Thailand setting up anti-human trafficking centres in 37 at-risk risk provinces

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BANGKOK, Feb 23 – The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has ordered the setting up of centres to solve trafficking in women and children in 37 provinces which are at risk from the problem.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Sangsingkeo said Monday that letters were sent to inform governors of the 37 provinces about the order on February 9.

The provinces are those situated on the country’s borders or those which gather a many ‘entertainment complexes’, including Chon Buri and Nong Khai provinces, said the minister after chairing a ceremony to deliver his anti-human trafficking policy in Bangkok.

The centres will be tasked to carry out the ministry’s operations to prevent and address trafficking in women and children, covering victim identification, strict law enforcement against traffickers, protection of victims, boosting understanding with local pornography operators, and arrangement of female investigators and interpreters to facilitate investigation into trafficking cases, he said.

The centres will have governor of the concerned province as a chairperson and chief of the provincial social development and human security as a secretary, he said. It will report operational results to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha monthly.

Under the order, each government is required to work with local agencies including police and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to handle trafficking cases, which occurs in their provinces, he added.