BANGKOK: Thailand 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.