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Thailand's Cabinet Approves Anti-Human Trafficking Bill

The cabinet approved a draft bill which will give officials more power to fight human trafficking.

The bill proposed by the Human Security and Social Development Ministry covers all forms of human trafficking such as prostitution, forced labour and oppression, slavery and forced begging.  It also aims to help Thai victims both inside and outside the country and to punish those involved in trafficking.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalap said the bill will be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for consideration and will become the first of its kind in the country if it passes through the NLA. The draft bill will pave the way for the establishment of a national committee to prevent and suppress human trafficking, chaired by the prime minister.

The committee will be tasked with coming up with policies and measures to prevent and suppress human trafficking for the cabinet, and it will have the power to order relevant state officials to take action.  The bill will also give officials authority to search vehicles and places believed to be involved in human trafficking networks without seeking court orders.

Adapted from: "Draft bill gets nod from government" Bangkok Post. 2 May 2007.