Bangkok — Today, the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Thailand Counter Trafficking in Persons project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Ministry of Labor and Department of Fisheries to reduce worker vulnerability to human trafficking in Thailand.
This MOU marks an important milestone in the collaboration and partnership of USAID and its Royal Thai Government counterparts, the private sector, and civil society organizations to prevent trafficking and protect survivors.
“As we mark 190 years of the U.S.-Thai relations this year, the United States is encouraged by our partnership with Thailand to combat human trafficking,” said USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia Mission Director Dr. Steven G. Olive. “We see these partnerships as key to addressing trafficking and to developing inclusive environments where vulnerable people receive equitable, appropriate, and protective support.”
The MOU formalizes the intentions to expand the Connectivity at Sea technology to other provinces with fishing activities and ensure continuity of multi stakeholder partnerships to reduce worker vulnerability to human trafficking.
Through two-way messaging at sea, this technology allows fishery workers to remain in touch with their families and report abuse and safety incidents, while receiving assistance from the USAID-supported Migrant Development Center onshore.
Since December 2020, over 60 users, including fishery workers, captains, and vessel owners, on 20 vessels in Phuket province have tested the Connectivity at Sea technology. They provided positive feedback towards this innovative technology and value the importance of having a voice and a communication channel at sea.
Wiraporn Srisuwanwattana/USAID
