On 29 November 2012, Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of America and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined the ceremony presided by H.E. Mr. Padermchai Sasomsap, Minister of Labour, to witness a testimony on “Declaration of Intent by Ministry of Labour and Garment Entrepreneurs in Collaboration to Protect and Prevent Illegal Child Labours and Forced Labours” at the Ministry of Labour.     At this ceremony, main parties related to the garment industry declared their commitment to combat child labour and forced labour by complying with the requirements under the Thai labour law as follows:

• Realizing that labourers contribute to the national economy, we should promote and support them to have decent work while upholding their dignity.
• Recognizing and facilitating collaboration to combat child labour and eliminating forced labour to comply with the Thai labour law and international labour standards.
• Providing greater support on labour protection in the areas of working conditions, working employment, and wage payment under the law, as well as promoting the quality of life and the dignity of employees.

Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labour, and other executives from the Ministry and related agencies, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United States of America, private sectors, civil society, and the media were also present at this event. Minister Padermchai reiterated that combating child labour and forced labour is Thailand’s national priority and that the private sector must comply with the Thai labour law as well as the international labour standard. Vice Minister Anusorn informed the gathering of the importance of cooperation between the government and the private sector in eradicating child labour and forced labour. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director-General Sek elaborated on the MFA’s close collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other related agencies, on the implementation of Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan. He also informed the gathering on Thailand’s commitment to tackle the root causes of this crime by working closely with its partners at bilateral, regional and international levels; in addition to emphasizing the necessity to engage civil society, NGOs and media in order to enhance public awareness and cooperation.