Thailand and Australia join forces to tackle human trafficking

To tackle the scourge of human trafficking, the Thai government, in partnership with Australia, has unveiled a groundbreaking training facility in Bangkok.

The Counter Trafficking in Persons Center of Excellence (CTIP-COE) officially opened on May 17 by Minister of Justice Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald.

This centre represents a significant stride in the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking programme, a robust 10-year initiative backed by the Australian government. It cements over two decades of collaboration between Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in their fight against human trafficking.

During the inauguration, Minister Tawee highlighted the global nature of human trafficking, calling it a complex issue that demands committed and sincere collaboration among various stakeholders. Ambassador Macdonald lauded the Thai government for its unwavering leadership and determination.

“The CTIP-COE is the first of its kind in the region, setting a new standard in the fight against human trafficking.”

The establishment of the CTIP-COE follows a memorandum of understanding signed by Thailand and Australia in November 2022. This strategic partnership aims to enhance ongoing efforts against human trafficking, focusing on enforcing labour regulations and other preventive measures.

Coinciding with the opening ceremony was the conclusion of an intensive training course at the CTIP-COE, where 48 personnel from across Thailand were equipped with specialised skills in the prevention and suppression of human trafficking. This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of both nations to continue their collaborative efforts in eradicating modern-day slavery, reported Pattaya Mail.

With the launch of the CTIP-COE, Thailand and Australia have reinforced their pledge to combat human trafficking, marking a significant milestone in their joint mission to safeguard human rights and dignity.

In related news, authorities have arrested a karaoke bar owner for allegedly trafficking underage girls from Thailand and Laos, some under 15 years old, into sex work.