Thai police taking firm steps to crack down on human trafficking: Surachet

Surachet made the remarks after meeting with several human trafficking-related agencies in the US.

Surachet, who is also director of the National Police's Child Woman Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Centre, said the police forces would focus on preventing human trafficking by utilising the social mechanism.

"For instance, the National Police would cooperate with Thai Airways International and community leaders on screening travellers," he said.

He added that community leaders would be allowed to monitor human trafficking issues in their areas.

"In addition, the police would train hotel staff to help screen travellers in a bid to prevent human trafficking or child pornography," he added.

During the meeting with the US Department of Labour, Surachate had presented the progress made in dealing with an apparel company that was taking advantage of migrant workers in Mae Sot district of Tak province.

The US department had praised the Thai police's operation to ensure migrant workers would be able to access employee welfare in Thailand.

However, the department advised the Thai police to reduce complexities in screening workers in the fishery sector, such as improving the questionnaire and reporting.

Meanwhile, New Jersey politician Chris Smith praised the National Police's efforts to deal with triads in Thailand.

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