"Thailand's upgrade in human trafficking report slammed as 'premature'", 1 Jul 2016

Human rights and migrant groups on Friday slammed the United States' decision to remove Thailand from its list of the worst human trafficking offenders, saying it was premature and sent the wrong signal to the Thai authorities.Thailand was upgraded from Tier 3, the lowest rating which could trigger sanctions, to Tier 2 in the closely-watched Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report released by the State Department this week.Activists said the upgrade could slow progress to combat people smuggling and slavery in the Southeast Asian nation.The report noted that "widespread forced labor" in the Thai seafood industry continues and trafficking in the fishing industry "remains a significant concern", although it said there was also increased prosecutions and investigations..."We are very disappointed at this decision, which does not, in our view, accurately assess the situation on the ground," said Judy Gearhart, executive director of the International Labor Rights Forum..."Thailand has made important strides in recent months but an upgrade for its performance in 2015 is premature and sends the wrong message to the government," added [Bangkok-based Fortify Rights] Chief Executive Matthew Smith...However Andy Hall, a British lawyer and migrant activist, said Thailand had made "some significant improvements" last year and putting the nation on Tier 2 ranking could give authorities the chance to show a commitment to combating trafficking."If there is no further significant progress during this one year or if developments backtrack or slow, it could and should be back to Tier 3," Hall said...