Arakan News Agency
Police are digging deeper into 1,300 human trafficking cases in the latest drive to break up sophisticated networks and seek justice for the victims.
In an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post, deputy national police chief Aek Angsananont said he has instructed state agencies to go over the cases with a fine-tooth comb and decide which ones need to be investigated further.
The 1,300 cases date back to the day the 2008 Anti-Human Trafficking Act was introduced, he said.
“I’ve ordered another look into these cases. If the police think they can expand the investigation into any of these cases, they must proceed,” said Pol Gen Aek, who has been assigned by national police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang to head the anti-human trafficking crime drive.
Police decided to review the cases after the government declared it was taking a zero-tolerance stance against trafficking.
However, non-governmental organisations are adopting a “wait and see” approach.
Police have been ordered to pay special attention to 280 human trafficking cases which took place last year and 50 cases which have occurred since January this year, according to Pol Gen Aek.
Police hope to gather systematic information to break up the human trafficking networks, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure justice for the victims.
Authorities have started keeping systematic records of human trafficking cases only recently, he said.
The cases are being placed into four groups — prostitution, forced labour, organised begging and the smuggling of Rohingya people to a third country.
Police Region 8 Bureau, in charge of the southern region which is identified as a transit hub for smuggled Rohingya, has gone a step further by engaging the community in helping combat the problem.
“They send police to schools to talk about the problem of human trafficking and how the community can act as eyes and ears for police,” Pol Gen Aek said.
The trafficking of Rohingya asylum seekers happens mainly in Ranong.
Based on intelligence information, police have identified 10 networks which are involved in the trafficking of Rohingya asylum seekers.
Arrest warrants have been issued for nine people suspected of trafficking Rohingya.
They will also face charges of money laundering.
Source: The Bangkok Post
