The Rotary International theme for the 2025-26 Rotary year is "Unite for Good". It fits perfectly with the TRAGAST goal of increasing collaboration in order to provide more child protection training. In July TRAGAST sponsored the play Restive Souls which premiered in Chiang Mai at the same time as the Asia Regional Anti-Trafficking Conference where we also had a presence.
On 12 July we hosted a human trafficking awareness event at Art Mai? Gallery and hotel. A brief story is below.
The Peace Culture Foundation conducted digital parenting workshops in Chiang Mai.
The Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Wattana is conducting a Life Skills Development Project to Increase Youth Awareness. They introduced the use of life plan books to students at Ban Pong School, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has already changed our lives and created new problems, including its use in human trafficking.
As AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, there is a growing concern that it could be misused by malicious individuals to facilitate these crimes, thereby threatening the safety and dignity of vulnerable people.
As we continue to develop AI, we may need to find ways to utilize AI itself to dismantle trafficking networks while keeping potential victims safe.
AI has grown rapidly over the years, with applications in data analysis and automated decision-making.
While this innovation brings many benefits, it also raises concerns about the risks of such technology falling into the wrong hands.
Traffickers might use AI to target people or monitor potential victims more easily. These situations highlight the need for caution, as they may utilize AI to operate more efficiently and avoid detection by law enforcement.
To tackle this serious issue, it’s crucial to use AI to fight trafficking.
With AI tools, we can analyze large amounts of information to identify patterns associated with trafficking, uncover hidden networks, and predict potential trafficking locations.
Investing in AI can also help identify individuals at risk and provide timely assistance, significantly reducing their chances of exploitation.
Additionally, focusing on the ethical development of AI is essential to ensure that technology aligns with human rights.
AI developers should create systems that support law enforcement and NGOs fighting human trafficking, promoting teamwork and information sharing while respecting individual privacy.
Though it’s concerning to think about AI being abused for trafficking, we can change this by using its power to safeguard those in danger.
By promoting ethical AI development and fostering collaboration among diverse groups, we can establish a robust defense against the harmful use of technology and support communities in regaining their safety and dignity.
The Thailand Rotary Action Group Against Slavery Team (TRAGAST) hosted a very special Human Trafficking Awareness Event at Art Mai? Gallery Hotel on Saturday 12 July.
This event offered a tour of Art Mai? Gallery and the Art by Nathalie Laloue, a showing of the film Sound of Freedom and an inspiring talk by Dr. Sombat Tapanya.
TRAGAST is a proud sponsor of Restive Souls, “Scenes And Monologues From Modern Day Slavery” This stage play was written by Stephan Turner and produced by The Gate Theater. The premier performances were on 22 & 23 July.
Restive Souls is a haunting docudrama exposing modern day slavery. This isn't just a stage play; it's a stark and unflinching expose of the insidious horrors of modern slavery that continue to plague our world. Restive Souls plunges audiences into the harrowing investigation led by Detective Max Soto, whose tireless work unveils the raw and deeply personal stories of five courageous survivors. These individuals, once trapped in the nightmarish grip of forced labor and sexual exploitation, bravely share their truths, allowing their voices to resonate with an urgency that demands attention.
More than a mere dramatic portrayal, Restive Souls is a visceral confrontation with the brutal reality of human trafficking. It's a call to action, amplifying the desperate fight for freedom and justice that these survivors embody. Turner's powerful storytelling ensures that their struggle is not just witnessed, but deeply felt, compelling viewers to acknowledge the darkness and ultimately, to seek the light of change.
The timing of the premier performances was scheduled to coincide with the Asia Regional Anti-Trafficking Conference. TRAGAST has already contacted the ARAT Conference organizers and the Gate Theatre to suggest the play be repeated to coincide with the 2026 Conference.
My friend and mentor Matt Friedman recently mentioned that on his birthday he had gifted copies of his book “Dancing in the Light of the Moon” to his Linked In community as a way of raising awareness and giving something back. This is one of the books I’ve read in the past year and it is truly excellent. I thought this bulletin might be a good opportunity to recommend a few books that inspire me to continue the fight against child trafficking:
Matt's latest book, at least that I have read, is Awakening the Advocate - Memoirs of a Modern Slavery Activist. When you read this book you will be reminded that it's crucial that we do something! What that something might be will depend on our individual abilities and circumstances.
Dancing in the Light of the Moon is written as a novel which was inspired by true events from many interviews and extensive research Matt conducted in different parts of India. It's very powerful!
Where Were You? - A Profile of Modern Slavery. Written by Matt Friedman and published in 2021. The question 'Where Were You? was asked by a young victim of sex trafficking. This book is not ordinary, pleasant or even nice. It is essential for those of us who want to start to understand the hell that is human trafficking.
Be The Hero - Be the Change is one of my favorite books by Matt Friedman. The whole point of the book is to inspire all of us to do one thing. Friedman believes that the collective actions of ordinary people have the greatest chance of effecting a real transformation. He considers everyone who volunteers, no matter how big or small the gesture, to be heroic.
All these books and many more are available on Amazon.
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NATHALIE LALOUE - ABSTRACT ARTIST
Nathalie Laloue is a French artist living in Chiang Mai, inspired by human emotions and the hidden strength behind every gaze. In order to support the fight against human trafficking, she painted a portrait series exploring the silent resilience of women and children facing invisible struggles. Through textured layers and expressive eyes, each painting tells a story of dignity, pain, and hope.
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS AS THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING!
chnology becomes increasingly sophisticated, there is a growing concern that it could be misused by malicious individuals to facilitate these crimes, thereby threatening the safety and dignity of vulnerable people.
