DSI Hosts TASKFORCE 2025 to Integrate Inter-Agency Collaboration Against Human Trafficking, Forced Labor, and Forced Criminality.

DSI Hosts TASKFORCE 2025 to Integrate Inter-Agency Collaboration Against Human Trafficking, Forced Labor, and Forced Criminality.

                       On 4 December 2025, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), assigned Police Captain Surawoot Rungsai, Deputy Director-General,         to preside over “The 2025 Joint Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Forced Labour, and Forced Criminality” (TASKFORCE 2025) held at Rajpruek Club, Lak Si, Bangkok.

                   The TASKFORCE 2025 meeting served as a key platform for consolidating cooperation among government agencies, international organisations, foreign embassies, and civil-society partners working to combat human trafficking, forced labour, and forced criminality, forms of transnational crime that continue to evolve rapidly and grow increasingly complex. These crimes are particularly linked to illegal call-centre syndicates and large-scale online scam operations based in neighbouring countries, where Thai nationals and migrant workers are deceived or coerced into committing technology-enabled offences against their will. Such exploitation not only threatens national security and economic stability but also gravely violates human dignity. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen investigative mechanisms, victim-protection measures, and cross-border cooperation in order to respond more effectively to emerging crime patterns. Given the complexity of these challenges, the work of frontline officers requires not only technical knowledge and operational understanding but also comprehensive coordination across domestic and international partners. The meeting therefore emphasised frank and open exchanges to build a shared understanding and establish practical, actionable approaches. Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment that “no one will be left behind.” Throughout the meeting, representatives from UNODC, ASEAN-ACT, the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Embassy of Kenya, Metta Charity, Immanuel Foundation, and Global Alms Inc. presented updates on current trends in human trafficking, forced labour, and forced criminality, especially in border areas of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, locations that have become critical hubs for cross-border fraud and call-centre operations. These exchanges provided valuable insights into the movement and adaptation of criminal networks, enabling more accurate and effective collaboration with partner organisations. The discussions also focused on stakeholder mapping, aiming to identify roles, capacities, and opportunities for enhanced engagement across sectors. This led into an intensive ideation session, during which participants jointly prioritised key issues and developed an initial Action Plan. The purpose was to establish clear and concrete directions for joint operations in the next phase, ensuring shared goals and coordinated execution. In accordance with the objectives set out in the TASKFORCE 2025 project framework, the meeting aims to cultivate a stronger and more unified cooperation mechanism. Expected achievements include more efficient information-sharing systems, faster inter-agency coordination, and improved investigative skills, particularly in proactive investigations, victim identification, and cases involving forced criminality. The meeting also seeks to advance broader strategic outcomes, such as enhancing the effectiveness of transnational investigations, strengthening the Taskforce network, and supporting Thailand’s commitments to human rights and security cooperation at the international level.

                   This meeting received financial support from the IJM Foundation, reiterating the close cooperation between the civil society sector and government agencies, as well as the international role in supporting Thailand in the fight against new forms of transnational crime.