“Conference on Cooperation in Exchanging Information and Sharing Experience in Combating Human Trafficking”

“Conference on Cooperation in Exchanging Information and Sharing Experience in Combating Human Trafficking”

17-19 January 2024

The Shangri-la Hotel Chiangmai, Chiangmai Province

            The Special Investigation Department organized “Conference on Cooperation in Exchanging Information and Sharing Experience in Combating Human Trafficking” from January 17 to 19, 2567 at the Shangri-la Chiangmai hotel in Chiangmai province. The objective was to exchange information and experiences in preventing and combating human trafficking, with support from the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking (ASEAN ACT), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Regional Support Office of The Bali Process on Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (RSO), A21 Foundation, LIFT International, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), the SCIENTIA project, IJM Foundation Thailand, ZOE Foundation, and RAPHA International.

            The conference received high honors from Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, Minister

of Justice, who presided over the opening ceremony. Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Deputy Director General acting Director General of the Special Investigation Department, delivered the briefing of conference, and Mr. Nirat Pongsitthataworn, the Governor of Chiang Mai province, delivered the welcoming remarks. The conference included participants from various relevant sectors, with over 100 attendees from more than 40 organizations, including representatives from the Special Investigation Department and affiliated agencies of the Ministry of Justice, various related government agencies such as the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Labor, as well as representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies in Thailand, and non government organizations.

            The conference aligned with the national policy and strategy plan, specifically the 7th policy on preventing and solving human trafficking issues. It aimed to elevate and enhance Thailand's capacity to prevent and address human trafficking issues, making it globally recognized. Furthermore, it aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, focusing on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensuring access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

            The conference emphasized collaboration between agencies to make the prevention and suppression of human trafficking more effective. Representatives from each organization had the opportunity to exchange various information, leading to successful relationship building and integration of efforts to strengthen and standardize operations according to international standards. The ultimate goal is to benefit victims of human trafficking, allowing them equal and comprehensive access to the justice process and ensuring their protection and aftercare.