Below you will find information about our upcoming human trafficking awareness event (Chiang Rai - 10 March 2025). I am especially excited about this event because it demonstrates that we can generate interest in the prevention of human trafficking in all areas of Thailand, and our project champion is an Eagle Scout, still in high school!
Next is your invitation to attend the RAGAS reception at the Rotary International Convention. Sadly, I will not be there.
There are significant changes in the wind for TRAGAST. The most significant is the idea of morphing TRAGAST into an organization that covers the Mekong Region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand). While we are in the early days, your opinions are solicited. Please help us to do this right.
Fundraising is always a challenge. Recently we came up with a unique idea. We are going to promote the sale of art. (See https://tragast.org/stories/purchase-art ). Both Myanmar Rose and Nahtalie Lalou are incredible!
on 7 June, TRAGAST and Chiang Mai Airport Rotary Club (CMARC) will co-host an awareness event at Chiang Mai's Tulou restaurant to support The Mae Tao Clinic and on 21 June TRAGAST will host an awareness event at Art Mai Gallery-Hotel in Chiang Mai. For now save the dates. Details will be provided soon.
TRAGAST has permission to re-publish "Separating Facts from Fiction - 11 Myths vs Reality". How many times have you heard these myths and what will be required to peel the blindfolds from our society’s eyes? You could argue that much progress has been made, but in this old man's opinion; not nearly enough!
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 -
18:30 Optional Potluck Dinner (Just bring a dish and enjoy the dinner and fellowship)!
20:30 Bon Voyage
Registration for Movie – complimentary and potluck. 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 25 February: Complimentary
Registration at the door 2 March, if not sold out: Complimentary
Introducing an exciting new program where you may purchase art and benefit the TRAGAST. We are working with two incredible artists who are passionate about the fight against human trafficking.
Myanmar Rose is based in Pattaya Thailand. Check out her website at https://myanmarrose.com and you will learn that she is a more than an artist and a survivor of human trafficking; she is a fighter and champion. Her art reflects life. Contact her at https://myanmarrose.com and/or ninzi9894@gmail.com
Nathalie Laoue is 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. Contact: https://www.instagram.com/nathalie.laloue and/or nathalaloue888@gmail.com
How the program works:
Visit the artists online and choose the art you wish to purchase.
Contact the artist who will fulfill the order and provide payment information
The artist will donate 50% of the net proceeds to TRAGAST
I hope you are able to attend the Rotary International Convention in Calgary The dates are 21-25 June 2025. The convention will also give attendees an opportunity to attend a very special reception -- RAGAS International, in partnership with RAGAS in Canada, cordially invites you to the RAGAS Reception on June 20, 2025, 7:00 PM, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Calgary.Cost: $45/person.
This important event will raise awareness about the rising human trafficking concern in Canada and beyond.
Please register ASAP, as there we do have limited space. The invitation flyer with further details is attached.
You can register by using the following link or the QR code below.
The article below was published by Our Rescue. I received it on 28 January 2025 and immediately asked their permission to use it in the TRAGAST Bulletin. The reasons are two:
We all need to understand the myths behind sex trafficking.
Not all but many of the victims are children and TRAGAST is here to protect them through awareness and prevention projects
Sex trafficking affects communities around the world, yet there are many misconceptions. Understanding the realities of trafficking is the first step in addressing and preventing this heinous crime.
MYTH: Trafficking only happens to women and girls. REALITY: Men and boys account for around 25% of people trafficked globally. Studies estimate that 50% of sex-trafficked youth are boys. 1
MYTH: Traffickers are usually strangers. REALITY: In cases of sex trafficking, 44% of victims were trafficked by a family member and 39% by an intimate partner. 2
MYTH: Trafficking doesn’t happen where I live. REALITY: In the U.S., there are 30,000+ cases of human trafficking each year. Trafficking happens in every state and territory. 3
MYTH: Trafficking only happens to children. REALITY: Trafficking happens to men, women, and children. Children made up only 69% of people in newly charged sex trafficking cases. 2
MYTH: Trafficking always involves moving people to new places. REALITY: People can be sex trafficked in their community or their homes. Traffickers can be family members, romantic partners, or employers.
MYTH: Victims always ask for help. REALITY: Many trafficked people have been groomed to think trafficking is normal. Others are ashamed or afraid to ask for help.
MYTH: Trafficking always involves violence/force. REALITY: Trafficked adults are often vulnerable because of poverty, substance abuse, or homelessness.
MYTH: All traffickers are men. REALITY: 25% of U.S. child sex traffickers are women. 4 In many other countries, women trafficking women is most often.
MYTH: Trafficking only happens in poor communities. REALITY: Sex trafficking is everywhere. In affluent communities, trafficking can happen in places like massage parlors, bars, and motels.
MYTH: Victims of human trafficking are physically held captive and unable to physically leave. REALITY: Traffickers use emotional manipulation, threats, or economic dependency, making it hard to leave. Additionally, with no money, documentation, or a place to go, many trafficked people have no other options.
MYTH: Human trafficking is not a human rights issue. REALITY: Sex trafficking infringes on fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom from slavery/servitude, the right to bodily autonomy, and the right to health and safety.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TRAGAST Website Sponsors
ANGIE TAXI
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
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!
