Thailand targets Tier 1 status in US trafficking report
The government has pledged to intensify efforts against human trafficking, with the goal of moving Thailand from Tier 2 — where it has remained for four consecutive years as of 2025 — to Tier 1 in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek told the Bangkok Post that the government is confident that Thailand could soon achieve Tier 1 status in the US anti-trafficking evaluation, citing improved coordination and stronger enforcement measures.
According to the spokesperson, the government has made progress in integrating data systems to combat online scams and transnational crime. Cooperation with countries such as the US and China has also strengthened, with Thailand preventing criminal groups from entering and repatriating offenders directly to their home countries.
She pointed to effective measures in freezing mule accounts and tackling cases of transnational criminals attempting to fraudulently obtain Thai citizenship. These efforts, she said, reflect closer collaboration among multiple agencies and demonstrate Thailand’s determination to block human trafficking networks.
“Under the current administration, the system has become more efficient, giving Thailand a realistic chance of moving from Tier 2 to Tier 1 under this government,” she said.
Thailand has stepped up its campaign against transnational crime, joining forces with the US to dismantle call-centre scam networks and human trafficking rings, while seizing assets worth more than 20 billion baht, the spokesperson said.
The government is also preparing to launch a new intelligence platform, SHIELD, as part of its push to elevate the country from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in global anti-trafficking assessments and to bolster confidence in the economy and tourism sector.
The Royal Thai Police is set to roll out the SHIELD system in June as a regional information-sharing hub linking more than 10 countries to combat call-centre scams and human trafficking more effectively.
Ms Rachada pointed out the prime minister had earlier declared the suppression of transnational criminal networks and scam operations a national priority in his policy address to parliament.
A recent major development was the prosecution and asset seizures of Ben Smith, Yim Liak and their associates, with total assets exceeding 20 billion baht. Investigations have since widened to other groups engaged in using Thailand as a base for money laundering.
Authorities have also dismantled a large call-centre network along the Thai–Cambodian border, where more than 10,000 individuals of various nationalities were found to have been trafficked and forced into labour. Many of the victims were coerced into running romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes.
The prime minister has instructed all relevant agencies to intensify crackdowns on call-centre gangs and trafficking networks along border areas, both domestically and abroad, vowing that Thailand would not serve as a transit hub for such criminal enterprises, she said.
Recent discussions between Thai and US authorities in Washington, DC, from April 21-25, aimed to deepen cooperation.
The Thai delegation, led by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Social Development and Human Security, and Labour, agreed with US counterparts to strengthen operational collaboration, intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.
In the past year alone, American victims have suffered losses exceeding US$6 billion, or roughly 190 billion baht.
Ms Rachada added that Thailand has also received praise from the US for establishing the IAC War Room, which integrates data from financial institutions and mobile network providers, enabling rapid account freezes and asset recovery for victims. Close cooperation with the FBI has further led to numerous arrests and significant asset seizures.
“These tangible results—expanded international cooperation, enhanced investigative systems and sustained suppression of transnational criminal networks—reflect the government’s determination to protect the public and uphold national security, while advancing Thailand towards international standards in a sustainable manner,” she said.
From policy to implementation, the government believes Thailand is well placed to advance from Tier 2—where it has remained for four consecutive years—to Tier 1, enhancing the country’s international standing and reinforcing investor and tourist confidence.
Source – Bangkok News
