On 28 June 2018 at 02.00 PM (Washington, D.C. time), the United States Department of State released the 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which upgrades Thailand from Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2.

          This better placement of Thailand to Tier 2 reflects the United States’ due recognition of the Royal Thai Government’s serious and sustained efforts as well as significant progress in combatting all forms of human trafficking during the past year. Thailand’s key achievements covered various areas, from law enforcement and prosecution of wrongdoers, to victim protection and care, and prevention of vulnerable populations from falling prey to human trafficking. Thailand remains deeply engaged in strengthening cooperation and partnership with all stakeholders in a whole-of-society approach, and will continue to work closely with concerned international organizations and various countries, including the United States, in our ongoing attempt to end trafficking in persons.

          Notwithstanding our improved ranking, Thailand will continue to press ahead to improve the legal and policy frameworks as we persevere to enhance operational efficiency for addressing human trafficking on all fronts. It must be noted that Thailand is earnest in our efforts to eradicate human trafficking and aims to protect both Thais and foreigners in the Kingdom, whose human dignity ought to be safeguarded indiscriminately from the menace of human trafficking, in accordance with the principles of human rights and humanitarianism to which Thailand has always adhered.