PATTAYA, Thailand – The Human Help Network Foundation Thailand (HHN) took its child protection campaign to Pattaya’s Walking Street on August 13, urging tourists, businesses and the wider community to help prevent the exploitation and abuse of children in the city’s busy tourism areas.
The HHN field team, led by deputy director Siromes Akarapongpanich and volunteer Beaudine, spoke with Thai and foreign visitors and local businesses about responsible tourism and the importance of recognizing situations in which children may be at risk.
The campaign carried the message that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility, particularly in major tourism areas where visitors, businesses and workers from many countries come together.
HHN said exploitation can take many forms, including sexual exploitation, child trafficking, child sexual abuse material and child labor. The organization encouraged people who see something suspicious to report it rather than simply walk past or attempt to intervene themselves.
Tourists from India and Europe also took part in conversations with the campaign team, sharing the view that visitors should respect local laws and children’s rights and that a good tourism destination should be safe for everyone, particularly children and young people.
Local businesses were also encouraged to remain alert to children who may be working under suspicious circumstances, appear to be under pressure or coercion, or may be at risk of abuse, trafficking or exploitation. HHN stressed that early reporting can help prevent a dangerous situation from becoming a serious case of harm. Hotels, restaurants, security guards, tourism workers, businesses, residents and visitors can all play a role by passing concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The organization said the Walking Street campaign was intended to reinforce the idea that a successful tourism city must develop alongside the safety and dignity of children. Anyone concerned about a child facing abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking or violence can contact Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hotline 1300, available 24 hours a day.
