US honours Thai anti-human trafficking activist as 'Hero'

[webfact]

US honours Thai anti-human trafficking activist as 'Hero'
By Marisa Chimprabha
The Nation

 

 

WASHINGTON: -- Wirawan “Boom” Mosby, founder and director of the Hug Project in Chiang Mai province, has been honoured as a “Trafficking in Person Hero” by the US State Department for her work against human trafficking.

 

The honour came with the release of the department’s 2017 Tip report, which held Thailand on the Tier 2 Watch List as it considered that the Thai government does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, although it is making significant efforts.

 

The report praised Wirawan as a passionate advocate for child victims of sexual abuse in Thailand who has been instrumental in the advancement of a victim-centred approach in Thai antitrafficking efforts.

 

Wirawan joined other Tip heroes to receive the award in a ceremony in Washington and was chosen to represent other heroes by giving a speech. She told the audience how great His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was and that he was like a “Father of the Nation.” She praised the King’s dedication to helping fight poverty and hardship among Thai people.

 

According to VOA Thai radio, she said the international community and leaders could follow in the King’s footsteps in helping people. The ceremony was attended by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior adviser Ivanka Trump.

 

Each year, the State Department honours individuals from around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking.  

 

In an interview with the VOA, Wirawan said that Thailand’s status on the Tier 2 Watch List showed that problems still exist but it has improved from two years ago when the country was listed in Tier 3, the bottom ranking.

 

Thailand should continue solving human trafficking problems with determination to help victims and risk groups, rather than focus on the ranking, she said. 

 

The Hug project website said that “hug” is a northern Thai word that means “love”. The word is also an acronym that stands for hope, understanding and grace. 

 

Wirawan’s early work with the project included a partnership with police to provide educational and support services for at risk children in Chiang Mai. As her involvement with child trafficking investigations deepened, she developed key relationships with law enforcement, government officials and NGO partners, establishing a network of resources and support for child victims.

 

In 2015, she played a fundamental role in opening the Advocacy Centre for Children Thailand in Chiang Mai, the first child advocacy centre in all of Southeast Asia. Under her leadership, the centre has supported more than 81 investigations and the arrest of more than 20 perpetrators.

 

In 2016, she joined the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30319365

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-29

[Odysseus123]

Congratulations to a very brave and compassionate lady.

[yellowboat]

Looks as though without this woman, and people like her, Thailand would probably still be at Tier 3. 

[wakeupplease]

Good to see praise where praise is due, well done that lady and shame to those who do not follow her mainly dressed in green and brown

[Classic Ray]

I was waiting for the part of her speech thanking the Thai government for helping her set up similar Centres throughout Thailand for dealing with what is seen as a national problem.

 

No? Surely they have?

[darksidedog]

People like this deserve all the credit possible. It is through the sort of actions her and her colleagues do every day, that has seen Thailands ranking in trafficking reduced from 3 to 2. The PM would do well to understand this and not try to claim the plaudits, but to support such initiatives.

[whatawonderfulday]

One of the good people in Thailand. Amassing had to be honoured by the US rather than by her own country. The influential people will not like to hear she has done a lot to stop trafficking.  She will need to look over her shoulder permanently now in Thailand.

[soalbundy]

52 minutes ago, whatawonderfulday said:

One of the good people in Thailand. Amassing had to be honoured by the US rather than by her own country. The influential people will not like to hear she has done a lot to stop trafficking.  She will need to look over her shoulder permanently now in Thailand.

She is out in the open now, it's bright and sunny, publicity is great protection, the army likes the dark.

[Chris Lawrence]

They are not taught this stuff in schools? A humanitarian. The world needs more like this woman. 

 

Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai very hard place to do this work.

[lvr181]

Even if the Thai government holds her up as a shining example of what is being done (and she deserves that accolade) no one is going to be convinced that the Thai government is doing much with ongoing 'corrupt protection' of some perpetrators!

[Maestro]

Removed a nonsensical post and the replies to it.

[xtrnuno41]

As the world "pushed" (forced) Thailand to do something about trafficking, now many government officers are working to track down trafficking and act on it. It's part of their job now. The ranking is sure something Thailand is worried about, status !

Maybe the world could also do something in India, where many children are gangbanged from age 9 !! Women raped as it is normal and the still standing class differences among people. Well many more countries where it is sad.

BEsides USA better go home as they have lots of people in trafficking mode over there. Many south americans are exploited in USA 

Edited June 29, 2017 by xtrnuno41
Just additional adding

[lordblackader]

If I was here I'd be applying for asylum while she was there, we all know what happens to people who call out human rights abuses in Thailand...

[Redline]

4 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:

As the world "pushed" (forced) Thailand to do something about trafficking, now many government officers are working to track down trafficking and act on it. It's part of their job now. The ranking is sure something Thailand is worried about, status !

Maybe the world could also do something in India, where many children are gangbanged from age 9 !! Women raped as it is normal and the still standing class differences among people. Well many more countries where it is sad.

BEsides USA better go home as they have lots of people in trafficking mode over there. Many south americans are exploited in USA 

This took place in the USA.  There are ongoing investigations in the USA in a number of states~CA, the mid western states, NY, and others.

It happens in every country.  Where are you from?

[xtrnuno41]

1 hour ago, Redline said:

This took place in the USA.  There are ongoing investigations in the USA in a number of states~CA, the mid western states, NY, and others.

It happens in every country.  Where are you from?

Yha the honoring but the work is in Chiang mai. MAybe it still might??? happen here (Holland), but sure not as super big as in USA.

Hypocrits in USA.

[Redline]

3 minutes ago, xtrnuno41 said:

Yha the honoring but the work is in Chiang mai. MAybe it still might??? happen here (Holland), but sure not as super big as in USA.

Hypocrits in USA.

United States is ~237 times bigger than Netherlands land wise

 

Holland~17 million people   USA~324 million

 

On some subjects the USA is hypocritical, but I would suggest that all world powers are to some degree, and most all politicians are.

In any case, with the minimal size and population of your country, there should be no excuse for almost any problems there.

On the other hand, the USA is massive in comparison.  The biggest problem in the USA is wealth distribution, and that is endemic throughout the world now. 

[xtrnuno41]

2 minutes ago, Redline said:

United States is ~237 times bigger than Netherlands land wise

 

Holland~17 million people   USA~324 million

 

On some subjects the USA is hypocritical, but I would suggest that all world powers are to some degree, and most all politicians are.

In any case, with the minimal size and population of your country, there should be no excuse for almost any problems there.

On the other hand, the USA is massive in comparison.  The biggest problem in the USA is wealth distribution, and that is endemic throughout the world now. 

It doesnt matter how big USA is , there are about 52 states, so every state can do some about it, so then its no issue more about how tall a country is and how many people are there. It;'s all about creepy politicians.

[Redline]

20 minutes ago, xtrnuno41 said:

It doesnt matter how big USA is , there are about 52 states, so every state can do some about it, so then its no issue more about how tall a country is and how many people are there. It;'s all about creepy politicians.

Well, the laws are complex because there are 50 states, and the federal government.  It does make a difference on the size and amount of people in a country, of course it does.  I don't think you understand the system there.  In any case, this is a serious problem in the USA, but it also has seriously harsh penalties.  There are creepy politicians for sure, but not many would take a chance in condoning human trafficking.  I think it is more  of a police problem involving organized crime.  It is getting worse everywhere in the world, in Europe as well.  This is also due to the migrant crisis worldwide.  The USA honors people that fight human trafficking in the USA too, so don't get your panties twisted, and do some research.  And don't forget the amount of people going in and out of the USA.  There were 700,000 overstays, only incoming on airlines last year~not including land.

Edited June 29, 2017 by Redline

[xtrnuno41]

2 minutes ago, Redline said:

Well, the laws are complex because there are 50 states, and the federal government.  It does make a difference on the size and amount of people in a country, of course it does.  I don't think you understand the system there.  In any case, this is a serious problem in the USA, but it also has seriously harsh penalties.  There are creepy politicians for sure, but not many would take a chance in condoning human trafficking.  I think it is more  of a police problem involving organized crime.  It is getting worse everywhere in the world, in Europe as well.  This is also due to the migrant crisis worldwide.  The USA honors people that fight human trafficking in the USA too, so don't get your panties twisted, and do some research

That is  not real true , coz if youa re bigger or the problem is bigger then you have more people to do something about it, you hire them. The problem for the world right now, with starting from 2000 ! is financial sector and the people in it. From 2000 the switch really came and people were grouped in rich and collateral damage. Honoring in USA is real bizar, if you are a dead marine, you are good. If you are still alive then you are a pain in the ass. But must be real , same here in Holland. Nowadays ther are so many creepy people, yuo cant call them even human. So many hypocrisy, yhakkes.

[wvavin]

It is very heartening to know that her hard work is greatly recognized.

[lvr181]

9 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:

Yha the honoring but the work is in Chiang mai. MAybe it still might??? happen here (Holland), but sure not as super big as in USA.

Hypocrits in USA.

Put a sock in it - hypocrites everywhere is the reality!

Be positive, this young lady deserves the public recognition for her work. I had not read anywhere of her own country (or anyone else apart from the U.S.A.) giving her recognition.

[mikiea]

On 6/29/2017 at 6:12 AM, yellowboat said:

Looks as though without this woman, and people like her, Thailand would probably still be at Tier 3. 

a wonderful woman and story .... did anyone see the koh tao murder island story today on "fox breaking news . com " ?  seems the lizards are getting fat eating all the foreign suicide bodies , ....check it out .

[spidermike007]

Thailand could sure use more heroes like this woman. More people who are courageous, and willing to take a stand. More people who are willing to step outside their tiny boxes of conformity and convention, and unwillingness to offend, or court danger. This is a real woman. She is outside of here comfort zone. Kudos to her. She is a giant amongst minnows, especially the one to her left. LOL.

Edited June 30, 2017 by spidermike007

[Redline]

23 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:

That is  not real true , coz if youa re bigger or the problem is bigger then you have more people to do something about it, you hire them. The problem for the world right now, with starting from 2000 ! is financial sector and the people in it. From 2000 the switch really came and people were grouped in rich and collateral damage. Honoring in USA is real bizar, if you are a dead marine, you are good. If you are still alive then you are a pain in the ass. But must be real , same here in Holland. Nowadays ther are so many creepy people, yuo cant call them even human. So many hypocrisy, yhakkes.

I'm only worried about getting rid of Trump right now.  We can chat later

[scorecard]

9 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Thailand could sure use more heroes like this woman. More people who are courageous, and willing to take a stand. More people who are willing to step outside their tiny boxes of conformity and convention, and unwillingness to offend, or court danger. This is a real woman. She is outside of here comfort zone. Kudos to her. She is a giant amongst minnows, especially the one to her left. LOL.

 

Agreed, and Thailand also needs to have a population which is well informed about subjects like this. This is certainly not true right now.

 

But why is the trump woman in this picture?  Is human rights part of her brief? Without doubt there are yanks who are highly experienced and knowledgeable about this subject and officially responsible for this subject, why are they not present? 

 

Further, her fashion etc., producers in China have been accused of human rights violations. She's hardly a credible person to be involved in this subject.

 

Seems to me this is another example of trump and family making the rules as they go along, plus 'I own the camera, I decide who get's in the viewfinder'.

Edited June 30, 2017 by scorecard

[xtrnuno41]

On 30-6-2017 at 0:48 AM, lvr181 said:

Put a sock in it - hypocrites everywhere is the reality!

Be positive, this young lady deserves the public recognition for her work. I had not read anywhere of her own country (or anyone else apart from the U.S.A.) giving her recognition.

I agree there are way too many hypocrites anywhere in the world, but with this story, honoring by USA, i think, why USA?

As USA has sooooo many problems of their own with the many South Americans and or Afro Americans, used in trafficking. 

USA economy thrives on trafficking. 

You dont know about a Dutch guy, busy in India to get gilrs of about AGE NINE and older, out of the "prostitution" (more gangbang  parties).

They are kidnapped and sold to be forced in prostitution.

He is doing it for years, set up a net with police to get it down. He was and is never rewarded by anyone, but he feels the urge to do so.

I didnt say the woman doesnt earn or deserve it, but there are so many people doing right and despite never get a reward.

 

[Grumpy Duck]

I wonder why the appointed POTUS didn't appear? Oh yea, perhaps as he himself participated in human trafficking using his former illegal "modeling agency". 

[lvr181]

I see remarks made on these forums from time to time about Thai 'bashing', now we have some posters who want to turn an award recognition (well deserved) into U.S. 'bashing'. Celebrate what this young lady has achieved, no need to knock the country that gave her the well deserved publicity. Did her own country give her public recognition? Concentrate on the positives!

 

BTW. I am not, never have been nor intend to become as U.S. citizen.