Events
Historically, human rights abuses have plagued Thailand's socio-economic stability. As occurrences of human trafficking and child exploitation increase, these acts further strain an already struggling economy. The lack of enforcement of laws prohibiting these acts only normalize them.
Under the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, prostitution is prohibited, but enforcement for those breaking the law is minimal.
Planned Actions
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In order to eradicate human trafficking the Thai Administration needs to take action to de-normalize the practice of prostitution and abuses against migrant workers.
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Develop economic viable alternatives and built infrastructure to support an economy free of prostitution.
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Utilize the Thai agencies and non-government agencies that are currently working at the grassroot level engaging with the populace that are victimized by human rights abuses.
Many events and circumstances have contributed to the sexual exploitation and the growth of sex trafficking in Thailand. It is based on the intersection of many events that have existed since the mid 1300’s and the mid 1700’s (Reyers, 2015).
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According to the US Department of State (2018) investigated more cases of suspected official complicity in trafficking of migrants. As of 1996 the laws changed and under the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, prostitution is now prohibited and there are many penalties for breaking the law (Reyers, 2015).
Thailand has created many agencies to combat sex trafficking and eradicate poverty but the country suffers from continued instability which is evident from the two coups it has experienced over the last two decades (Su, 2016).
Although the government has made many amendments to the anti-trafficking law in 2015 to provide protection to anyone assisting in the anti-trafficking laws, it is not clear whether this has had a real impact because reliable data has not been reported (United States Department of State, 2018).
As more initiatives are implemented to support Thailand’s ability to address and decrease the sex trafficking cases and to support victims, the factors that will contribute to an overall healthy economy have to be considered. There must be a simultaneous plan to address the growing needs of the economy while implementing nationally appropriate social protections in order to make a lasting impact to improve Thailand by 2030 and achieve substantial coverage and support for the poor, disenfranchised and the vulnerable (Roengjit, 2019).