1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is a child. This year’s global campaign for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons¹ urges accelerated action to “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Thailand, children are increasingly victims of sex trafficking in brothels, massage parlours, bars, karaoke lounges, hotels, and private residences. Traffickers induce Thai children to perform sex acts through videos and photos on the Internet, sometimes by blackmailing victims with explicit images. Children are lured by traffickers into commercial sex through the Internet, chat and dating applications, as well as other social networking platforms.² While girls are affected, ECPAT’s Global Boys Initiative shows that boys make up a significant percentage of survivors of sexual exploitation and child trafficking in Thailand.³
“Child protection is not just a moral obligation but also an essential pillar of sustainable tourism. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of children.⁴”
– Mrs. Apinya Chompumas, Director General, Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand.
Concerted efforts are needed at both governments and business at national and international level to meet the SDGs, and target 16.2 that calls to “end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children⁵”. States must prioritise child protection including in travel and tourism context, enforce laws and policies, improve cooperation between law enforcement, and allocate more resources to combat child trafficking. The private sector needs to respect children’s rights to live free from exploitation, take action to prevent child trafficking through due diligence process, stringent policies and procedures, training, and remedies to pave the way for a safer world for children.
“Together for the Protection & Empowerment of Youth” project⁶ implemented in Phang-Nga, Thailand allowed to strengthen the capacity of travel and tourism businesses, establish a child protection multi-stakeholder network to prevent and respond to trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. Importantly, the project also empowered children and youth by raising their resilience against sexual exploitation, and supported them to access services.
Follow the five tips from leading organisations in Thailand that resonated from the ‘Building Sustainable Tourism by Creating Safe Environments for Children and Youth in Thailand’ conference convened by ECPAT Foundation, ECPAT International, Phang-Nga Children’s Home and DISAC Surathani, in cooperation with Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand in Phang-Nga, Thailand.
“In 2023, Thailand celebrated a record welcoming of 28 million travellers, boosting national income by over 1.2 trillion Baht! The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with ECPAT Foundation Thailand, and 19 other agencies, is forging ahead with the Child Safe and Friendly Tourism Project. This year, the initiative expands its reach to empower hotel staff and will now include tour operators and government officials. These collective efforts not only align with anti-human trafficking policies but also guarantee a safe and exceptional experience for all, especially our precious children.”
– Mr. Boonsearm Khankeaw, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Thailand
“We see more requests from business partners that their customers especially from Scandinavian Countries put the strong request to stay in the hotel that provides best amenities and sustainable choices that practise safety for individuals and children. Businesses that incorporate child protection into their business model will gain a competitive edge in the market.”
– Mr. Suksit Suvunditkul, President of Thai Hotels Association, Southern Chapter
“We cannot be green without ensuring that all children are safe from exploitation and trafficking. Green Means Safe for Everyone and this Planet. Be Transparent, Eco-Friendly, and Child-Safe – That’s True Green Business!”
– H.E. Wanchai Roujanavong, Representative of Thailand to ASEAN Commission on Children’s Rights
“The ‘Together for Protection & Empowerment of Youth’ project had strengthened the capacity of businesses, enlarged networks to prevent child exploitation, empowered youth against abuse, and offered youths the job opportunities in tourism. This project significantly shows that youth empowerment should go hand in hand with prevention and protection.”
– Ms. Ketsanee Chantrakul, Programme Manager, ECPAT Foundation Thailand
“Child protection isn’t a distant concern. Through training, I realised it is vital and central to our work. Understanding risks, signs, and having policy, networks, and updated tools to responses empowers us all to make a difference.”
– Ms. Rossanan Puangmanee, HR Manager, Khaolak Merlin Resort