Thailand
Strengthening child Protection
Action Against Exploitation in Thailand
Thailand is a regional hub of Asia and a popular tourist destination. Large in-migration specifically involving children makes them vulnerable to trafficking, sexual exploitation (online and offline) and forced labour. We take children out of exploitation by linking them to protection mechanisms. We build the capacities of youth to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes. We sensitise the government and law enforcement agencies to strengthen child protection systems.
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Chunya Primrose Boonyawan
Country Coordinator, ThailandSexual Exploitation of Children in Thailand is a multifaceted issue linked to factors including poverty, lack of awareness, and large-scale migration.
Children in Thailand
Children constitute close to 16.22% of Thailand’s population. Nearly 22% children are multidimensionally poor with thousands finding shelter on the streets. They are exposed to substance abuse often forcing them into sex work. Thailand is a major, source, transit and destination for child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Online grooming by foreign tourists is another major area of concern. Approximately 400,000 children aged 12-17 are affected by online sexual exploitation per year.
Child labour continues to remain a pressing issue, particularly in agriculture, fishing and domestic work. Children work in informal and hazardous environments.
Thailand’s Child Protection Act (2003) is a comprehensive framework designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Child welfare and development is overseen by the Department of Children and Youth under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
How we work
Our work in Thailand
We prevent and protect children from sexual exploitation. We build the capacities of children and youth to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes and implementation of laws.
We work closely with our partners, government departments and law enforcement agencies to support survivors of sexual exploitation through case management referral services.
We empower survivors and children vulnerable to exploitation with vocational training, non-formal education and psychosocial care.
In 2023, we completed 68 successful case referrals, enrolled 116 children into the education system and empowered 130 vulnerable children to participate in life skills and vocational training programmes. A 20% increase in reporting was observed since 2022 through successful awareness initiatives.
Our Approach
Capacity Building
We organise training programmes for youth advocates on awareness raising, child protection and advocacy. We build the capacities of government authorities and law enforcement agencies to effectively respond to child exploitation.
Advocacy
Together with the youth advocates, we advocate for policy changes and implementation of laws on issues such as grooming, corporal punishment and other forms of child exploitation.
Case Management
We work closely with our partners through a hotline service where cases of child abuse and exploitation are managed with support from government and law enforcement authorities.
Child Protection Centre
Children living on the street access our partner’s Child Protection Centre where they are supported with education, vocational skills and psychosocial care.
Community Awareness
We organise child and youth-led awareness programmes motivated towards positive behaviour changes
Our partners in Thailand
Together with experienced partners we are working towards a world without child exploitation, where young people can feel safe today and better about tomorrow.
Join our fight.
Childline Thailand Foundation
Childline Thailand Foundation (CTF) runs a nationwide 24-hour telephone helpline with an easy to remember number – 1387. “we believe the children of thailand should have access to timely and appropriate protection, health and human services to increase their quality of life”
Thai Hotline Foundation
ThaiHotline (www.thaihotline.org) was founded in 2008 as a channel for internet users to report illegal or harmful content. ThaiHotline works with law enforcement and relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, cyber police, Internet service providers, Internet content providers, web hosting and child protection organizations, etc. to take action, arrest offenders and empower survivors.
Funding Partners
Contact
Thailand Country Office
Mobicom building, 111 2nd Floor Soi Phraphinit,
Naradhiwasrajanakarin Road,
Thungmahamek, Sathorn,
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Business hours
Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17.00
