J1053 Protecting People Thailand

The Situation

Thailand is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for sexual exploitation. Thailand has more than 123,530 sex workers, according to a 2014 UNAIDS report. Of these, at least 40 percent are under 18, and a significant number are boys, according to rights group. Children are trafficked into Thailand from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Victims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, North Korea and China also transit through Thailand en route to other countries. Globally, as many as 2 million children are sexually exploited annually, according to the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF.

 Generally, when people hear these numbers and think about trafficking and slavery in Thailand - the focus is on women and girls, because the general perception is that boys are big and strong, and that they can take care of themselves. A significant number are boys. Boys in poorer countries are particularly vulnerable, as they are often forced to work to support their families and end up being lured to popular tourist spots. Although prostitution is illegal it is tolerated. Boys are part of the trade and are preyed on by agents at bus stations and villages where they are recruited. Boys are initially recruited to bars and clubs to work, then quickly run into debt with the bar owners manipulating tactics, then forcing them into sex work to remain and pay off their debts. Boys between 14 to 24, are the greatest at risk. The boys are sold to men for 2000 baht ($62). They are no less vulnerable and abused than girls who are trafficked into sex work. Yet it is much more hidden, so there’s much less sympathy, and far fewer resources for boys.

The Objectives

The trafficking and slavery of boys in Thailand lays the foundation for Protecting People Thailand to focus on the education and prevention of boys of the hill tribes in Northern Thailand being preyed upon and trafficked. They do this by increasing awareness within communities and groups of young men regarding risks of trafficking and provide options for support by:

1. Running a soccer competition to gather boys from different villages.
2. Running soccer activities in the village and sharing the education messages of the dangers of trafficking 
3. Connecting with the families and children in the village, raising awareness and education on trafficking dangers. 
4. Holding weekly courses in building strength and self esteem for a positive future.
5. Promoting awareness with other NGOs in the area to offer connection, awareness and helping those identified as at risk.