Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Department of Special Investigation is seeking cooperation from other agencies to combat human trafficking and the smuggling of Rohingya migrants into the country.

A soldier monitors the movement of Thais and Burmese off Ranong province as efforts continue to halt Rohingya migrants from being smuggled into the country. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD

DSI director-general Thawee Sodsong has requested the formation of a working group made up of several agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency and Central Institute of Forensic Science, to address the issue.

"The DSI submitted a letter to Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga for approval before it is passed to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva," Pol Col Thawee said yesterday.

"If the prime minister signs his approval, the DSI will convene a meeting of the related agencies by next week."

After a recent trip to collect information in Ranong, the DSI chief admitted organised crime gangs in Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket had a hand in the smuggling of Rohingya, as well as Burmese and Bangladeshis, into Thailand before finding shelter for them on a scattering of remote islands.

One of the targets for the agency was Mohammad Ali Hussein, who was allegedly involved in drug dealing and passport and identity document forgery, Pol Col Thawee said.

Thawee: Organised crime is involved

He was arrested by Thai authorities before escaping and fleeing to Malaysia, where he is serving a jail term for posing a security threat.

He was due to be released this year and Thai authorities want him sent back to stand trial in Thailand.

Ranong governor Wanchart Wongchaichana told the Senate committee on foreign affairs that a cabinet resolution and strict controls over the movements of immigrant labour were needed as they would be the answer to the illegal smuggling of foreign workers.

The Rohingya issue will be raised in informal talks this weekend between Thai, Malaysian, Indonesia and Burmese foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Cha-am district of Phetchaburi.