Thailand Case Study

Furthermore, the lack of awareness makes eradication of the sex trade in Thailand even harder to remove. Thailand has victims and volunteers from its’ neighboring countries that travel to Thailand in order to flee poverty. They can be easily classified as illegal if they seek work and violate their work visas and other supporting documents. The number of victims is constantly growing and according to The United States Department of States, it describes the victims as:

“Foreign migrants, members of ethnic minorities, and stateless persons in Thailand are at the greatest risk of being trafficked, and they experience the withholding of travel documents, migrant registration cards, and work permits, as well as withholding of wages and illegal salary

The U.S Department of the State also recommends Thailand to have them become aware of victims of vulnerable populations, they insist that Thailand expedite the convictions of the suspected criminals, and that Thailand provide services that would encourage women to seek assistance. This legal assistance could help foreigners be removed from the country without the hardships. This would help other countries recognize the difference between victims of sex work and those that willingly participate in prostitution. It is important to be aware that these victims do not want to be caught and labeled as illegal by Thailand’s law enforcement. There are over 2 million undocumented workers in Thailand and they are exceptionally put at risk to become victims of exploitation in the trafficking industry. Thailand can be more aware and implement strategies to combat hidden trafficking that can include investigating business for signs of sex trade

Poverty and lack of awareness programs makes the sex industry profitable to criminals in Thailand. It is important for the Thai government to continue to try to begin outreach programs that educate migrant workers about working conditions in Thailand. This includes education on recruitment processes abroad (TIP Report). These educational sources can include but are not limited to migrant worker handbooks published in Thailand and neighboring countries. Lastly, the Ministry of Labor conducts regular seminars with Thai workers to advise them legal regulations that work with guest worker programs (TIP Report). Thailand continues to be on the Tier 2 Watch List due to its’ inadequate programs to eradicate the sex trade and it is important for them to be more aware and serious about the issue. Thailand would not only shorten the numbers of victims and similar cases, but it would also make it easier for victims to gain assistance. This assistance can deter citizens from becoming victims, can deter victims from wanting to seek risky employment, and can deter criminals from participating as conductors and influencers of the sex