Picture courtesy of Hic et Nunc

 

In a determined effort to protect the island’s vulnerable children, Phuket officials have launched a significant initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the bustling tourist destination.

 

The campaign, named "Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism, Far from Child Sexual Exploitation," was unveiled on 16th July at the Seabed Grand Hotel in Phuket Town. This event, a collaboration of key agencies such as the Phuket Provincial Office, For Freedom International Foundation, the Anti-Human Trafficking Fund, and the Office of Social Development and Human Security, aims to raise awareness and action within the tourism industry.

 

Phuket Vice Governor, Samawit Suphanphai, emphasised the critical role the tourism sector plays in this battle. "Protecting children is everyone’s job, including those in tourism. Frontline workers must be trained to spot the signs and act swiftly," he asserted.

 

During the workshop, hotel staff and tour operators from areas like Patong received training on identifying signs of abuse, reporting suspicious activities, and understanding their legal duties. The practical sessions aimed to equip these professionals with the skills necessary to become vigilant defenders against exploitation.

 

Chanwit Kittiwongsunthon from For Freedom International explained, “Tourism professionals have a unique opportunity to prevent abuse before it begins. This initiative is about transforming knowledge into actionable defence.”

 

Vice Governor Samawit also pointed out the global implications, stating that protecting children not only saves lives but also enhances Thailand’s image as a leader in ethical tourism. This is particularly pertinent as national concerns about child trafficking and exploitation increase.

 

The campaign reflects a broader commitment to ethical tourism in Thailand and reinforces the island’s dedication to being a safe haven, free from exploitation. By involving hoteliers, bar owners, and other tourism workers, Phuket sends a clear message that it is a destination not only of beauty but also of responsibility.

 

The initiative seeks not just to educate but to empower those on the frontlines of tourism to take decisive action against these heinous crimes. With the backing of local authorities and international support, Phuket is taking a stand to ensure its picturesque paradise does not become tainted by the sinister shadow of exploitation.

 

At a time when tourism is critical to the economy, now more than ever, there is a shared responsibility to ensure ethical practices are upheld. This movement in Phuket could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, showing that safeguarding the vulnerable is indeed a shared task with crucial economic and moral implications.

 

By transforming awareness into actionable measures, Phuket is leading by example, promoting a safe, ethical tourism industry that prioritises the wellbeing of its most vulnerable citizens. The island is not only opening its doors to tourists but also firmly closing them against exploitation and abuse.

 

As this campaign gains momentum, the message resonates loud and clear: there is no place for exploitation in paradise. This bold stand could well redefine the ethical standards of tourism across Thailand and beyond.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-21

 

 

They are closing the whole island???

Been to Phuket several times, but never saw any child sexual exploitation there.

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism, Far from Child Sexual Exploitation

 

 

That'll stick in peoples mind......catchy.

 

10 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Been to Phuket several times, but never saw any child sexual exploitation there.

Good for you, do you see it other places? 

Too late 🤩

14 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Been to Phuket several times, but never saw any child sexual exploitation there.

It's well hidden in tourist areas.

If they really want to stop child abuse and exploitation best to start in their family homes where the highest percent occurs.

From my own experience i have not witnessed blatantly underage girls or children being offered for sexual services, and if i did the offender wouldnt be walking home, he would be in an ambulance on his way to the emergency department

14 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism

So we are against safe tourism?

Does anyone see something wrong with this Campaign Title?

 

”Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism” 

 

Where I come from, in the English Language, the word “AGAINST” means “Opposed to”.  That means the Gov’t is against Safe Tourism.

 

It should be titled “Strengthening the Protection FOR Safe Tourism. For means “In favor of”.

 

Now that makes a lot more sense.  Will someone from AsianNow please inform the property authorities of their mistake.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The campaign, named "Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism, Far from Child Sexual Exploitation,"

Clear intention, isn't?

On many of my trips to Phuket I saw many times a well dressed  elderly foreigner in a restuarant at a table or in a shopping centre  with a young Thai lad aged 14-16  ( hard to tell ) but young and I doubt they were stepson or son.That site used to make me sick in my stomach. If this crack down works then the restuarant or shop management ought to be made to report this to police.

27 minutes ago, Babalooey said:

”Strengthening the Protection Against Safe Tourism” 

 

Where I come from, in the English Language, the word “AGAINST” means “Opposed to”.  That means the Gov’t is against Safe Tourism.

 

It should be titled “Strengthening the Protection FOR Safe Tourism. For means “In favor of”.

 

Now that makes a lot more sense.  Will someone from AsianNow please inform the property authorities of their mistake.

 

The problem is this article was probably written by Albert Irvin and as usual he fails to translate properly and produces slop. I doubt reporting him would make any difference.

10 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

On many of my trips to Phuket I saw many times a well dressed  elderly foreigner in a restuarant at a table or in a shopping centre  with a young Thai lad aged 14-16  ( hard to tell ) but young and I doubt they were stepson or son.That site used to make me sick in my stomach. If this crack down works then the restuarant or shop management ought to be made to report this to police.

 

Hard to know if  you ask me. I doubt most of us can tell an 18 year from a 16 year old. Often Thai girls in their early 20s can even look like teens to me.

23 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

On many of my trips to Phuket I saw many times a well dressed  elderly foreigner in a restuarant at a table or in a shopping centre  with a young Thai lad aged 14-16  ( hard to tell ) but young and I doubt they were stepson or son.That site used to make me sick in my stomach. If this crack down works then the restuarant or shop management ought to be made to report this to police.

Why didn't you ask them?

I'm often out and about with my 13 yo son.

5 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

Hard to know if  you ask me. I doubt most of us can tell an 18 year from a 16 year old. Often Thai girls in their early 20s can even look like teens to me.

A friend of mine dates a Thai girl that many mistake as underage. She's actually 38 years old and mother of 3.

I'm against child abuse of any kind, and human trafficking as well, but to trust you bozos to do the job of getting rid of it? Won't happen.

As always,a lot of talk

What  a BS story, it would be like declaring a war on all the parents and police force that are profiting.

1 hour ago, cookie1974 said:

From my own experience i have not witnessed blatantly underage girls or children being offered for sexual services, and if i did the offender wouldnt be walking home, he would be in an ambulance on his way to the emergency department

Another newcomer tough guy?

If you would do that then where would you go?

 

Why must everything be a war?

 

But if "wars" remain so attractive,

maybe they ought to declare war on drunken street fighting among foreigners 

who decided that hurting each other is a better way to spend their time than getting laid

Let's break this into 2 parts, shall we?

 

1. Child predators should be tarred and feathered and have their private parts cut off.

 

2. Sex tourists who come with an interest in adult females only should be welcome. Otherwise Phuket will be a very quiet place. Remember the pandemic guys, this will be just as bad.

Quite the opposite of children being offered, Phuket seems to specialize these days in much older ladies, and unattractive sex workers. 

52 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

On many of my trips to Phuket I saw many times a well dressed  elderly foreigner in a restuarant at a table or in a shopping centre  with a young Thai lad aged 14-16  ( hard to tell ) but young and I doubt they were stepson or son.That site used to make me sick in my stomach. If this crack down works then the restuarant or shop management ought to be made to report this to police.

That is exactly what it is aimed at, those Christian and dubious NGO involved will address anything that they see as immoral, not what is actually illegal. Your post is a hint to that. What is "disgusting" to you is your problem. The age of consent in Thailand is 15, and if parents agree, 15 year old may have a relationship with whomever they want. So this will result in a lot of false alarms, it will create a paranoid atmosphere and actually rather interfere with real police work, as those ideologically motivated activists are regularly not objective and well-trained enough to spot the real problems. If you want a perfect example for that, go to Sihanoukville which is the haven of those who have a good life from domations, spreading utter bs like Jehovah's witnesses or Korean sects. Some of the worst molesters may even hide in thise NGOs. It won't take 5 years and everyone legally married to a Thai will be watched if they are going around with their child. What makes me sick is that they can't handle such problems on Phuket with common sense and police work, without getting those deluded, religious, often foreign and ideologically crooked NGOs on board.

58 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Why didn't you ask them?

I'm often out and about with my 13 yo son.

Has anyone looked at you sideways and wondered what you might be up to ??

This is just to placate the west that they're doing something which they are not.

 

For all intents and purposes there are no minors working in establishments catering to foreigners. That is almost an exclusive Thai thing.

 

The disingenuousness of the nation has always been off the charts but the gaslighting in the last few months really is next level.

 

Just another reason not to holiday in Phuket. Entrapment stings coming.

 

In today's news...

 

War on child sex trafficking

 

War on drugs

 

Add that to the politicians war on the poor

11 minutes ago, Jabberwocky said:

That is exactly what it is aimed at, those Christian and dubious NGO involved will address anything that they see as immoral, not what is actually illegal. Your post is a hint to that. What is "disgusting" to you is your problem. The age of consent in Thailand is 15, and if parents agree, 15 year old may have a relationship with whomever they want. So this will result in a lot of false alarms, it will create a paranoid atmosphere and actually rather interfere with real police work, as those ideologically motivated activists are regularly not objective and well-trained enough to spot the real problems. If you want a perfect example for that, go to Sihanoukville which is the haven of those who have a good life from domations, spreading utter bs like Jehovah's witnesses or Korean sects. Some of the worst molesters may even hide in thise NGOs. It won't take 5 years and everyone legally married to a Thai will be watched if they are going around with their child. What makes me sick is that they can't handle such problems on Phuket with common sense and police work, without getting those deluded, religious, often foreign and ideologically crooked NGOs on board.

Hey Jabba you certainly Jabbered on there. the topic was about Phuket not N.G.O.S or religous sects or even Sionoukville . I think you got a bit exited there old son.

12 minutes ago, Jabberwocky said:

That is exactly what it is aimed at, those Christian and dubious NGO involved will address anything that they see as immoral, not what is actually illegal. Your post is a hint to that. What is "disgusting" to you is your problem. The age of consent in Thailand is 15, and if parents agree, 15 year old may have a relationship with whomever they want. So this will result in a lot of false alarms, it will create a paranoid atmosphere and actually rather interfere with real police work, as those ideologically motivated activists are regularly not objective and well-trained enough to spot the real problems. If you want a perfect example for that, go to Sihanoukville which is the haven of those who have a good life from domations, spreading utter bs like Jehovah's witnesses or Korean sects. Some of the worst molesters may even hide in thise NGOs. It won't take 5 years and everyone legally married to a Thai will be watched if they are going around with their child. What makes me sick is that they can't handle such problems on Phuket with common sense and police work, without getting those deluded, religious, often foreign and ideologically crooked NGOs on board.

I am very sure this happens but i doubt very much it is in big numbers.

What you mention happens mostly among Thai people and that is not the issue here.

In order for a foreigner to hook up legally with a 15 year old in Thailand they would have to be insane.

Maybe it does happen but not to tourists?

Any US citizen would be breaking the law if they do so.

I know a few guys who have married a Thai lady and if i would not know the circumstances you could think,

"Why is this foreigner riding with a ten year old Thai girl on the back of his bike?"

He is picking her up from school!!! It is his stepchild!

I have been offered under age kids before but that was over 20 years ago.

You just walk away from a situation like that,what are you going to do?

Pretend to be a tough guy and resort to violence?

Reporting to the police was also not an option,i was new in Thailand.

If you want to live in peace over here you learn to walk away.

 

16 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

That'll stick in peoples mind......catchy.

 

Something tells me they did not run this by an educated native English speaker.