As of 30 June I must rotate off of the RAGAS board. Hopefully RAGAS will accept my nomination for a replacement. RAGAS has informed me that I may continue to serve as the Thailand Coordinator, which I intend to do for Rotary Year 2025-2026.
More importantly, the team is in the early stages of expanding our reach to most of Southeast Asia. We are hoping to have a loose structure in place by the start of Rotary Year 2025-2026.
Below you will find information about 3 of our upcoming human trafficking awareness events (Chiang Rai 10 May, Chiang Mai 7 June and 21 June).
There is also an article entitled Human Trafficking and Corruption written by Matthew Friedman.
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.
TRAGAST and the Chiang Mai Airport Rotary Club (CMARC) invite to to attend a panel discussion about the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and how it is affecting border health and children on Saturday 7 June 2025. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat:
Register for this event on or before 31 May: ฿ุ750
Registration at the door on 7 June: ฿ุ900
Bangkok Bank
Account Number: 590-7-042674
Name on Account: Pattarapan Choowa
Please Email proof of transfer to treasurer@tragast.org
This event will include a delicious Chinese dinner by Tulou Restaurant for only ฿ุ750 per person. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to support the Mae Tao Clinic.
5:00 p.m. Arrive
5:30 p.m. Panel will begin with comments from our experts
5:45 p.m. Panel discussion
6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served
8:00 p.m. Bon Voyage
Register for this event on or before 31 May: ฿ุ750
On 10 May 2025 TRAGAST hosted a special event to raise awareness of human trafficking featuring the film The Sound of Freedom. This was our first event that was done in Chiang Rai and the 1st done in conjunction with a school. It was a great success.
Congratulations with Samuel Ames, a 10th grade student at Chiang Rai International Christian School (CRICS). He was our "boots on the ground" preparing for the event and did a sterling job. Those who attended were very pleased with the film and the pot luck dinner.
TRAGAST invites you to attend a special event to raise awareness of human trafficking featuring the film The Sound of Freedom. There is no charge to see the film. However seating is limited. Reserve your seat today. email to info@tragast.org.
Details:
The movie is complimentary and has Thai subtitles คำบรรยายไทย. However, there are only 70 seats available. Registration is easy, just
click hereor send an email totreasurer@tragast.orgto guarantee your seat.
Agenda:
15:00 Welcome (Chiang Rai International Christian School - 331 Moo 14, Baan Duu, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100)
15:30 Screening of "The Sound of Freedom"
18:00 Closing Comments - Ketsanee Chantrakul, Director ECPAT Thailand
18:30 Optional Potluck Dinner (Just bring a dish and enjoy the dinner and fellowship)!
20:30 Bon Voyage
Registration for Movie – complimentary. There are only 70 seats available.
Because of the strong sense of community at CRICS we will have a potluck dinner. We are confident that it will be better than any one restaurant!
Registration for Dinner on or before 1 May: Complimentary
Registration at the door 10 May, if not sold out: Complimentary
As I have said many times, modern slavery is a terrible violation of human rights that involves exploiting people for forced labor or sexual purposes.
It's shocking to think that millions of individuals across different regions and backgrounds are affected by this serious global issue.
One major factor that keeps modern slavery alive is corruption, which relates to the misuse of power for personal gain.
When corruption is present, it undermines the rule of law, weakens democratic institutions, and stifles economic growth, creating a breeding ground for modern slavery.
The link between corruption and modern slavery is complicated and they often feed off each other in a vicious cycle.
For starters, corruption can create an environment where modern slavery goes unchecked. When government officials or law enforcement are involved in corrupt practices, they might ignore the exploitation of vulnerable individuals or even take part in it.
For example, they may accept bribes from traffickers, disregarding victims' cries for help or failing to look into reported abuses.
Some might even produce fake documents that allow traffickers to move victims across borders without any consequences, further strengthening modern slavery networks. We are seeing this play out in real time in the human trafficking into scam center issue.
On top of this, corruption drives the demand for modern slavery. Often, corrupt officials are linked with criminal organizations that profit from human trafficking.
These groups might rely on bribes to secure protection from law enforcement, letting them operate without fear of being caught.
This can lead to a breakdown of crucial laws, allowing unscrupulous employers to exploit workers with very little risk of getting into trouble.
For instance, corrupt officials might issue permits to businesses that underpay their employees or violate labor standards in exchange for kickbacks. This is a prevalent problem related to the scamming issue.
Corruption also makes it tough to investigate and prosecute those involved in trafficking and exploitation.
When officials are compromised, they might tip off criminals, interfere with legal processes, or just not pursue cases against modern slavery perpetrators. This means that offenders can escape justice, and it can leave victims feeling powerless. I have seen this happen many times related to sex trafficking raids.
Finally, corruption can block efforts to help and protect victims of modern slavery.
Those in authority may misuse funds meant for victim services, diverting resources away from providing shelter, rehabilitation, or legal aid to survivors.
As a result, victims might hesitate to seek help, fearing they won't be treated fairly.
Given how corruption plays a role in perpetuating modern slavery, it’s crucial to tackle this issue as part of any effective strategy to combat exploitation.
TRAGAST and the Chiang Mai Airport Rotary Club (CMARC) invite to to attend a panel discussion about the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and how it is affecting border health and children on Saturday 7 June 2025. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat today - email to info@tragast.org Details:
This event will include a delicious Chinese dinner by Tulou Restaurant for only ฿ุ750 per person. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to support the Mae Tao Clinic.
5:00 p.m. Arrive
5:30 p.m. Panel will begin with comments from our experts
5:45 p.m. Panel discussion
6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served
8:00 p.m. Bon Voyage
Register for this event on or before 31 May: ฿ุ750
The Mae Tao Clinic has critical shortages of needed equipment in their Reproductive Health Unit. Please help by making a donation and sharing this with your kind and caring family, friends and colleagues. The goal of this campaign is to raise ฿822,238 THB ($33,900 CAD, $24,403 USD).
Credit for this campaign goes to Meghan Jenkins, a medical student who recently spent a month at Mae Tao Clinic and observed these needs. I have met with the Mae Tao Clinic Reproductive Health Consultant and other Mae Tao Clinic staff. The needs have been verified and prioritized.
Most of the photographs are courtesy of John Hulme who has spent many days at the Mae Tao clinic. You can see more of his excellent work at johnhulme.site
Here is a summary of what is needed: (detailed descriptions are below)
ITEM
QUOTE 1
QTY
$CAD
$USD
฿THB
Priority
Electronic Fetal Monitor
$5,000
1
$5,000
$3,599
฿121,274
1
CPAC Machine
$1,400
1
$1,400
$1,008
฿33,957
2
Incubator
$10,500
1
$10,500
$7,558
฿254,675
3
Infusion Pump
$2,500
5
$12,500
$8,998
฿303,185
4
Amni Hooks (500 per packet)
$500
9
$4,500
$3,239
฿109,147
5
Project Meghan Total
$33,900
$24,403
฿822,238
Exchange Rates
10/27/2024
USD - CAD
0.71984
CAD - THB
24.2548
USD - THB
33.6940
Two easy ways to donate:
Go to the Mae Tao Clinic Website. Here you will find opportunities to donate which may be tax deductible! Please be sure to note that your donation is for the Mae Tao Clinic Reproductive Health Unit fundraising campaign. (Project Meghan)
Make a direct deposit to the TRAGAST programs account.Again, please be sure to notify us at treasurer@tragast.org that your donation is for the Mae Tao Clinic Reproductive Health Unit fundraising campaign. (Project Meghan)
Bangkok Bank
Pratu Chang Phuak Branch
125 Chang phuak Rd, T.Sriphum A. Muang
Chiangmai 50300 Thailand
Swift Code: BKKBTHBK
Account Number: 390-4-85760-8
Name on Account: PONGSAWART NIYOMCA & GERALD EDWARD NELSON
Your kind donations will go to fund:
1. Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFT): Due to a lack of antenatal care, many patients face high-risk pregnancies. Currently, staff rely on manual monitoring methods considering their previously donated EMF became nonfunctional in 2023. Manual monitoring is less accurate and time-consuming, with medics spending 10 minutes every 30 using a fetoscope and manual palpation of contractions.
An EFM would allow healthcare providers to continuously and accurately monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, helping to detect signs of fetal distress early. This technology would greatly enhance the ability to prevent complications, make timely interventions, and ultimately reduce neonatal and maternal mortality.
2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine: Mae Tao Clinic urgently needs a CPAP machine to provide critical respiratory support for patients experiencing respiratory distress, particularly in newborns and those with underlying health conditions. Currently, the clinic lacks access to this essential equipment, which limits their ability to deliver effective care.
3. Incubator: Mae Tao Clinic is in dire need of an incubator to provide a controlled and safe environment for premature and critically ill newborns. Currently, the clinic holds two incubators. Due to the high birth rate in the region, these 2 incubators are not sufficient for the needs of the clinic, limiting MTC’s capacity to ensure proper temperature regulation and care for these vulnerable infants.
4. Infusion Pump: An infusion pump is badly needed at Mae Tao Clinic. Some pharmacologic agents, such as heparin, require precise methods for administering very specific amounts of the medication over a very specific time frame. That is one of the purposes of infusion pumps. Additionally, they help prevent fluid overload by limiting the amount of fluid administered.
5. Amni hooks: The patients at Mae Tao Clinic often have little or no pre-natal care causing possible complications and often a need to control the birth timing. An amnihook is about 12 inches long with a curved hook at the top. It resembles a hook you'd use to crotchet a blanket. To break the patient’s water, the healthcare provider inserts the amnihook through the vagina. Once they find the bag of water or amniotic sac, they scratch or tear a hole in it to allow the fluid to escape. This pprovides physicians with a safe, comfortable method to rupture the amniotic membrane the first time. Mae Tao Clinic is currently forced to reuse single use amnihooks for multiple patients due to a shortage of supplies, increasing the risk of infection during childbirth. Donor support to provide additional amnihooks would ensure safer, more hygienic deliveries, improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in this resource-limited setting.
With your kind heart and generous donations we hope to close this campaign around 31 January 2025.
On 21 June TRAGAST will host a special event at Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Chiang Mai.
Art by Nathalie Lalou will be available for purchase.
Art by Myanmar Rose will be available for purchase:
We intend to have a delicious meal prepared by their Jarud Thai Food Fine Wines. Proceeds from this event will be earmarked to support Peace Culture Foundation Training to prevent child human trafficking.
We provide Limousine and Taxi service. Our drivers are well trained and extremely professional. Our vehicles are well maintained, safe, reliable and comfortable. Our aim is to provide each client with the best possible transportation experience. References are cheerfully provided.
✅️Suvanbhumi airport (BKK)
✅️Don Mueng airport (DMK)
✅️U-Tapao Airport (UTP)
✅️Bangkok City, ✅️Pattaya city
✅️Samet island, ✅️Koh Chang
✅️Hau-hin
We are honored to support the Thailand Rotary Action Group Against Slavery Team while providing you with the best possible service. You may want to make advance reservations:
www.angietaxi.com
Line : angiejones11
Mobile : +66865758437
WhatsApp : +66865758437
NATHALIE LALOU - ABSTRACT ARTIST
Born in Paris in 1962, Nathalie Laloue is a self-taught artist who has lived in New York, Italy, Hong Kong, London, and Ouagadougou. A passionate traveler, she draws inspiration from diverse cultures. Now based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, she creates abstract paintings rich in texture and depth, infused with a sense of hope. Her commitment to fighting human trafficking is reflected in her art, which carries a message of resilience and light. She has exhibited in Bordeaux and now presents a series inspired by Chiang Mai’s spirituality. Grateful for her family's support, she sees art as a tool for awareness and transformation.
AMERASIAN FRAGRANCE RESEARCH
Amerasian Fragrance research is a world leader in perfumery and fragrance applications. We create unique smells and sensations tailor made for many products, from candles and polymer air fresheners to lotions and shampoos. Our expert perfumery team can create the precise fragrance you desire for any number of applications. The team at AFR will accept nothing less than the best and we welcome the opportunity to apply that mentality to your products and designs. Share your dreams and let us create them. Contact us for inquiries and consultations. Phone: +66(0)3-301-2590 Email: AFR@fragrance.co.th Facebook: AmerasianFragranceResearch
STAR VISA
At Star Visa we know that dealing with a different government and their regulations can be very difficult. Not to worry, we are experts in the laws, regulations and procedures necessary to ensure you have best possible experience obtaining or renewing your Retirement Visa, Dependent Visa, Business Visa, Student Visa or Thai Marriage Visa. We will assist you with all your Thai visa requirements and make sure your visa applications are correct and interactions with Chiang Mai Immigration office are easy and effective. We will do our best to make sure you always get the visa that’s right for you.
ATHERTON LEGAL
Atherton Legal is celebrating our 15th Anniversary. Our lawyers have over 80 year’s experience. We strive to provide our clients more than just a report of the applicable law. We provide insight into how the applicable law works, the logic behind the law, and how to use the law to accomplish our client’s goals. We don’t just identify legal obstacles; we guide you through them. We believe good legal representation is more than the regurgitation of knowledge and experience. Understand our clients’ goals, and use a combination of knowledge, experience, and strategic thinking to accomplish them efficiently and with fair value.
GERMAN KITCHEN DESIGN
The role of the kitchen has significantly evolved. It is a vibrant hub where people come together to enjoy the priceless pleasures of family life and home-cooked food. Quite simply, the kitchen has become the heart and soul of the home. Our aim is to create a kitchen space for you that is personalized, fully planned, and customized to your exact specifications, imported from Germany and precisely installed in your home. With innovative design, meticulous quality and a focus on sustainability, we will help you create the kitchen of your dreams. We currently support our clients in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Contact us at https://www.germankitchendesign.co.th/contact
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS AS THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING!
Modern slavery and corruption
