The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are joining forces with Interpol to create a coordination center focused on combating human trafficking rings in Southeast Asia. In a recent meeting at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore, high-ranking police officials discussed the pressing issue of human trafficking and online sexual abuse of minors, which has become rampant in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, assisting human trafficking victims has become increasingly challenging, and the number of crime syndicates continues to grow. Interpol’s assistance, however, remains crucial through its coordination with international police based in Thailand and the RTP.
Together, Thai police and Interpol have closed 12 human trafficking cases in Myanmar and have provided aid to 88 victims of different nationalities. Efforts are ongoing in nine other cases. In order to strengthen the fight against human trafficking, Interpol plans to execute an operational plan and establish a coordinating center in Thailand, a move that has been supported by the deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
Pol Gen Surachate has noted that illicit drug gangs are often involved in human trafficking and illegal fishing activities. To effectively address these issues, he emphasized the importance of cooperation from all sides in enforcing international laws.
The RTP has previously collaborated with Myanmar authorities to obtain details about cases of sexual abuse against minors from the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Interpol. To enhance the search for trafficking victims, the RTP has requested that Interpol provide more information through the International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.
The RTP’s Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) task force will lead this crucial operation and keep Interpol informed of their progress. This joint effort demonstrates a strong commitment to combatting the ongoing issue of human trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in Southeast Asia.
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