Evaluating Sex Trafficking Prevention Programs in Thailand

This paper evaluates the efforts of DEPDC in Thailand towards ending sex trafficking. The paper focuses on evaluating the Mekong Youth Net and Half Day School projects. The Mekong Youth Net project aimed to empower young people in the Greater Mekong sub-region to end sex trafficking. The Half Day School project aimed to provide vocational training to children who had been victims of sex trafficking and prevent others from being victimized. The paper discusses the methodology and implementation process of these projects and their success.

Running head: EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Introduction
Sex trafficking is a glaring issue in the world at present and it continues to concern the
governments around the world. The worst thing about it is the involvement of young children
who are supposed to have education and a proper life. Human trafficking is a menace that has to
be fought with a commitment to end it rather than just reduce. It amounts to the violation of the
basic human rights. According to the statistics of the International Labor organization (ILO),
more than 20 million people fall victim to human trafficking globally. Of these 20 million, 54%
are trafficked for sex trade1. Among those, around 2 million children are trafficked for sexual
exploitation every year. Although majority of countries and the international forum has
criminalized trafficking, it continues to grow and has become a 150 billion dollar industry2. The
low-income nations, especially the Asian countries register most number of sex trafficking cases
due to the lack of proper education and poor economy. Thailand is one of the world’s top hubs
for trafficked victims to be sold and bought. Many organizations – government and NGOs – are
devising new ways to tackle this menace and they have been able to achieve some sort of
success. However, a lot needs to be done in this regard, as the business continues to flourish
despite increased efforts. In this paper, sex trafficking in Thailand is primly focused. The paper
will evaluate the efforts of DEPDC in Thailand towards ending this menace.
1 Statistics On Forced Labour, Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking (Forced Labour, Modern Slavery And
Human Trafficking), Ilo.Org. http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/policy-areas/statistics/lang--en/
index.htm (accessed April. 7, 2018)
2 Thailand, U.S. Department Of State. https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271297.htm (accessed
April. 7, 2018)

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Situation in Thailand
News of sex trafficking from Thailand is a common occurrence as there are more than
425,000 people living in slavery according to the Global Slavery Index, 20163. Children in
particular are most vulnerable to sex trafficking in the country. As per the United States
government’s report, the chief reason for this is the presence of large number of migrants in the
country. Along with the Thai victims, around four million migrants working in the country are
trafficked every year in industries like fishing and agriculture and in factories and for domestic
work. In case of sex trafficking, Thailand faces the biggest problem. Victims that mostly include
young boys and girls and even children are brought to the country from places like Laos, Burma,
Cambodia and Vietnam for sex trade. The country also provides passage to victims transported
from Burma, India, Vietnam, China, Korea and Bangladesh4. Non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), with the support from national and international government, are battling this issue in
Thailand.
DEPDC overview
The Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities Centre in
Greater Mekong Sub region (DEPDC) is an NGO that has been engaged with the task of
rescuing the tribal population of Thailand from sex trafficking. DEPDC gives special emphasis
on ‘stateless’ children and women who are devoid of governmental rights and benefits. Sampop
Jantraka founded the organization in 1988 and since then it has been engaged in providing free
3 Thailand - Global Slavery Index 2016, Global Slavery Index. https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/country/thailand/
(accessed April. 7, 2018)
4 Global Report On Trafficking In Persons, Unodc.Org. http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-
report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html (accessed April. 7, 2018)

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vocational training, education and other opportunities to these children and women. The NGO’s
primary focus is the Mekong Sub region that holds the major population of these stateless
women and children.
Project scope
People in the Mekong sub-region have been fighting for years to be awarded Thai
citizenship but the government has not yet been able to do so. In this regard, the DEPDC is
proving to be a savior for the people of this region who are always on the verge of being
trafficked for sex and labor. The DEPDC initiates a number of projects like the Chiang Khong
Safe Shelter, Mekong Youth Net, Half Day School and the Community Learning Center. The
following sections shall discuss the two projects namely Mekong Youth Net and half Day
School.
The Mekong Youth Net is a project that was initiated by the NGO between 2004 to 2010
within the Greater Mekong sub-region (GMS). Through this project the organization hoped to
disseminate education and skills training to the youth humanitarian aspirants of Thailand, Laos
PDR, Myanmar comprising Shan, Karen, Kachin and AKHA tribes, Cambodia, Vietnam and the
Yunnan province of China5. The prime scope of this project was to allow the young people
hailing from these regions to become well equipped in humanitarian skills so that they could help
their respective communities. The project aimed to work at the grassroots level by empowering
these youngsters in order to end sex trafficking in the GMS. Human trafficking is a grave issue
within the sub-region mainly because of its population that does not have the official citizenship
of Thailand.
5 "Mekong Youth Net". 2018. DEPDC / GMS. https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/projects/mekong-youth-net/.

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The Half Day School project, opened in 1996 in the Patak village of GMS aimed at
disseminating vocational training to the children coming from the village6. The project’s main
scope was to assist with the repatriation of the sex trafficked children in a safe place. It also
focused on helping with the social integration of the victims of sex trafficking when and where
needed. the project was hoped to be successfully implemented through providing education to
the children. in this way, the project not only aimed to help the trafficked children but also
prevent others from being victimized.
Methodology
The MYN project members used quantitative data to identify the most vulnerable groups
in order to implement the project. In doing so, the members developed a structured questionnaire
and distributed to the young people at the GMS region. After gathering the questionnaires, the
data was analyzed in order to understand the feasibility of the project7. This was done to make
the project effective and accessible to the major population within the GMS region. Snowball
sampling technique was used to gather data from the concerned population. Snowball sampling
is a nonprobability technique of sampling in which the existing samples provide references to
their acquaintances for future sampling8. In the MYN project, snowball-sampling technique was
used because many sex trafficked survivors were not willing to come to the fore and aid in
implementing the project.
6 Depdcblog.wordpress.com. 2018. "Half Day School". DEPDC / GMS.
https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/projects/half-day-school/
7 Carnochan, Sarah, Mark Samples, Michael Myers, and Michael J. Austin. "Performance measurement challenges
in nonprofit human service organizations." Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly 43, no. 6 (2014): 1014-1032.
8 Emerson, Robert Wall. "Convenience sampling, random sampling, and snowball sampling: How does sampling
affect the validity of research?." Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (Online) 109, no. 2 (2015): 164.

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Qualitative method was used to interpret the data collected and then implement the
different elements of the project. As part of the project, the NGO members performed a non-
participant observation method to investigate the situation in the region. In this type of method,
the researcher observes the subjects without actively participating in the situation. The members
of DEPDC observed the youth at the GMS region distantly and then analyzed the situation. After
the analysis, the project team physically visited the specific areas and then implemented the
project.
Similar methods were used to implement the Half Day School project as well. However,
in this case, the focus was the children in the Patak village who had been victims of sex
trafficking. In addition, the project also focused on the children who could be vulnerable to sex
trafficking. As part of the quantitative analysis, the HDS team visited the Patak village and met
with some parents whose children were victims of the trafficking. It was not possible to have
access to each family and thus the snowball sampling technique was used. After distributing the
open-ended questionnaires to the respective families, the data was collected and analyzed in
order to implement the project. Further, as part of the project scope, the members analyze the
places where the children are supposed to be repatriated. In addition, the members also had to
analyze the adequate and apt time at which the social integration plan for the children was to be
implemented.
Implementation process
After carrying out extensive research in the GMS region, the DEPDC team then focused
on implementing the project. The members at first organized workshops for the young people of
the region and made them aware about the program. Then, training sessions commenced where

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
the youngsters were trained on various subjects and topics. The DEPDC members first imparted
training on Mekong Region’s social problems, its politics and the changes amongst others. It was
followed by training on cultural studies that included language, culture, ethnicity and the
different hill tribes residing in the region. Young students were also given awareness on the
social problems that confront the region like HIV/AIDS, addiction, poverty and education.
International issues that involved training on trafficking as well were also taught to the
youngsters. The implementation was done after proper scrutiny of the locality. In order to make
the project reach out to people globally, the team duly utilized the social media platform. A
YouTube channel with the name MYN YouTube channel was also launched.
The responsibility of the implementation of the Half Day School project was given to
three other projects including the HDS project that worked along the same line. These were the
Community Learning Center (CLC) Project and the Child Helpline Project (CHL). These
projects operate from Mae Sai along with the HDS project. With the help from the two
mentioned projects, HDS members are able to implement the project on a large scale and within
time. Children who need immediate help are identified and taken to the CLC where their overall
betterment is looked after. The CHL works each hour to trace and track those children who have
been rescued from trafficking and then bringing them within the organization. Under the orders
from the DEPDC, CLC provides computer training, literacy training and human rights training to
the children of the community9. The CHL, on the other hand, allows people from across the
GMS region or the entire northern Thailand to call up and provide information regarding any sex
trafficking survivor. The hotline number is shared amongst local communities and various nurses
9 Depdcblog.wordpress.com. 2018. "Half Day School". DEPDC / GMS.
https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/projects/half-day-school/

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and doctors who are required to help the children. The number is even publicized to teachers and
village leaders so that they too good contribute to this project.
Success or failure
After the implementation of the MYN project, it was exciting to see to what measure was
the project successful. A look at the statistics provided by DEPDC regarding the impact of MYN
explains the project’s success. The project was successful in achieving its prime objective that
was to “train youth leaders” to fight against trafficking throughout the GMS region. By the end
of 2009, 96 youth leaders had been trained across the region. These young leaders then laid the
foundation to grassroots projects across GMS as the MYN project has aimed. In the following
year, that is in 2010, the Mekong Youth Union (MYU) was formed that served as an umbrella
organization for all the future country projects undertaken by MYN. To add to that, the Mekong
Youth Union Training Center (MYUTC) was also formed at the DEPDC headquarters. The
MYN YouTube Channel is also run by MYUTC. In 2011, the MYN project received an
honorable commendation from UNESCO. The award is given to those individuals and
organizations who achieve exemplary achievement within the field of educational innovation.
However, it must also be mentioned that the project could have been even more successful had it
developed itself over the years. Starting in 2004, there was very little change visible in the
functioning of the project even a decade later. The members must realize that the times have
changed since 2004 and as the world prepares to enter into the second decade of the 21st century,
issues like sex trafficking are being tackled vehemently. All these have occurred due to the
emergence of the social media. The power of this medium has been realized by the people
especially those working in such organizations to help the deprived and the victimized.

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Half Day School project had three main elements that it needed to achieve that included
non-formal education, life-skills training and vocational training. The reason that HDS is not an
accredited school, it only provides non-formal training on Thai, English, mathematics, science
and humanities. The project largely succeeded in providing temporary shelter or safe house to at
risk students and helped them attain training on important subjects. The project also helped the
vulnerable children learn important life values like the importance of staying hygienic, the value
of education and so on. Further, the rescued children were provided the opportunity to involve in
activities like rice harvesting that allowed them to forget their past horrors and start afresh10.
However, the project failed to fulfill its goals completely that was enabling the children through
education to live freely without having to worry about their situation. The reason for this failure
could be attributed to the temporary nature of the project. After graduating from the HDS grade
six, the children have little scope in having education further. This one big problem makes the
project a satisfactorily successful project.
Conclusion
To conclude, it has to be stated that Thailand being the epicenter of sex trafficking, is
finding it difficult to progress and develop. The above-mentioned non-profit organization is only
a single one that is working towards rescuing the nation from being drained into sex trafficking.
The report presented accounts and workings of the DEPDC organization. It could be seen that
DEPDC focuses on the tribal community of Thailand who do not have the country’s citizenship.
The assignment presented an overview of the two projects undertaken by the DEPDC that was
followed by the project scope. The implementation process followed by the organization in
10 Depdcblog.wordpress.com. 2018. "Rice Harvesting With The Patak Half Day School". DEPDC / GMS.
https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/rice-harvesting-with-the-patak-half-day-school/.

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
ensuring the success of the two projects was also mentioned. Further, the essay provided the
methodology of the projects. In addition, it also discussed the extent of the two projects’ success
and failure. The report also presented a brief analysis of the overall situation of sex trafficking in
the world and the scenario in Thailand. It was found that the two projects had great flexibility
and feasibility but lacked permanence. The sorry condition of Thailand with regards to sex
trafficking has also been presented through certain statistics. In addition, the report has given an
insight into the working of organization and the extent to which it has been successful. It
however needs to be mentioned that further reading and research into the topic has to be done in
order to track the latest trends in sex trafficking in Thailand.
It is recommended that the MYN Project be reshaped and modified as per the changing
needs of the generation. Further, it is also suggested that DEPDC must look to integrate the
project with other international initiatives so that more funds and support can be garnered. It is
also recommended that the success of the project be tracked and maintained through continuous
evaluation.
In case of the HDS Project, it is recommended that the concerned people find a solution
to the temporal nature of their non-formal training. Although they are doing an excellent job
providing education to the affected children at the GMS region, it has to be assuring enough to
the children. In addition, the teachers involved in the project must also be trained in the local
culture and language so that they are able to get along easily with the children.

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References:
"Mekong Youth Net". 2018. DEPDC / GMS. https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/projects/mekong-
youth-net/
Bernstein, Elizabeth, and Elena Shih. "The erotics of authenticity: Sex trafficking and “Reality
Tourism” in Thailand." Social Politics 21, no. 3 (2014): 430-460.
Carnochan, Sarah, Mark Samples, Michael Myers, and Michael J. Austin. "Performance
measurement challenges in nonprofit human service organizations." Nonprofit and Voluntary
Sector Quarterly 43, no. 6 (2014): 1014-1032.
Depdcblog.wordpress.com. 2018. "Half Day School". DEPDC / GMS.
https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/projects/half-day-school/
Depdcblog.wordpress.com. 2018. "Rice Harvesting With The Patak Half Day School". DEPDC /
GMS. https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/rice-harvesting-with-the-patak-half-day-
school/.
Emerson, Robert Wall. "Convenience sampling, random sampling, and snowball sampling: How
does sampling affect the validity of research?." Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness
(Online) 109, no. 2 (2015): 164.
Global Report On Trafficking In Persons, Unodc.Org. http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-
trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html (accessed April. 7, 2018)
Our Strategy, DEPDC / GMS. https://depdcblog.wordpress.com/about-us/strategy/ (accessed
April. 7, 2018)

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EVALUATING SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
Statistics On Forced Labour, Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking (Forced Labour, Modern
Slavery And Human Trafficking), Ilo.Org.
http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/policy-areas/statistics/lang--en/index.htm
(accessed April. 7, 2018)
Thailand - Global Slavery Index 2016, Global Slavery Index.
https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/country/thailand/ (accessed April. 7, 2018)
Thailand, U.S. Department Of State.
https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271297.htm (accessed April. 7, 2018)