Freedom Collaborative co-presented a panel on Thailand’s strengths and challenges in preventing human trafficking last month at TIPNET 2025, the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) national conference on cooperation in combating human trafficking. The panel, titled “Thailand: Strengths and Challenges in Preventing and Suppressing Human Trafficking and Forced Labour or Services”, also featured representatives from Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General, Immigration Bureau, and Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
During the session, we offered a regional and global perspective on Thailand’s key strengths. These included the Thai Government’s extensive referral network connecting national and international law enforcement agencies, the expedited and trauma-informed handling of child trafficking and exploitation cases, and the robust alliances between government and civil society organizations (CSOs) – a model many Southeast Asian nations view as best practice.
In reflecting on ongoing challenges, we shared insights gathered from local and grassroots organizations, highlighting persistent gaps in addressing complex trafficking cases, particularly those involving forced criminality and labour exploitation. Limitations in cross-border collaboration were also discussed. One of the most significant barriers remains the relationship between government agencies and civil society organizations.
The conference was convened by the DSI through its Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the European Union. TIPNET remains Thailand’s largest national platform dedicated to addressing human trafficking and forced labour, and brings together representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Royal Thai Police, and various ministries, as well as international organizations, foreign embassies, and academic institutions. This year’s event gathered more than 170 participants from more than 50 agencies, including law enforcement, victim protection and policy-making institutions.
Since its formation, TIPNET has served as a critical forum for fostering cooperation between the DSI, regional law enforcement and Thai CSOs, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience, and promising practices while addressing emerging trends and increasingly complex forms of trafficking. The 2025 conference focused on developing practical policy recommendations aligned with international standards, a timely effort as trafficking networks increasingly exploit digital technologies through cybercrime, online scams, and other transnational crimes targeting children, young people, and vulnerable populations.
Just a week after TIPNET, the U.S. State Department released its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, maintaining Thailand’s Tier 2 ranking. The report recognized progress, such as expanded investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; improved cross-border cooperation; and new tools such as a consular guidance pamphlet and an updated victim identification system incorporating indicators for forced criminality and child labour. Authorities also opened a major new facility dedicated to victim identification and referrals.
However, the report also noted ongoing challenges, including inconsistent screening practices, restrictions requiring foreign victims to remain in shelters, uneven service quality, and persistent corruption and official complicity that continue to impede effective victim protection and accountability.
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