[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

THAILAND (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Thailand does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Thailand remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included increasing the number of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; and initiating investigations of 35 allegedly complicit officials in 2022 and sentencing four to terms of imprisonment.  The government also identified more trafficking victims, began implementation of the new NRM, and trained officials on its use.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  Inconsistent and ineffective interviewing practices during labor inspections and victim identification interviews left many trafficking victims unidentified and, therefore, without care, especially those exploited in forced labor.  Authorities did not make sufficient efforts to protect trafficking victims exploited in forced labor in cyber scam operations in neighboring countries, including Thai citizens who entered the country after their exploitation, often without legal status; government officials did not identify the majority as trafficking victims, placed foreign victims in immigration detention centers, and arrested victims, including Thai citizens, for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked in these illicit operations.  The government’s requirements by law that most foreign victims remain in shelters throughout legal proceedings against traffickers deterred many potential victims from reporting their exploitation or agreeing to participate as witnesses, undercutting law enforcement and overall protection efforts.  Significant gaps in the government’s provision of services to victims persisted.  Corruption and official complicity continued to impede anti-trafficking efforts.

Prioritized Recommendations

Proactively investigate and prosecute officials allegedly complicit in facilitating trafficking, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms. 

Increase efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims exploited in forced labor in cyber scam operations arriving in Thailand; cease placing victims in immigration detention centers and ensure victims are not inappropriately penalized solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked. 

Fully implement the NRM and the reflection period for victims and open victim identification centers. 

Use victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches, including during multidisciplinary team (MDT) interviews and labor inspections. 

Increase the use and availability of interpreters to assist victims, including in shelters and court proceedings. 

Increase use of visas to enable victims to remain and work in Thailand after the completion of proceedings against traffickers. 

Train officials on and ensure effective implementation of guidelines for the implementation of Section 6/1 of the anti-trafficking law and identification of labor trafficking victims. 

Increase the ability of victims, especially adults, to move freely in and out of shelters and access communication devices and reassess shelter placements periodically to ensure victims are not required to remain in shelters longer than necessary. 

Ensure government- and NGO-operated shelters provide victims with adequate trauma-informed and individualized care, such as legal assistance and psychological care, and implement consistent policies on victim services across all shelters. 

Ensure labor violations and migrant workers’ complaints that include indicators of forced labor are investigated for trafficking crimes, including by enforcing procedures for labor officials to refer potential cases of labor trafficking to MDTs and law enforcement. 

Increase awareness among relevant officials of trafficking indicators such as debt-based coercion, excessive overtime, confiscation of documents, and non-payment of wages. 

Screen any North Korean workers for signs of trafficking and refer them to appropriate services in a manner consistent with obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2397.