Chiang Rai Hosts Thailand-Laos Anti-Human Trafficking Event in Chiang Saen District

 

CHIANG RAI – The administration of Chiang Rai Province has launched a campaign against human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking and illegal labor, at the Thai-Lao border.

The Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, Passakorn Bunyalak, presided over the opening ceremony of the anti-human trafficking event at the Golden Triangle Observation Point in Chiang Saen district on Thursday (May 31st).

The event was held to raise the awareness of public members on human trafficking, including forced prostitution, beggars, and forced labor, which are violations to human rights.

The Deputy Governor said many people from Thailand and Laos cross the border in Chiang Rai for business and tourism, creating a chance for traffickers to illegally move victims across the border.

He has said authorities from both sides must work together to solve this problem and watch out for potential trafficking continuously.

The event in Chiang Rai included anti-trafficking cycling event by some 100 local youths, an exhibition on anti-trafficking operations, and stage performances.

Meanwhile, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an anti-human trafficking police unit revealed in a joint press conference today that 1,694 people, who became victims of illegal employment and human traffickers, have safely returned to Thailand since 2014.

The majority of victims were tricked into working illegally overseas by suspicious job recruiters, while 40 were said to have been victims of people smugglers. Legal action has been taken against the perpetrators.

Since 2017, 32 people have been arrested for human trafficking in Thailand. Those looking for employment overseas have been urged to study employment contracts carefully or seek assistance from a state agency.

By Tanakorn Sangiam