On 19 March 2015, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the 1st Meeting of the National Sub-Committee on Public Relations and Legal Affairs under the Policy Committee on Human Trafficking and Illegal Fishing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

The Sub-Committee is mandated to inform all stakeholders of the progress and efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal fishing, to comment and make recommendations on related reports as well as to strengthen cooperation among relevant sectors.

The Meeting took stock of the significant progress made by relevant Thai authorities on anti-human trafficking efforts, particularly the positive outcome of various meetings held between relevant Thai authorities and local and foreign stakeholders such as private sectors and civil society organizations, the U.S. TIP Office and relevant European partners.  

The Meeting also framed communication and dissemination strategies to create a better understanding among the local people and foreign partners through providing correct information of efforts undertaken by Thai authorities to combat human trafficking and illegal fishing. Future work plans will involve updating stakeholders on a regular basis of progress and tangible achievement made by Thailand and integrating the database system among line agencies.

In maintaining our leading role in regional cooperation, Thailand will host the Bali Process Regional Symposium on Trafficking for the Purpose of Labour Exploitation during 25-27 March 2015 followed by the Meeting on Asia-Australia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP) in collaboration with Australia in April this year.