For me, November ended with the stark reality that this team has a great need for more support. Our Focus is Training to prevent Child Human Trafficking. The TRAGAST Vision is the Thailand Region Free of Human Trafficking. Our goal is to facilitate human trafficking prevention training for every child in Thailand. Our mission is to enable and assist our community to take action to eliminate human trafficking and exploitation through awareness and specific projects, especially prevention. Our spirits are high but our resources are few. This team needs more active members, supporting members and friends. Please contact coordinator@tragast.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
Our November 8th awareness event went very well. However, I'm well reminded that we can only do more if we can have more help. For now, we'll concentrate on supporting the Peace Culture Foundation and their great work training children, their teachers and their families.
Perhaps the easiest and most efficient way you can help is by passing this bulletin along to your kind and compassionate friends.
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.
Why? Great question, here’s an answer: Peace Culture Foundation (PCF) is providing Grooming (and human trafficking) prevention training to middle and high school students. The purpose of this campaign is to fund the training of at least 500 children. We calculate the average cost is only ฿200 per child in groups of 80 or more. Bottom line our goal is to raise a minimum of ฿100,000 THB ($2,900 USD). If we raise more, we’ll train more children?
How? You are asked to buy shirts and pass this information on to your caring friends and family.
This campaign begins 1 December 2024 and ends 15 January 2025.
TRAGAST will collect the shipping information and donations. There are two easy ways to proceed:
Below is taken directly from a Matt Friedman post on LinkedIn:
Compassion fatigue
About a year ago, I was on the metro train returning from a client meeting. While I was content catching up on some emails, I couldn’t help but overhear two loud men discussing a topic that clearly irritated them both. Their conversation went something like this:
First Man: “I really can’t stand it anymore. Just when I thought all those charity groups were done trying to get me to donate to Ukraine refugees, that earthquake hit. I’m so tired of people coming up to me asking for a handout. It happened in my office again today.”
Second Man: “Yeah, and if it’s not these new causes, then it’s the whales or the trees or some other lame issue.”
First Man: “I don’t donate to any of these groups anymore. Who knows what they do with the money?”
Second Man: “I don’t give either. I did for a while, but it just never stops. I work hard for my money. Why should I hand it over to someone else? They should go out and find a job like everyone else.”
After listening to them talk, I briefly considered saying something to these two men, but I stopped and asked myself, “Who am I to judge what they say?” The reality is that the sentiments they expressed are shared by many others.
What they described is often referred to as ‘compassion fatigue.’ We donate to some charities, and then more come along asking for help. Eventually, we become jaded and resentful.
Finding a way to overcome this feeling is one of the significant challenges of our times.
That morning, I watched news clips that focused on the victims of the earthquake. In addition to the 45,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries, over 5 million people were homeless. To support these individuals, an immense amount of food, tents, blankets, hygiene supplies, and much more were needed.
The faces of the men, women, and children haunted me all day. Their expressions were filled with grief, fear, sadness, and hopelessness. This is just one example among countless others of people in need.
The major issues facing the world are real and daunting. They won't resolve themselves; action is required, and extensive resources are needed to address them.
Perhaps we need to reconsider how we approach giving. I have two suggestions.
First, each of us might find it helpful to determine a specific amount to contribute on an annual basis and commit to that. I know people who do this: they identify a cause they care about and donate regularly. This method can alleviate the guilt often associated with being targeted by multiple fundraising campaigns.
Second, the amount chosen should be significant. Many of us have jobs that offer good salaries and enjoy comfortable lives, while so many others suffer. Given our blessings, we should be open to making generous contributions. This can help make the world a better place.
Who wouldn’t want to be a part of making this happen?
TRAGAST is a very small entity. Our focus is Training to Prevent Child Human Trafficking. Here is a list of reasons to support us and a list of reasons to not.
Support TRAGAST:
The prevention of child human trafficking is the right thing to do.Prevention is much less painful than rescue and restoration.What if prevention could remove or at least reduce the need for rescue and restoration? That would certainly help make the world a better place.
TRAGAST is an open book.We pride ourselves in financial transparency. We would be delighted to show you exactly where your donation would go. (At this point, 100% of our donations go to support Peace Culture Foundation training).
TRAGAST is comprised of Rotarian's who share the same passion. Our vision is to see a Thailand region free of human trafficking.
With your support, we can fulfill our mission to enable and assist our community to take action to eliminate human trafficking and human exploitation through awareness and specific projects, especially prevention!
Not support TRAGAST:
Donations to TRAGAST are not tax-deductible.
Not everyone thinks the prevention of child human trafficking is the most important cause. Many wonderful people support other worthy causes.
Not everyone sees the benefit of making altruistic gestures.
Gentle reader, I will ask you to finish this story as it applies to you. If you wish to support TRAGAST, please let us know at treasurer@tragast.org
November: Thailand’s Month for Ending Violence Against Children and Women
In recognition of November as Thailand’s “Month for Ending Violence Against Children and Women,” the Child Rights Coalition Lanna organized the Lanna CRC Festival #4: Child-friendly Space to End Violence Against Children and Women.
The Peace Culture Foundation (PCF) was invited to participate in this event due to longstanding commitment to combating violence against children. PCF joined a roundtable discussion alongside over 40 public and private sector organizations. Representing PCF, Miss Raviporn Khampeerapong, a psychologist and staff member, addressed the topic “Ending All Forms of Violence Against Children and Women.”
Miss Raviporn highlighted non-violent approaches to breaking the cycle of abuse, emphasizing that victims of abuse may, without proper intervention and prevention, perpetuate the cycle as offenders. She also discussed the critical issue of grooming, a form of sexual violence that is often misunderstood but vital to addressing in efforts to prevent child sexual abuse.
In the evening, PCF joined the awareness march from Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives to Tha Phae Gate and set up an informational booth focused on grooming. Through activities like quizzes with prizes, PCF engaged children and youth in understanding the dangers of grooming. Leaflets and posters were distributed to interested visitors, encouraging further learning and sharing within their communities.
This booth was co-hosted with the Chiang Mai Provincial Children and Youth Council and supported by young participants from the PCF’s Train-The-Trainer program. Now in its 11th cohort, this program aims to equip youth leaders with the skills to effectively educate peers and communities about grooming. All of PCF’s staff were delighted by the enthusiastic involvement of these youth volunteers, whose commitment to raising awareness reflects their passion for creating a safer society for children and young people.
The event was highly successful, attracting numerous visitors, including children, youth from various organizations, and tourists who stopped by to engage with the booth and show their support. Notably, Mr. Jerry Nelson from TRAGAST also visited, reaffirming the strong collaboration between PCF and TRAGAST.
The work of the PCF and TRAGAST is far from over. Together, we remain committed to building a society free from harm—a society rooted in peace and safety for all. None of this would be possible without your support.
If you wish to support the efforts of the Peace Culture Foundation, please contact TRAGAST and express your interest in contributing!
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 prenatal 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 provides 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.
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
AMIGO'S MEXICAN BISTRO
Chiang Mai’s Amigo’s Mexican Bistro is located inside the old city on Mun Mueng Road just South of the intersection with Ratvithi Road, a short walk North from Tha Phae Gate. They feature delicious Tex-Mex style food. The menu includes all of the favorites like quesadillas, tacos (soft or cruncy), burritos both large and medium, tacos salad bowl and more. Just baked corn chips with homemade guacamole is the perfect appetizer or snack. Food is prepared fresh and served by very nice wait staff. The restaurant is cozy and comfortable. Amigo’s is open from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. daily
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
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
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.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS AS THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING!
