Thailand's military government today praised the US State Department's decision to upgrade the country in its annual report on efforts to fight human trafficking.
The Trafficking in Persons annual report cited progress but also problems across the region, especially weak enforcement of protections against trafficking and slave and child labour.
The report released Thursday raised Thailand from a watchlist to tier 2, the second-highest ranking. Neighbouring Malaysia fell from tier 2 to the watchlist. Hong Kong, China and Singapore were faulted for inadequate efforts to prevent sex trafficking and forced labour.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said he was grateful for the improved assessment as it "reflects the determination and sincere intentions of the Thai government and our continued hard-work to tackle the issue of human trafficking."
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