WHO top official in Thailand facing probe over slavery claim

The WHO’s top official in Thailand has been accused of abusing his 25-year-old Ethiopian maid and keeping her in slave-like conditions.

Yonas Tegegn, the World Health Organisation’s representative in Thailand, also an Ethiopian national, has been asked to report to police to answer allegations that he treated Annet like a slave, did not give her proper meals and provided only a small room to sleep which she shared with the family’s pet dog. Annet said Togan and his wife abused her and forced her to work without pay for nearly two years.

Tegegn said he would cooperate with authorities to clear his name. “These accusations made against me and my family are baseless,” he said in a statement. “We deny any wrongdoing.” 

Police said Lawyers Council of Thailand (LCT) had taken the housekeeper to lodge a complaint and police had so far interviewed neighbours, WHO staff and other witnesses.

Tegegn said Annet worked as a housekeeper at his home and lived there from June 17, 2013, to March 8, 2015. After that date she was scheduled to return to Ethiopia.

“At all times we have treated her as a member of our family, with all dignity, respect and consideration,” Tegegn said.

LCT human rights advocate Surapong Kongchantuk claims there is enough evidence to indict Tegegn on four charges, including human trafficking, enslavement, confinement and confiscating Annet?s passport.

The first charge carries a penalty of four to 10 years’ imprisonment under Article 6 of the 2008 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, while the other charges carry different penalties under the Penal Code.