Aid workers 'abusing children'

Tribal children in Chiang Rai are being sexually abused by some members of non-profit organisations working to educate these children, former Chiang Rai senator Tuenjai Deethes has revealed.

Tuenjai, a member of National Legislative Assembly, said she was told that the number of victims was growing despite an official report about the issue.

"Most of the tribal children, boys and girls, were offered a chance to continue their studies in town, withfunding and shelter provided, by these non-profit organisations. It is sad to hear that some people working with these organisations take advantage of the children's respect by sexually violating a number of them while in their care. Some children have even been raped," she said.

"Most of the victims, aged from eight to 15, say nothing about what they faced due to fears that their education or financial support will be withdrawn," she said.

"I believe there are many in the organisations with good intentions but some are not so good. Some even show photos of children on the Internet for commercial purposes. I am worried that the problem will develop into Internet sex trading."

Tuenjai urged the Social Develop-ment and Human Security Ministry to step in, and called for inspections of shelters for tribal children and scrutiny aid organisations' activities.

Juthamas Rajprasit, manager of the Foundation for Tribal Community Development in Chiang Rai, confirmed the problem. She said it was often found in Muang and Maechan districts, where a number of the organisations are operating.

"From our experience, the victims refuse to reveal anything about what they have faced. They just asked to move to another shelter without giving a reason. Early this year, three children aged eight, 12 and 14 in Muang district were involved," she said.

"Legally, we have rights to inspect shelters with more than six children, but we have only ten officials - not enough to cover all. This problem has had a low priority in the past," Juthamas said.

Chiang Rai social worker Rungthip Nanthasarn said her office had received no reports of sexual abuse. "I believe the children would not be brave enough to report it after they had been violated," she said.

Source: The Nation - 24 June 2007

There is always a higher ratio of predators close to the prey then in other places.

It seems there is agreement that at least some of the allegations are true. If that's the case, someone in authority must know more about it. Why don't they do more than whine in the paper?

No gonads?

You'd think a tip to the police would do some good.

It seems there is agreement that at least some of the allegations are true. If that's the case, someone in authority must know more about it. Why don't they do more than whine in the paper?

No gonads?

You'd think a tip to the police would do some good.

Headline should be 'Aid workers' abusing children

There was a long thread many years ago about a Mae Sai orphanage and how a foreigner who volunteered there got arrested on questionable charges after he released information about abuse ... they managed to turn the tables on him and say he was the one, when it was he who revealed it in the first place.

Does this surprise anyone? I'm glad at least that the senator came out and said it.

The best way to prevent this sort of thing is to make sure the children have educational opportunities in their village area. That means they can remain with their family. Family is the best method of protection.

Anytime you remove children from their parents, the risk dramatically increases that they will be exploited in some way. Also the cost of care away from the family is extraordinarily costly; much more costly than if they are with the parents.

Family isn't better at protecting their children. They're better at keeping things quiet. Plenty of children in this country are suffering from sexual and psychological abuse that stems from their own families. With the amount of support people get here (is it a value above zero?) a child isn't going to make old pa' lose face, because chances are nothing'll happen to old pa' and things'll just get worse--especially the next time old pa' sits out on the dirt road drinking lao khao or whiskey until 430 in the morning.

unfortunately, it's a known and sad fact that some paedophiles farangs working with (or managing) ngo's in the north have very very high protections.

ask for names in the bars, besides the usual noise with unfounded rumors some (1 or 2) names will pop-up again and again...