The Exploited Kids Selling Roses to Tourists On Khaosan Road

[Lite Beer]

The Exploited Kids Selling Roses to Tourists On Khaosan Road

By Sally Mairs

Bangkok's Khaosan Road is the not the kind of place you want to take your kids. The strip of neon-lit bars and nightclubs, budget hostels, and 24-hour Burger Kings is what happens when generations of tourists remake a street in their own image; it's nickname is the “center of the backpacker universe.” Young Westerners flock to Khaosan to drink from plastic buckets of alcohol, inhale greasy piles of 2 AM pad thai, and deck themselves out in elephant-print pants, all to the beat of the pop music that blasts from every available speaker.

Despite Khaosan’s party-hard, R-rated feel, a troupe of children—some as young as five—can be seen trailing the tourists as they move from one watering hole to the next. The Khaosan kids show up when the party starts and stay until the bars close. They're here to sell roses, yet contrary to what most tourists assume, they aren’t from Thailand and the money they make doesn’t go to their families. Most of the rose-sellers are Burmese and have been “purchased” from their parents by brokers promising to send home money every month.

More often than not, the checks never arrive and the kids never come home. Vittanatpat Rattanawarepong, who runs the Stop Child Begging campaign for the Mirror Foundation in Bangkok, believes at least 500 children are selling roses to tourists in Thailand as a result of this type of trafficking.

For those behind the rose-selling business, Khaosan Road is a gold mine: Every night brings a new flood of foreigners with cash to burn, many of whom have never been to Asia or encountered the complications of child begging before.

“It’s fun for us, and it’s money for them,” said Katpin, a 20-something German tourist, when asked why he bought a rose. “It’s a win-win situation,” his friend Moritz added.

The youngest of the rose-selling children stumble around Khaosan, weaving through the drunk and drugged-out dancers. Untrained in the arts of street marketing, they bring in meager amounts of cash from tourists who are moved by their innocent and desperate gazes.

The older children, many of whom speak basic English, have developed more complicated schemes. They make jokes, challenge tourists to hand games, and goad men into buying flowers for their dates. But their smiles are practiced, fading as soon as the sale is made.

While some tourists buy the roses thoughtlessly, others genuinely believe that their purchase is helping the children’s lives. Few know that in reality, their money is precisely what’s keeping them enslaved.

Read More: http://www.vice.com/en_au/read/why-not-to-buy-roses-from-the-kids-on-khaosan-road

--Vice Media 2014-10-23

[thesetat2013]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

[Musot]

Dear Sally Mairs,

1995 called. They want their story back.

[daveAustin]

It would do this lady's cause more good if she didn't slag off the foreign tourists there. As with the elephants previously in tourist areas, any blame should be attributed squarely on the local middlemen... and not to mention that KSR is now the happy haunt of local Thai teens and their families. She needs to spend more time here.

[lildragon]

What is the source of the problem? It's not the tourists. The local police station is right around the corner there. Why are the police not doing anything about illegal child labor?

Cos they profit from it. Tourists getting blamed for getting murdered and now child labor, maybe if the crops are bad this year that'll be their fault too

[ChrisY1]

So just Khao San road?....Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai..Hua Hin..........everywhere......and everyone turns a blind eye......cheap, forced child labour!....all a part of the cause of global condemnation towards Thailand....and the authorities still try to convince the world of their ongoing efforts to stamp it out, but it's simply just talk!

[Time Traveller]

damn white people! Keeping the exploited kids enslaved like that with their purchases.

Edited October 25, 2014 by Time Traveller

[darrendsd]

So just Khao San road?....Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai..Hua Hin..........everywhere......and everyone turns a blind eye......cheap, forced child labour!....all a part of the cause of global condemnation towards Thailand....and the authorities still try to convince the world of their ongoing efforts to stamp it out, but it's simply just talk!

If you read the story it says there are around 500 of these kids around Thailand

This story happens to focus on what happens on Khao San road, i'm sure the charity's that are trying to help these kids are aware and are trying to help kids in other city's to

[ldnguy]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

I don't see anywhere in the article where the blame is placed on foreigners. The article clearly says that tourists are unaware of what's going on.

[ldnguy]

So just Khao San road?....Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai..Hua Hin..........everywhere......and everyone turns a blind eye......cheap, forced child labour!....all a part of the cause of global condemnation towards Thailand....and the authorities still try to convince the world of their ongoing efforts to stamp it out, but it's simply just talk!

And also USA, UK and other Western countries, where consumers are more than happy to buy goods made with the help of child labor. Politicians and police in those countries also turn a blind eye. There's money involved, so no-one really cares what they buy. Even on the rare occasions that it's publicized, people still buy the products, because the prefer a new phone to helping enslaved children. Child labor needs to be stopped wherever it happens, but don't turn a blin eye to what happens in your home countries.

[FredNL]

Yesterday (Friday) I went to a Korean BBQ restaurant on Petchaburi Road near the Asok-Montri Junction. Every 5 minutes there was a child standing at our table selling roses. Some of them even kept staying at our table for minutes and refused to leave. After being disturbed for the 20th time in an hour, we called for the owner that was a good friend of someone in our company. He said there is nothing he could do about them while they are a pain in the ass. They also are known as pickpockets when they act in groups. They are run by the local maffia (police force) and he could not refuse them, send them of his premises or he would have big problems with the police.

[Basil B]

It is not just Khaosan Road...

This is rife throughout Thailand where there are tourists...

[darrendsd]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

I don't see anywhere in the article where the blame is placed on foreigners. The article clearly says that tourists are unaware of what's going on.

I agree, I don't see it either but don't let it stop the Thai bashers from posting their daily rant against anything Thai although I would assume that most of them live here and know where the Airport is

[ParadiseLost]

It is not just Khaosan Road...

This is rife throughout Thailand where there are tourists...

To be honest I have not seen any in KP, or KS. I think the community would put a stop to it immediately. There are other examples of children working here, but it appears to be their parents exploiting them...

I was witness to this in Phnom Penh - sitting at the riverside you see many. As a man I recall feeling there is almost no way to help these kids, as any male who shows interest is immediately suspected of ulterior motives, by all onlookers and even the kids themselves.

I think women need to get more involved in this matter, the fewer men the better - perhaps the kids will be more willing to trust those offering help. To help though, you need to offer some alternate life for them - this is where it all falls to pieces.

Edited October 25, 2014 by ParadiseLost

[thesetat2013]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

I don't see anywhere in the article where the blame is placed on foreigners. The article clearly says that tourists are unaware of what's going on.

Excuse me. The last line. The foreigners money. Saying the foreingers money are keepin them enslaved. Which by the way was the basis for my reply in the first place

[MobileContent]

I am not giving them money but I will ask them if they want something to eat and some times I run over to 7/11 and buy them some snakes and drinks.

I found out long time ago that those kids getting abused.

I was a beggar myself at the age of 12-14 years in the streets of Berlin but when I was begging it went straight in my pocket and it wasn't shared except with some other street kids as we sticked together and always looked out for each other.

The issue about the rose seller kids is an organized crime and some influential people's (Thais) get a cut of it.

It''s a terrible life what those kids have. No education, day time sleeping and every night on the streets. Once they get older they are sold as maids in Thailand or cheap prostitutes for Somchai, the taxi driver in some shanty area's. I have no ideas about the boys but if they have luck they end up one day as manual labor but it could be worse.

Once again the police has its hand in this business such as the beggars. On Soi 3 Sukhumvit Muslim woman's with their 4 months old kid are begging. I am even not sure of the baby is from the woman but to be honest I often give because they look in bad shape. If they don't corporate they end up at IDC and thats where their real trouble start.

Also I might sound stupid but why the UNHCR never get involved. This is openly human smuggling and it got to be stopped. We too have beggars in Germany but if they need help we do provide help to them.

It is really a sad story but we can't do much against it. It has to come from the top and since means the Police station chiefs of Khaosan, Thonglor, Lumpini need to be sacked. This money is shared with everyone and not just the top who gets a cut.

Edited October 25, 2014 by MobileContent

[love1012]

quite sad - but very true!

[mike324]

I have actually seen a kid curse at a farang who refuse to buy a rose, the kid was being a pain and the farang kept on saying no, kid say f' you and went to bug someone else. I would say the kid was only around 12-14, clearly many of these kids are headed in the wrong direction. But I understand its not their choice, but this job is molding them into kids who will be trouble makers down the road.

[Misterwhisper]

And yet another shuffle-the blame article from an ignorant so-called "journalist" that tries to implicate foreigners for all the shortcomings in this country.

When I have to read semi-idiotic things like "...is what happens when generations of tourists remake a street in their own image..." I am compelled to ask: "Do local entrepreneurs play any role in the transformation of Khao San Rd. or have those bloody tourists set up all those bars, burger joints, guesthouses and street stalls by themselves so they could 'create' a little street to their liking?"

Unfortunately the author also fails to mention (intentionally?) who exactly is buying those children from their parents and puts them to work. If Miss Mairs had done a little research into this, she might have found out that it is actually local criminal networks and individuals who are responsible.

Furthermore, if Miss Mairs had negotiated other areas of Bangkok with open eyes, she might have noticed that children selling roses and other trinkets are NOT confined to Khao San Rd., but can be found ELSEWHERE, too, e.g. at major road intersections and even in entertainment areas mostly frequented by locals only.

But since she so faithfully reports her version of the truth from Khao San Rd., has Miss Mairs actually bothered to ask the local police why they allow these children to wander the street and ply their trade night after night after night and what the police are actually doing to stamp out what Miss Mairs has rightfully identified as human trafficking? No, she hasn't. Oops!

And god forbid that Miss Mairs - in her rookie journalist innocence - may one day stumble through places like Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. It would presumably be a rude awakening and shatter her preconceived notions of "what happens when generations of tourists remake a street in their own image".

[WhizBang]

Yesterday (Friday) I went to a Korean BBQ restaurant on Petchaburi Road near the Asok-Montri Junction. Every 5 minutes there was a child standing at our table selling roses. Some of them even kept staying at our table for minutes and refused to leave. After being disturbed for the 20th time in an hour, we called for the owner that was a good friend of someone in our company. He said there is nothing he could do about them while they are a pain in the ass. They also are known as pickpockets when they act in groups. They are run by the local maffia (police force) and he could not refuse them, send them of his premises or he would have big problems with the police.

And there is the whole problem in a nutshell. The 'Royal' Thai Police ARE the largest criminal organization in Thailand. Until the RTP are reformed, or disbanded, NOTHING will change.

[Paulzed]

Just another scam, sham, con, same old shame old Thailand

[EASYDOGG]

Part of the problem is the foolish farang who believe they are helping these children and their families by buying flowers. They are only keeping the children on these streets and in some cases the money could be going to a pimp who simply sits at home, then takes his cut when the child returns and the rest may go to the mother.

The problem could be eradicated by the police situated on KSR, but as we all know they don't care enough to make the effort to ensure kids are not operating on this street and other localities.

All things considered we can't rely on the police to police. So if nobody buys a rose then there is no market. THE END

Edited October 25, 2014 by EASYDOGG

[impulse]

Here's a solution that will probably go over like a turd in the punch bowl.

If I travel to Outer Slobovia (work with me here- I don't want to get too specific) and boink a few kids, there's a pretty good chance I'll get pulled aside at immigration when I get back to my home country, for some extra latexy scrutiny (and a few years in the custody of the government).

Since it's a pretty good bet that any kid I'd be buying a rose from after, say, 10:00 PM is an exploited kid, it only makes sense that my country can impose some kind of penalty on me if I'm seen contributing to the exploitation of the kids- even kids in a foreign land. Maybe not the latex gloves and lockup, but perhaps a $1,000 fine when I cross back into my home country?

Half a dozen newspaper articles about exploitative tourists getting fined when they get back home, and a few horror stories on some of the travel blogs about what happens to ME when I contribute to the exploitation of kids would certainly make me think twice before committing such an act.

Trying to dry it up on the supply side doesn't seem to be working. Perhaps it's time to dry it up on the demand side. Just like exploiting kids for sex.

Edited October 25, 2014 by impulse

[thesetat2013]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

I don't see anywhere in the article where the blame is placed on foreigners. The article clearly says that tourists are unaware of what's going on.

I agree, I don't see it either but don't let it stop the Thai bashers from posting their daily rant against anything Thai although I would assume that most of them live here and know where the Airport is

Maybe in Turkey the people allow this kind of thing. But in most places it is not acceptable.

Nobody has been thaibashing here. Noone has insulted the thai people. Most here know the problem already and are bashing the authorities and people responsible.

Sure if someone lives her then they have a responsibilty to end child slavery and are entitled to speak out. I am sure they would do the same if they were back in their own country as well. As for the airport. Running away being your solution then perhaps you should run away or hide and not care what happens here.

[EASYDOGG]

I am not giving them money but I will ask them if they want something to eat and some times I run over to 7/11 and buy them some snakes and drinks.

I hope they weren't poisonous.

[bristolgeoff]

the flower mafia are everywhere in chiang mai and many towns.they are not forced to sell just do what the parents say,just like the rent a baby scam.it has being going on for years,as they get older they progress thru the system of scams.

[Pii Kate]

image.jpg

Dear Sally Mairs,

1995 called. They want their story back.

The writing in the story did seem to good to be from the Nation.

[Travelman868]

image.jpg

Dear Sally Mairs,

1995 called. They want their story back.

Not my fault, it's those bad Burmese again. Hmmmm good timing to badmouth Burmese.

The Rose sellers look very much Thai. Burmese Hill People look very different.

[kinmaew]

Any civilized society would impose heavy penalties on the parents who allow minors to work like this but in Thailand effectively no one cares that's why this continues so its not the fault of any German or other tourist that chooses to buy.

[Robespiere]

It is not thr farangs money that keeps these kids enslaved. It is the local police abd immigration and the people who purchased them from their families (maybe one in the same). The tourists flocking to Khaosan road mostly dont even know those kids are Burmese not most certainly don't know the kids werr bought from families. Although ignorance is not generally an excuse the writer should be pointing their fingers at the police (which is stationed right there at the end of Khaosan road. The Thai immigration for not learning nor caring where these kids are kept.

It is really a shame but the story blaming foriengners is ALL wrong

I don't see anywhere in the article where the blame is placed on foreigners. The article clearly says that tourists are unaware of what's going on.

I agree, I don't see it either but don't let it stop the Thai bashers from posting their daily rant against anything Thai although I would assume that most of them live here and know where the Airport is

It appears comprehension is not your strong point.

Let me help you,

"their money is precisely what’s keeping them enslaved."

It is not the fault of the Thai human traffickers, the Thai mafiosa running these kiddy rings, the complicit Thai police or the everyday Thai citizens who turn a blind eye.

No, these kids suffer because silly farrang stupidly buy the roses and "their money is precisely what’s keeping them enslaved."