On 27 June 2017 at 10.30 hours (Washington, D.C. time), the United States Department of State released the Trafficking in Persons Report 2017, placing Thailand on Tier 2 Watch List or the same ranking as in 2016.

          The Royal Thai Government remains firmly committed to seriously and strenuously addressing human trafficking, while seeking to further strengthen and expand cooperation with truly concerned partners, with a view to improving its capacity to better prevent and suppress the problem.  After all, tackling trafficking in persons by the Royal Thai Government is not aimed at any evaluation but to better protect both Thais and foreigners in the Kingdom – equal in human dignity – from the menace of human trafficking while upholding humanitarian principles to which Thailand has always adhered.

          While taking note of the ranking, Thailand views that the Report has not done justice to the significant and tangible progress Thailand has made in various areas during the past year, including policy initiatives, prosecution of wrong-doers and complicit officials, prevention of potential victims, witness and victim protection, and partnership with various groups of stakeholders, both domestic and abroad.