Welcome to the Southeast Asia Team Eliminating Child Trafficking

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Reading Suggestions

On the SEATECT website, in the Resources list you will find a list of books that you may want to read. Would you agree that the more well read we are, the better able we are to fight the scourge of human trafficking?

The newest addition to my list is “Butterflies” by Sylvia Yu & Matthew S. Friedman.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR BUTTERFLIES

‘Butterflies is a highly compelling story. A story the must be told, as it raises awareness that human rights violations, such as the horrors of sexual abuse during World War II, continue in our present times in many places, in different forms, and with new media.

Butterflies also shows us the power of apologies and – if possible – of forgiveness.

Kathleen Ferrier, Chairperson, USENSCO Netherlands

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Mae Sot Trip

SEATECT sponsored a trip to Mae Sot 14 – 16 January. It was a great success.

This time we traveled in 2 cars rather than renting a van. There was a total of 7 who made the trip and we were joined by 2 more in Mae Sot. The only challenge was our plan to have dinner at the Chimney Restaurant was thwarted because they were closed. On Thursday evening we had dinner at Canadian Dave’s, and all enjoyed the evening.

While the sign at Chimney said they would be open on the 15^th we were again disappointed when we attempted to go there for lunch. No Big E. Everyone enjoyed the Border Line Cafe.

On Wednesday Morning we went to Mae Tao Clinic where we participated in Rotary Appreciation Day to celebrate the completion of an International Rotary District Grant to support Mae Tao Clinic Neonatal ward.

--- One small project completed!

Our tour members also enjoyed a tour of the Mae Tao Clinic campus.

--- One of my favorite signs!

--- Motivation to fight human trafficking!

--- Patients waiting to be seen

The afternoon of the 15^th found us at the Passport Restaurant where we had a human trafficking awareness event including a very informative talk by Burma Children’s Fund leaders, a film and dinner.

The event was very well received, and we intend to repeat the trip in about 4 months. (The tentative dates are 14 – 16 May). Stay tuned!

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Training to Prevent Sexual Abuse in Chiang Mai

Project: Anti-Human Trafficking Training by Pongsawart Niyomca and Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Wattana D. 3360 on the topic of How to Avoid From Being Trafficked in the Present World. Objective: to train the attendants to be aware of human trafficking in the present world and be able to teach other community members to prevent themselves and their loved ones from being trafficked, held on 17 August 2025, at Suandok Community, Chiang Mai for 30 minute training. Participants were Suandok Community Committee and Community Health Volunteer. Number of participants were 36 persons. Output from the training/orientation: the participants learned many things they had never known before. They learned how to prevent themselves from being lured and will be more alert and be closer to their loved ones.

Life skills development to increase youth awareness

Project: Life skills development to increase youth awareness (Student Planner) by Pongsawart Niyomca and Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Wattana D. 3360 on the topic of Personality Development. Objective: To enable students to learn how to have the appropriate internal and external personality, held on the 1st September 2025, at the Baan Poang School, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province. There were 132 students attended. Topics of the training were as follow:

1) physical personality (body care and appearance), 2) Verbal and communication personality (words and body language), 3) emotional and mental personality (emotional control, stability), and 4) intellectual personality (thinking, analyzing, and decision-making).

Story by Maruek Charnsunge, Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Wattana

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Friend of ASEAN Award

On Sunday night I had the great honor of attending the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) gala in Kuala Lumpur. The awards, established by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), recognize the outstanding efforts of businesses and individuals across the ASEAN region. I was truly surprised and grateful to be nominated in the “Friend of ASEAN” category.

To my astonishment, I received an award at the event.

While I feel a bit self-conscious about receiving three consecutive awards, I understand the importance of using this platform to highlight the critical issue of modern slavery. This topic deserves attention at major multilateral organizations, such as ASEAN. I am very proud of their recognition of this issue through this award.

Every day, millions of people endure the harsh realities of modern slavery. For the past four years, I have dedicated myself to raising awareness about these voiceless individuals. As I have consistently emphasized, we all have a part to play in addressing this issue.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the ASEAN Advisory Council for this recognition. I also extend my thanks to the countless individuals who have collaborated with me throughout the ASEAN region—this award truly belongs to all of us.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge my LinkedIn community for your unwavering encouragement, support, advice, and guidance since I began sharing my thoughts and experiences.

Finally, I owe a special thank you to my wife, Sylvia Yu Friedman, for her patience, understanding, and steadfast belief in the importance of standing against modern slavery.

Together, we can all make a difference.

modernslavery humantrafficking compassion love

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Dutch Suspect Arrested in Pattaya Underage Sex Case

Our friends at Scientia shared the story below with us, reporting that The Scientia Program were deeply involved in the case from start to finish. We had three partners working the investigation process with Thai law enforcement, one partner conduct digital forensics on the evidence, then another two partners assist with caring for the victims afterward. Just an example of how we can achieve more through our model. The story was posted at https://aseannow.com/topic/1374862-dutch-suspect-arrested-in-pattaya-underage-sex-case/

Photo courtesy of Daily News

Authorities in Pattaya have arrested a Dutch national and a Thai woman accused of running an underage sex trafficking operation just metres from a police substation. The raid, carried out on 2 October, rescued three minors who were allegedly being sold for sex to foreign tourists inside a hotel near Dongtan Beach in Jomtien. The case has raised serious concerns about law enforcement oversight, given the proximity of the illicit activity to the police station.

The operation was led by Lt. Col. Dr. Thanakrit Jit-Aree-Rat, an advisor to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, together with activist Kanthas Pongsphaiboonwech, known as “Kan Jompalang.” They were joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and local administrators. Officials confirmed that both male and female minors were being exploited.

Photo courtesy of Daily News

During the rescue, authorities found a 15-year-old boy of unspecified nationality, a 15-year-old Thai boy and a Thai girl aged about 17, though her exact age is being verified. All were being used for sexual services with foreign clients when the team intervened. The suspects, a 77-year-old Dutch national, Mr. Reinard and a 58-year-old Thai woman, Prapaiporn were identified as the ringleaders, were arrested at a nearby restaurant and later taken to the DSI’s Special Operations Centre in Pattaya for questioning.

Investigators revealed the Dutch suspect previously faced human trafficking charges in Thailand in 2016 but was released due to insufficient evidence before being deported. He allegedly bribed officials to re-enter the country illegally via Sa Kaeo province around 2017, after which he resumed trafficking activities in Pattaya. When arrested this time, he attempted to call a supposed police contact, but the person on the line denied knowing him.

The crackdown followed intelligence provided by several international and local organisations, including Destiny Rescue, SCIENTIA Project, Free a Girl (Netherlands) and the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. They alerted Thai authorities to a trafficking network offering boys and girls, under 18 for sex in Jomtien Beach and surrounding areas.

Lt. Col. Thanakrit expressed shock that underage prostitution was taking place less than 100 metres from a police outpost. He warned that future human trafficking cases would face stronger enforcement, including asset seizures and money laundering investigations. Hotel operators who allow such activities may also face prosecution under the Hotel Act.

Authorities are now gathering further evidence against the suspects, with the Pattaya Provincial Court having already issued warrants for charges including procurement, underage prostitution and abduction of minors. Officials are also reviewing potential involvement of other facilitators in the trafficking network.

Photo courtesy of Daily News

Key Takeaways

• Thai and Dutch suspects were arrested in Pattaya for underage sex trafficking near a police substation.

• Three minors, including two boys aged 15 and one girl about 17, were rescued from a hotel.

• Authorities warn of stricter measures ahead, including asset seizures and hotel operator accountability.

Signal for Help

Call 1387 - Child Line Thailand

Call 1300 - Social Assistance Center

Call 191 - Royal Thai Police

Call 1155 - Tourist Police

Call 1669 - Emergency Medical Assistance

The Signal for Help (or the Violence at Home Signal for Help) is a single-handed gesture that can be used by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call, or in-person. It was originally created as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence cases around the world as a result of the self-isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The signal is performed by holding your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then folding your fingers down, symbolically trapping your thumb in your fingers. It was intentionally designed as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, that could be made easily visible.

The Signal for Help was first introduced in Canada by the Canadian Women's Foundation on April 14, 2020, and on April 28, 2020 in the United States by the Women's Funding Network (WFN). It received widespread praise from local, national, and international news organizations for helping provide a modern solution to the issue of a rise in domestic violence cases.

The signal has been recognized by over 40 organizations across Canada and the United States as a useful tool to help combat domestic violence.

Addressing concerns that abusers may become aware of such a widespread online initiative, the Canadian Women's Foundation and other organizations clarified that this signal is not "something that's going to save the day," but rather a tool someone could use to get help.

Instructions for what to do if an individual sees the signal, and how to check-in safely, were also created.

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Last Update

Last Update February 4, 2026

A complete list of stories available on this website is available in the Stories section