The Section of Special Analysis (DSI) has opened up a centre to investigate state officials allegedly involved in human trafficking, according to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin.
Mr Somsak said the center represents a crucial hard work to meet the government’s goal of elevating the country in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, from the present Tier 2 in order to Tier 1, in five years.
The TIP is an annual report published by the United States Division of State. Asia moved up in the Tier 2 View List to Rate 2 in the most recent report, released last month.
The report mentioned while the government of Thailand does not completely meet the minimum criteria for the elimination of trafficking, it is producing significant efforts to do so.
Among 14 points highlighted as areas where Thailand should try harder is perfect for the country to level up law enforcement, prosecutions and convictions, especially in forced work cases.
Mr Somsak mentioned the centre has already taken up cases regarding officials receiving kickbacks for turning a blind eye in order to human trafficking gangs operating karaoke bars as a front within Chiang Rai plus Kanchanaburi.
The minister said many more officials are now being probed by the center.
Another centre is also working to shelter trafficking victims and provide rehabilitation, he added.
The DSI’s Bureau of Individual Trafficking Crime states that in the past 5 years, it has managed to wrap up 60 instances of in which state officials were furthermore suspects. Twenty situations are still being investigated, Mr Somsak stated.