role of the NGOs and civil societies as key partners of the government, the Sub-Committee aims to create an important platform for broader constructive discussions and exchange of views in order to coordinate and strengthen efforts to address problems such as forced labour, including minors and illegal fishery.

During the discussion, the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the civil societies’ cooperation and information sharing, which have led to a significant improvement in the government’s actions in “5Ps” implementation, particularly in helping victims, investigation against trafficking rings, and empowering migrant labours to lessen their vulnerabilities.  He emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance attitude against human trafficking, a modern-day slavery, and pledged a continuation of cooperation with both the private sector and the civil societies in this endeavour. 

Representatives from the civil societies have contributed valuable information and useful recommendations, including suggestions to cooperate more closely with Thailand’s neighbours to address the problem at root cause, supporting and working more integratively with the civil societies, and increasing disciplinary punishment against government officials involved in the crime.