Phuket cracks down on human trafficking in fisheries
Phuket officials are doubling down on the fight against human trafficking in the island’s bustling marine fisheries sector. At a meeting held yesterday, November 27, leaders stressed the urgency of safeguarding workers from exploitation and aligning with global anti-trafficking standards.
The high-level talks, chaired by Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, gathered agency heavyweights at the Provincial Welfare and Labour Protection Office. Thanapong Onchar, chief of the office, led discussions alongside other key players. The mission? To amplify cooperation between agencies, crack down on trafficking, and guarantee fair working conditions for both Thai and foreign labourers.
“This collaborative approach ensures the protection of workers and strengthens Thailand’s stance as a nation dedicated to eradicating labour exploitation.”
The meeting reviewed a busy year for inspectors, who conducted four large-scale operations, scrutinising 16 fishing vessels and 389 crew members. Among the workers, 35 were Thai, while 328 hailed from Myanmar and 26 from Cambodia.
Officials also reflected on Thailand’s Tier 2 ranking in the 2024 US Trafficking in Persons Report—a position held for the third year running. While the government has been lauded for bolstering victim identification and prosecution efforts, the ranking highlights room for improvement.
Discussions didn’t stop at reviews; they mapped a future strategy, focusing on inter-agency coordination, public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of labour protections. Vice Governor Ronnarong pointed to successes like victim screening centres and compensation frameworks but emphasised other areas.
“We must address the gaps to comprehensively tackle this issue.”
With a renewed commitment, Phuket’s officials aim to turn the tide against trafficking and exploitation, setting the stage for a more secure and equitable future for workers across the marine sector, reported Phuket News.
In related news, police in Lang Suan district, Chumphon province, responded to a distress call from monks at Wat Sek Tharam at 11.30am on October 17, leading them to a tragic scene involving Burmese migrants. Found in a forest approximately 2 kilometres from Phetkasem Road, 12 Burmese migrants were discovered in dire conditions, covered in dirt and visibly weakened.
