On November 2, 2022, at 10.15 hours, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong, assigned the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour as the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson, Mr. Wannarat Srisuksai, to attend the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Thai and Australian Government, in establishing a Center of Excellence Against Human Trafficking. Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan welcomed the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Penny Wong, at the Yellow Room, Santi Maitri Building, Government Houses.
The parties discussed important cooperation topics, such as cooperation in cybersecurity and anti-human trafficking efforts. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanded cooperation to establish a “Center of Excellence Against Human Trafficking” to enhance cooperation between the two governments in the fight against human trafficking. The meeting also covered strengthening academic cooperation and exchanging experts on law enforcement and justice in the prevention and suppression of human trafficking, as well as enhancing the capacity of law enforcement officers in human trafficking cases, both nationally and regionally. The Deputy Prime Minister witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Thai and Australian Governments in establishing a Center of Excellence Against Human Trafficking. The Thai Minister of Justice, Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, was the Thai signatory and the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Penny Wong, was the Australian signatory. The occasion took place at the Blue Room, Santi Maitri Building, and Government Houses.
At 11.00 hours, Deputy Director of the Stella Maris Center, Mrs. Apinya Tajit, who received the 2022 recognition award for her dedication to combating trafficking in persons (TIP Hero 2022), met with the Deputy Prime Minister to report on anti-human trafficking efforts, and work experience. The Deputy Prime Minister congratulated and thanked her for her work, especially in helping victims of human trafficking. This is useful for improving operational standards and proceeding following the government’s action plan, including all measures set forth by the ATPD to continually upgrade Thailand.
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Division of Public Relations
2 November 2022
