PH envoy discusses plight of distressed Pinoys with Thai gov
THE Philippine Ambassador to Thailand raised with a Thai official about Filipinos who have become victims of trafficking in Thailand.
Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes discussed with Governor Somchai Kijcharoenrungroj in Mueang Tak the urgent needs of Filipinos victimized by human traffickers in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
Her visit to Tak was designed to strengthen the Philippine embassy’s coordination with the Office of the Governor and local government officials as the embassy’s key partners on the ground, especially on the effective and efficient assistance of Filipinos in distress.
These include Filipinos who were lured into and promised well-paying jobs but turned out to jobs in illegal casinos and scamming operations.
Somchai thanked Paredes for personally sharing to her the plight of Filipinos and assured her of the Tak government’s continued support and assistance for all Filipinos in the province in times of need.
The ambassador assured the governor of full support and cooperation of the Philippine Embassy, with both sides reiterating their mutual commitment to working closely with each other.
Paredes also took the opportunity to thank Somchai for the warm hospitality of the government accorded to her.
About 60 Filipinos are working as teachers, volunteers and garment factory employees in that region in Thailand.
Somchai recognized the Filipino community’s contribution to the education and upskilling of the Thais, particularly the teachers who have taught English to the generations of Thai children.
On September 7, 2023, Paredes met with the Royal Thai Police and Tak Immigration officials at their headquarters in Mae Sot to discuss the details of the enhanced collaboration between the embassy and Tak province.
Police Major General Khemmarin Hassiri, Commander of the National Central Bureau, Interpol Bangkok and Head of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police, briefed the Ambassador on the actions taken and ongoing responses of the Royal Thai government to resolve the trafficking problem.
Police Colonel Bornwonnphop Soontornlekha, Immigration Superintendent of Tak Province, outlined the procedure of the Thai government for foreigners with immigration problems.
He also assured the Ambassador that Tak Immigration will process the papers of any Filipino as quickly as possible in line with Thai law and regulations so that they can be repatriated back to the Philippines.
The Ambassador’s official visit to Tak is part of her regular series of official calls on the provincial governors across Thailand.
