Global Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation Of

Home , Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani

Thailand Report EXPLOITATION OF BOYS EXPLORE THE SEXUAL GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO

1 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 2 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report Tel: +6622153388|www.ecpat.org |[email protected] Bangkok, 10400Thailand 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, ECPAT International Published by: © ECPAT International, 2021 ECPAT International. of Boys: ThailandReport. Bangkok: Initiative toExplore the Sexual Exploitation ECPAT International. (2021). TheGlobal Suggested citation: ECPAT. extracted material must beprovided to A copy oftherelevant publication using of thesource asECPAT International. ECPAT International andacknowledgment reproduced onlywithpermissionfrom Extracts from thispublication may be Vicky Yang Cover illustration by: Manida Naebklang Design andlayout by: opinions expressed. donors does not constitute endorsement of the of ECPAT International. Thesupportfrom these The views expressed herein are solelythose Agency (Sida). International Development Cooperation programming supportfrom theSwedish ECPAT International alsoacknowledges core Thailand Institute ofJustice. with thegenerous financialassistance ofthe This research project was made possible

diverse SOGIE: Conducting theinterviews with young peopleof for theirprofessional supportin: like to acknowledge thefollowing organisations population for this research. We would therefore Thailand that serve andrepresent thetarget working inChiangMai,Pattaya andBangkok, involved partnerships withlocal organisations Different elements ofthis research project throughout. coordinating different aspectsofthe project Foundation Thailand for their expertise and for and KhunAroonded Chermueat UrbanLight Paan Jongpaijitsakul, KhunKampon Maichandee also like to thankKhunMaiaMounsher, Khun design, implementation andanalysis work. We’d Davis andMrAlastair Hilton for theirexpert project consultants DrMeredith Dank,MrJarrett ECPAT would like to express appreciation to Justice and ECPAT International during2019-2020. partnership between theThailandInstitute of This report istheresult ofacollaborative ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CAREMAT Khun Phapawara Ainlaofrom V-Power Urban Light Foundation Thailand Khun ‘Pop’ Kampon Maichandeefrom Rainbow SkyAssociation ofThailand NatthawirojnKhun ‘Nonny’ Inthanin from exploitation in Thailand. and more effective for boys experiencing sexual the path easier to accessingsupportservices experiences andinsights inthehopeofmaking frontline staff whoagreed to talk abouttheir the participation ofthe youngpeopleand This study would have notbeenpossiblewithout work throughout theproject. Lephilibert for theirThailanguage translation Christmas Kongmak andKhunNatthanicha Puthawong, KhunPattaravadee Raha,Khun We would like to thankKhunMonticha and Mr Nattawut Worakhanta. project includeMsKohnwilai Teppunkoonngam Institute ofJustice who alsoworked onthis final report. The former staff oftheThailand who reviewed andprovided comments for the Mingmongkol andMsChernpornRuangsawasdi, Ms Ornpawee Uanirun,MsKanjanachat of theteam includingMsUsaLerdsrisuntad, and Policy Coordination andthemembers Neamhom, DirectorExternal ofOffice Relations From ThailandInstitute ofJustice, MrKittipoom reviews ofthelegal analysis. Santanee Ditsayabut for providing technical thank KhunWorrawan Jirathanapiwat andKhun Ms SubhaNivedha andMrMarkMcKillop.We analysis by MsAndrea Varrella, supported by was provided by DrMarkKavenagh andlegal From ECPAT International, technical coordination providers survey: Coordinating andadministering thefrontline

SISTERS Foundation Rainbow SkyAssociation ofThailand Light Foundation Thailand Khun ‘Mon’Aroonded Chermueat Urban

1 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 2 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report EXCHANGING SEX INTERVIEWS WITHSOGIEIDENTIFYING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE SURVEY OFFRONTLINE WORKERS SUPPORTING BOYS...... BACKGROUND ANDRATIONALE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE OF CONTENTS Current LivingSituation Sample Demographics Discussion ofSurvey Results Evaluation. ofExisting SupportServices Perceived Barriers for Males. Understanding ofMaleVulnerability andSexual Exploitation Perpetrators andFacilitators. Sample Demographics Limitations Ethical Approval andConsiderations Methodology Activities andAimsofthe Research Project. A note onterminology. Support System Community Relationships. Friendships. Childhood Upbringing Money Debt. Relationship Status. Access to andAssistance Services . Drug Use Health andProtection . Networks. Safety Plans. Violence andAbuse Family and Friends’Knowledge Current Sex Work Experience Entry into Sex Work. Migration First JobExperience. Running Away Experiences. Violence ExperiencedwhenEngaging inSex Work Experience withRecruiters...... 17 38 10 38 29 19 19 17 15 11 30 26 12 12 42 43 39 39 39 39 15 57 56 54 58 55 53 53 48 46 45 44 44 43 51 53 4 RECOMMENDATIONS WITH AFOCUS ONBOYS...... THAI LEGAL PROVISIONS ONSEXUAL EXPLOITATION OFCHILDREN Key Consolidated AppliedLearningsfrom theResearch andOverall Recommendations Recommendations from theAnalysis oftheThaiLegal Framework Recommendations Emerging from theSOGIE-Identifying Young People. Recommendations Emerging from theFrontline Providers. Discussion ofAnalysis ofThaiLegal Framework Access to Compensation Access to Recovery andReintegration Child-Sensitive Justice. National Complaint Mechanismsand Reporting. Access to Justice and Remedies Extraterritoriality andExtradition Understanding Protections from Sexual Exploitation for Boys inThailand The Legal Landscape for Children’s Rights inThailand Thailand’s International and Regional Legal Commitments. Discussion ofInterviews withSOGIE-Identifying Young People ...... Sex Work andSelfWorth. Youth’ Perceptions ofEngaging inSex Work. Experiences withthePolice ...... 64 83 77 65 60 67 87 85 83 80 80 79 64 62 60 59 87 78 77 81

3 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 4 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report The specificobjectives ofthis project were: This report presents thosefindings. and alegal analysis were carried outduring2020. identifying youth whoare currently exchange sex, frontline providers, service interviews withSOGIE SOGIE identifying youth inThailand,asurvey with To capture thevulnerabilities facing boys and sexual exploitation ofchildren. forefront ofactions to prevent and respond to the in Thailand,acountry that has often been at the experience ofboys andSOGIEidentifying youth of theseneeds.Thisreport focuses on the exploitation ofboys attempts toaddress some ECPAT’s globalinitiative to explore the sexual exploitation ofchildren ofall genders. for evidence-based understanding ofthesexual identity and expression (SOGIE).There isaneed those withdiverse sexual orientation or gender more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, suchas particular groups ofchildren are known to be than iscommonly thought. Furthermore, in somesettings boys are muchmore impacted exploitation ofboys that does exist indicates that on girls.Thelimited evidence aboutthesexual data doesexist, itisoften limited to focusing child sexual exploitation is generally when lacking, affects boys. Whiledata ontheprevalence ofall understanding ofhow childsexual exploitation apparent that there isagap intheglobal In recent years, ithasbecome increasingly EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

these. and community-based initiatives toaddress for policymakers, providers socialservice exploitation) anddevelop recommendations sex (includinginstances ofchildsexual and push/pullfactors into exchanging experiences ofSOGIE-identified youth To buildthelimited understanding ofthe training andsupport. recommendations for capacity building, sexual exploitation ofboys andprovide of frontline providers service toward the To identify the key perceptions andattitudes Interviews withtwenty SOGIE identifying youth under-reported area ofchildprotection. valuable insight into anunder-researched and experiences reported inthesesurveys offer anecdotes, andtheestimates, perceptions and shared additional observations andillustrative Manyand weaknesses ofservices. participants sexual exploitation andopinionson the strengths what makes boys andSOGIE youth vulnerable to included askingparticipants theirperspectives on and shortopenanswer questions. Questions consisted of89multiple-choice,scenariobased sexual exploitation completed thesurvey, which provide for services young malevictimsof Sixty-five frontline providers service who currently caseload whichincludedboys. of thethree sites identified andhad acurrent experience inwelfare provision service inone they were adultswithat least twelve months of for thesurvey were included onthebasisthat survivors ofsexual exploitation. Participants Thai organisations working directly withmale Rainbow SkyAssociation ofThailand,whichare Foundation ofThailand,SISTERS Foundation and undertaken inpartnership withUrbanLight The frontline welfare providers’ survey was Bangkok andChiangMai. and Pattaya, andinterviews with young peoplein with frontline workers inBangkok, ChiangMai Thai legal framework. Surveys were completed exchanging sex andc)detailed analysis ofthe interviews with SOGIEidentifying youth currently a) asurvey offrontline welfare providers, b) different research activities were undertaken: of boys andSOGIEyouth inThailand. Three a better understanding ofthesexual exploitation The mainpurposeofthisstudy was to establish METHODOLOGY

frameworks to inform future legal advocacy. method to review nationallegal exploitation ofboys usinga standardised opportunities inaddressingthesexual To identify thelegalgaps, barriersand sex andtheircurrent experiences ofthis. how respondents became involved inexchanging about family background andrelationships, to Questions intheseinterviews ranged from asking safety whileparticipating inthissensitive study. to ensureof supportservices theirpsychological required to already beconnected to someform in ChiangMaiandBangkok. Participants were also exchange ofsex for money and/or material goods members ofthesamesex) andinvolved inthe SOGIE (orasheterosexual butengaged insex with being anage of15–24years old,identifying as Specific eligibilitycriteria includedparticipants conducting interviews. They completed two weeks oftraining priorto some similarlived experiences to theparticipants. Interviewers were carefully identified andhad with SOGIEidentifying young people. Thailand inBangkok, whoallspecialiseinworking Chiang MaiandRainbowSkyAssociation of Urban Light Foundation Thailand, V-Power in in partnership withlocal organisations; CAREMAT, involved inexchanging sex were alsoconducted was sought andobtained for theproject. changes were incorporated andethical approval in December2019,following whichsuggested Government Ministries that took placeinBangkok meeting including representatives from key Thai were presented anddiscussedinanexpert group preliminary findingsoftheanalysis oflegislation The proposed methodology, research tools and confirmation. by ahighlyrespected ThaiPublicProsecutor for project andthedraft analysis was peer-reviewed checklist ofover 120items was created for the countries undertheGlobalBoys’ Initiative. A International, whichwillbefurtherusedinother a method andtools developed by ECPAT on boys. Theanalysis was conducted utilising exploitation ofchildren, withaspecific focus legal framework addresses sexual abuseand Institute ofJustice toassess how thecurrent in partnership withstaff from theThailand legal framework, ECPAT International worked To complete thedetailed analysis oftheThai

5 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 6 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report practice ofadult’s touching or playing withaboy’s were; extreme poverty (75%);thecultural increase boys’ vulnerability to sexual exploitation Participants reported that common factors that training, andsupportfor parents andcaregivers. access to legal support,education and vocational a diversity was ofservices available, suchas working inChiangMaiwhoindicated more of Positive signs were evident from providers service Pattaya, andmuchhigher41%inChiangMai). families and caregivers (0%inBangkok, 4%in indicated theprovision for ofsupportservices addressing boys’ needs – only 17% of respondents providers took anindividualistic approach to majority ofprogramming reported by service and foster protective mechanisms.However, the families to prevent risks ofsexual exploitation would suggest a needfor to services engage with who have experienced sexual exploitation. This family asakey challenge for boys andyoung men also commonly identified disconnection from available reported. services providers Service However, economic supportwas oneoftheleast highlighted asamainvulnerability factor for boys. Similarly, theneedfor economic support was of boys who have experienced sexual exploitation. understood to comprehensively meet theneeds arethese services important, they were not andcommunity outreach.health services While on counselling andpsychosocial support,sexual providedservices were very generic, focussing these factors. Instead, responses illustrated how programming focussing addressing onservices respondents indicated any involvement in vulnerability factors for boys, however, few and childhoodhomeexperiences were key rather thanneedsled.For example, poverty suggesting that programming is resource led, provided,needs notaligningwell withservices areof services available to boys, withperceived Participants indicated that a limitedvery range within families andtheindividual. spectrum, includingwidersociety, community, and interlinked across thedomainsofsocial are sexually exploited are multiple, complex consequences andresulting needsofboys who survey illustrate that thecauses, riskfactors, Key findingsofthefrontline providers’ Frontline Providers’ Survey KEY FINDINGS a strong need for increased capacities of staff and It isclearfrom participant responses that there is expressed responses. for providers service were themost commonly for training, awareness andcapacity building useful inorder to better supportboys, theneed When asked aboutwhat key resources would be context. understanding thenuancesofchild’s case and resulted inlimited disclosures anddifficultiesin difficult todescribe their ownvulnerabilities a senseoftrust withboys, andboys findingit vulnerabilities. Thesedifficultiesincultivating difficulties that boys faceindescribing their own providersService alsonoted gender-specific as common barriers inworking withboys. andconfidentiality’ ‘engaging boys’ were named relationships withmalevictims.‘Providing challenges inbeingableto connect andbuild Concerningly, respondents often reported exploitation. are seento be‘actively intheir own engaging’ have anunconscious biastowards children who questions alsoindicated that providers service ‘promiscuous’. Findingsfrom thescenario-based youth are more sexually ‘naturally’ active and unhelpful assumption that gay andtransgender perception ofvulnerability stems from the exploitation. Itispossiblethat this reduced featured definitive examples ofchild sexual despiteidentifying, the fact that thescenarios when thevictimsinscenarios were SOGIE of vulnerability andrecognition of exploitation respondents indicated adiminished perception the hypothetical basedscenarioquestions, particularly ofSOGIEidentifying youth.In exploitation ofchildren inpractical scenarios, in frontline workers’ abilityto identify sexual The data alsoidentified notable challenges masculinity, sexuality andhomophobia. to beincreased dueto cultural beliefs around from otherstudies whichidentify vulnerability interesting asit contrasts finding, with evidence vulnerability to sexual exploitation. This was an considered providers by service to impactaboy’s with oneormore disabilities were factors least belonging to anethnic minoritygroup andliving (63%). Taboos surrounding sex andsexuality, increased accessandexposure to theInternet access andexposure to pornography (68%) and genitals ininfancy andearlychildhood(72%); led young peopleto self-harming andsuicidal rejection, andsome cases of familial rejection ladyboys were most likely to experience familial emotional abuse. Respondents whoidentified as ostracized and/or experienced severe verbal and who came outto their family were immediately abusive to loving andaccepting. Several youths with theirfamilies ranged from violent and part financiallypoor, thoughtheir relationships that participants’ upbringings were for themost Perhaps unsurprisingly, theinterviews showed communities, and employers. orientation or gender identity by families, rejection anddiscrimination basedon sexual family poverty; familial violenceandabuse; pressures to exchange sex. Suchdrivers included past experiences are drivers for theircurrent findings ofpast research: SOGIEdiverse youths’ The data from theinterviews echoesthe Mai where they were interviewed. cities, withonly four beingoriginallyfrom Chiang provinces withinThailandandthenmigrated to vast majority ofparticipants came from rural often involved quite difficult circumstances. The they became involved inexchanging sex, which shared anarray ofstories abouthow andwhy The 20young people interviewed for thisactivity people Interviews with SOGIEidentifying young deserves attention. children by thosewithinlocal communities also indicates theoccurrence ofsexual exploitation of great dealofthediscourse inThailand,thisresult the context oftravel andtourism, consumes a exploitation ofchildren by foreigners, often in who were unfamiliar to thechild.While sexual managed by participants were Thainationals majority ofoffenders (58%)involved in cases from thesurvey alsoshowed that thevast Finally, itisinteresting to note that thefindings gender normsandsexual identity. cultural beliefs related to abuseandexploitation, providers to address underlyingsocialand all training andawareness raising ofservice the importance ofapplyingagender lensto sexual exploitation. Thedata alsoillustrates to disclosevulnerabilities and experience of connecting withboys whomay be reluctant tools andtrainings to aidinunderstanding and individuals andthedevelopment ofspecialised they were sending essential money home. that theirfamilies accepted thesituation because selling sex said they eitherfelt empowered, or their families about theircurrent engagement in Interestingly, those few who saidthey had told meet perpetrators. but didvery little to stop himfrom going out to a childknew hewas involved inexchanging sex, that thestaff at achildren’s homehe was livingas One worrying story from arespondent indicated finding outasthey feared negative repercussions. being adamant abouttheirfamily andfriendsnot families andfriends,with somerespondents involvement inexchanging sex secret from The majorityofrespondents kept their for ladyboys dueto discrimination. sell sex because there are few jobopportunities ladyboy reported that shefeels sheisforced to to survive. Onerespondent whoidentified asa it was their onlyway ofmakingenoughmoney that they didnotwant to sellsex butfelt that in at thetime.Some respondents reported client at thebarorrestaurant they were working sex by friendswhowere already doingitora Most respondents were introduced to exchanging of exchange for goods, food, shelter andsecurity. from thestart, thoughthere were someexamples majority ofcases, sex was exchanged for money into thesex trade beingat theage of12.Inthe first happened),withthe youngest reported entry (two respondents didnotdisclosetheage this and almost halfwere 18years ofage orolder money, goods, shelter, protection, and/or status age of18whenthey first exchanged sex for Almost halfoftherespondents were underthe growing up. within theircommunities whenthey were that they were treated well andwere supported struggles. Similarly, overall respondents alsofelt identity andsupported themthrough familial to accept theirsexual orientation and gender stated that theirpeers growing upwere thefirst complicated anddifficult for respondents, most While familial relationships were predominantly for others to escape severe long-term abuse. because ofanindividualargument withaparent, to escape familial violence in the home – for some away from homeat least onceasachild,primarily ideation. Almost allofthe respondents (16) ran

7 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 8 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report would stop trading sex ifthey could, however felt that 18ofthe20participants stated that they neededisaccentuatedservices whenconsidering The importance provision of service aligningwith financial independencefrom their family. drug use,runningaway andanoverall needfor than at home,whichsometimes led to truancy, resulted inthemspending more timewithfriends orientation and gender identity and expression Further, familial rejection basedontheirsexual the needto runaway to escape theviolence. up around familial violenceandabuse, majority ofyoung peopledisclosedgrowing SOGIE youth told adifferent story. The vast technology andtheInternet aspushfactors. alcohol anddrugmisuseincreased accessto boys’ genitals asaway ofshowing affection, exposure to pornography, thepractice of touching listed arange ofothervulnerabilities -accessand for why SOGIEyouth exchange sex, providers stated by boththeproviders andyoung people sex trade. Whilepoverty was themaindriver key push/pullfactors for youth entering the compared to frontline providers service onthe comparing theanswers SOGIEyouths gave providedservices isfurtherreflected when needednotaligningwith The issueofservices those whoneedto usethem. providedwith services notmeeting theneedsof providers survey, theseresults show theissues highlighted withresults from thefrontline service assistance, mentorship andcounselling. Aswas employment opportunities,financialaid,legal wished were available, responses included asked ifthere were that services respondents often under-funded andunder-resourced. When these programmes were notsufficient and were Bangkok andChiangMaifound themhelpful, While thosewhoengaged in withservices and livingwage opportunities. legalhealth counselling, andeducational services, suchasvocationalservices, training, mental to bealackoforganisations that provided other were mainly healthproviders, andthere seemed organisations respondents were connected with did notknow ofany specificorganisations. The from providers for quite sometime,butothers Bangkok. Somehadbeenreceiving assistance access to providers service inChiangMaiand show avaried level ofawareness andcurrent Responses to questions aboutaccess to services grooming andsexual extortion are notcurrently online streaming of childsexual abuse,online child sexual abusematerials. Thismeansthat the sexual exploitation otherthanthose related to criminalising offences related to onlinechild Concerningly, there iscurrently nolaw explicitly device, for example, inthe form oflive streaming. sexual abusematerials withoutstoring itontheir offenders to avoid punishment by accessingchild personal use.Further, legal loopholescould allow offered withtheintent oftrade, butonly for abuse material isnotproduced, disseminated, loopholes inreference to cases where childsexual include childsexual abusematerial, can create import and export of anything obscene, which can dissemination, offering, sellingorpossession, of theprovision criminalising theproduction, to onlinechildsexual exploitation. The wording There are furtherlimitations oflegislation relating abuse material consensually withanotherchild. produce andshare self-generated childsexual children can beconsidered offenders ifthey Similarly, astheage ofcriminalliabilityis10, Suppression ofProstitution ActB.E.2539(1996). contained inSection5ofThePrevention and engaging inspecificacts related to prostitution offenders by thecriminalisation ofallpersons prostitution are atriskofbeingidentified as Children whoare victimsof exploitation in for activities relating tochild sexual exploitation. always adequately protected from criminalisation The analysis alsoidentified that children are not of childsexual exploitation. how thelaw isappliedinpractice for allsurvivors exploration isnecessary to understand ifthisis allows for equaltreatment ofallchildren, further regardless ofgender. However, whilethelaw blind, meaningitisappliedto allchildren the relevant Thailegislation islargely gender Our legal analysis hasidentified, positively, that Legal analysis liveable-wage employment opportunities. benefits, mental health care and counselling and mentorship, assistance withlegal documents and training, educational opportunities, foodsecurity, help them.Theneedsthey identified includedjob would needalternative options to andservices stop trading sex, respondents expressed that they means for meeting theirbasicfinancialneeds. To that exchanging sex seemedlike theironlyviable child asapriority. efficient system keepingthebest interests ofthe resources, bothfinancialandhuman to create an the research hasidentified adire need formore on crimesrelating to childsexual exploitation and There isnodedicated unitofthepoliceworking and address reports ofchildsexual exploitation. the capability oflaw enforcement to receive The legal analysis alsoraised concerns about child sexual abuseandonlinegrooming. Bill inprocess to criminalisethelive streaming of however, there at thetimeofwriting, isa draft prohibited underThailaw. Encouragingly of survivors. offenders rather thanaccommodating theneeds current legislation focuses ontheprosecution of access to fullrecovery andrehabilitation asthe ensuring that survivors, bothboys andgirls,have limitations. Further, there iscurrently nolaw be thwarted because oftheshortstatute of In thesecases, survivors’ accessto justice can or they may notseethemselves asavictim. what hashappenedto themuntil muchlater children notfullyunderstanding theseverity of disclosure is often delayed for reasons suchas This isnotsufficient, consideringthat survivors’ sexual exploitation offences isonly15 years. highlights how thestatute oflimitations for child A final key observation from thelegal analysis

9 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 10 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report their abilityto seekcare”. constraining theirhelp-seekingbehaviour and is unquestioningly conditioned by gendernorms, common to allgenders, boys accessto support factors for sexual exploitation andabuseare impacted, andsometimes more. that incertain contexts, boys are just asheavily the limited evidence available onboys suggests is somewhat better researched andunderstood, While theimpactofsexual exploitation ongirls out boys andqueer-identifying young people. methodologies that underrepresent orleave of policies,practices, advocacy and research Gender normshave informed thedevelopment 6 7 affects boys. of how sexual exploitation ofchildren (SEC) awareness of the gap intheglobalunderstanding In recent years, there hasbeenan increasing different geographic settings. levels, across all ethnic andcultural groups, and in in allsocioeconomic groups, ofalleducational 2 1 or region is‘immune’. millions ofchildren worldwide andnocountry exploitation andabuse,isestimated to affect Violence against children, includingsexual 5 3 vulnerabilities ofboys; understanding oftheuniqueexperiences and often limited to adolescent girls,obscuring any exploitation andabuseofchildren, samplesare countries collect prevalence data onsexual specifically. For example, inthe rare cases that this iseven more sowhenlookingat boys 4 those withdiverse sexual orientation or gender vulnerable to sexual exploitation thanothers, like particular groups are known to bemore BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE Olivier, S. & Thurasukarn, O. (2018). persecuted because oftheir sexual orientation and gender identity. (2016) S. Chatterji, & S., Kahn, E.J., Alessi, Children. abuse andexploitation –a40-country benchmarking index, of thesexual exploitation ofboys. V.,Josenhans, Wekerle,Kavenagh,& S., Smith, M., press). (in C. Children by 2030 Special Representativeon Secretary the July). General of the of (2019, Office VAC. Boys to Sexual Exploitation inManila,Philippines, (2015), G Miles, and J Davis (2018) Unit Intelligence Economist The of thesexual exploitation ofboys. Josenhans, V.,Josenhans, Kavenagh,Wekerle, & S., Smith, M., press).(in C. 2 Whiledata ingeneral islacking, . New York: United Nations. 1 Ithappensto children 3 “While many “While vulnerability 4

“They didn’t help me: They shamed me.” A Baseline Study on the Vulnerabilities of Street-InvolvedVulnerabilities of the on Study Baseline me.”A shamed They me: help didn’t “They

Child AbuseandNeglect. Child AbuseandNeglect.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer Youth in Thailand. 5 Additionally,

Methodology paper Out of the Shadows: Shining light on the response to child sexual child to response the on light Shining Shadows: the of Out paper Methodology ‘The darkest times of my life’: Recollections of child abuse among forced migrants forced among abuse child of Recollections life’: my of times darkest ‘The

Manila: Love 146.

London: TheEconomist Intelligence Unit,3

reforms, policy andprogramming. and recovery frameworks to inform legislative and identify appropriate prevention, protection evidence baseofthesexual exploitation ofboys, initiative will consolidate and strengthen the to explore thesexual exploitation ofboys. The International began work onaglobalinitiative To address thisneed,inlate 2018,ECPAT sexual exploitation ofchildren. inform allwork to prevent andrespond to the exploitation ofchildren ofall genders to better a higherqualityevidence-base onthesexual there isaclearneedfor greater advocacy and support for girlsexperiencing sexual exploitation, attention from continued research, advocacy, and While thiscontext by nomeansshoulddetract especially for boys. exploitation ofchildren ofall genders, but equitable discourse andnecessary onthesexual are vulnerable. Thesenormsoften hamper males are strong andresilient, whilefemales sexual exploitation andabusetypically holdthat and femininity relevant to understanding child Systemic and cultural normsaround masculinity homosexuality iscriminalised. if theirperpetrator ismaleincontexts where heterosexual– may even face legal consequences of reprisal. rejectionbullying, from peers or family, fears disclosing abuse,includingpotential violence, face increased risks that can beexacerbated by next page). These young peopleoften already identity and expression (SOGIE–seebox inthe Gender, analysis global need responsibilities: a the rightsand for Gender, analysis global responsibilities: need a rightsand the for

Child Abuseand Neglect51.93-105. 6,7 Boys –whether diverse-SOGIE or Keeping the Promise: Ending Violence againstViolence Promise:Ending Keepingthe Bangkok: Save the are understood to be, astheterm implies,adistinct ‘third’ gender, whichisneitherfully male nor female. ‘third-gender’ or ‘ladyboy’ ‘female’), as identifies and feels but birth, at ‘male’ assigned is who individual ‘trans-women’.or ‘transgender’ understoodis an distinction‘transgender’ more (e.g. a While tobinary be It should also be noted arethator ‘third-gender’ ‘ladyboy’ distinguished from the more international term isusedinthetext,youth. itisbecause When‘ladyboy’ therespondent hasself-identified assuch. the to use term (สาวประเภทสอง) ‘third-gender’ as a more supportive and neutral opted marker has for gender non-conforming report this usage, latter this of Because youth. SOGIE belittle or demean to way,often their peers. However, in some contexts, particularly in provincial area, the word is also used in a derogatory and themselves for identifier an as (กระเทย) ‘ladyboy’ term the use respondents Many participants. the by Thai and language. In interviews terminology and gender,during the data around collection process theheld general rulewere was to mirrordiscussions language used detailed interviewers, with training During imposed by families, communities, andlarger society. are that expectations and obligations, norms, masculinity various the by impacted commonly are they as providers,teachers, others communities.or Their aretheir voices in therefore important discussion this in service parents, by such as identified being of experiences ongoing had have possibly and birth, at ‘male’ assigned were but male, as identify not may who individuals of inclusive intentionally are ‘boys’,we for It should also be considered that while this report focuses on the experiences, gaps in services, and barriers means ofexpression. length of hair, choice of personal voice,pronouns, the restroomsof they feel tonecomfortable among using, many clothing, other in choices include may neither.This or behaviour both, feminine, and/or masculine, appearance be may of which manner individual’s an to refers expression Gender birth. at assigned biological individuals’ sex the sex(their chromosomes accompanyingand anatomical features) with genderthe wasor that individual the align not may or may gender these) (or This self-identifies. individual an which with gender(s) the to refers identity Gender attracted. sexually is individual an which to gender(s) to the to refer is understood orientation Expression’. Sexual and Identity expressions Gender Orientation, ‘Sexual for gender and identity gender stands which acronym, an others), is non-binary,transgender,SOGIE woman, others). third-gender, (man, among among asexual, pansexual, bisexual, gay, (including orientationssexualdiverse with individuals arrayof broad the indicate to‘diverse termSOGIE’ the use to Rather than the more commonly used term ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), this report opts A note onterminology This initiative project focusesonThailand,and: Thailand Report. Initiative withthis project –Global Boys Initiative: charge withinECPAT International’s GlobalBoys’ Justice for thisproject, itisonceagain leadingthe and partnership withtheThailandInstitute of exploitation ofchildren, andthrough thesupport actions to prevent and respond to sexual Thailand hasoften been at the forefront of

exploitation orabuse; Thailand whohave experienced sexual welfare workers that supportboys in Gathered new data primary from frontline and abuse. young people’s experiences ofsexual exploitation surrounding boys’ anddiverse SOGIEidentifying also helpto break down thestigma and taboos of allgenders. Itishopedthat theresults may are gender-sensitive andaccessible for children inform improvements service to ensure that they The results captured inthisreport are intended to

with afocus onboys. protects children from sexual exploitation, Analysed theThailegal framework that exchanging sex; identifying young peoplewhoare currently vulnerable population ofdiverse SOGIE Gathered new data primary from the

11 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 12 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report aims: This research project hadthree core activitiesand Project Activities andAimsofthe Research 3. 2. 1. exploitation. protect boys from childsexual abuseand capacity ofThainational legislation to building, training,andsupport. provide recommendations for capacity toward thesexual exploitation ofboys and attitudes offrontline providers service Aim: sexual exploitation ofboys. challenges andfactors influencing the of allgenders, andgain insight into promising practices accessible to clients Mai, Bangkok andPattaya), to establish inthreeviolence services sites (Chiang sexual exploitation and gender-based frontline welfare workers providing and administer asurvey to Thai advocacy. legal frameworks to inform futurelegal standardised method to review national sexual exploitation ofboys usinga and opportunitiesinaddressingthe Aim: initiatives toaddressthese. providers,service andcommunity-based recommendations for policymakers, social child sexual exploitation), anddevelop exchanging sex (includinginstances of youth andpush/pullfactors into of theexperiences ofSOGIE-identified Aim: children. have experienced sexual exploitation as money and/or material goods andmay of diverse SOGIEwhoexchange sex for explore thebarriers encountered by youth locations (Bangkok andChiangMai) to Legislative Analysis: SOGIE: Interviews with youthofdiverse Frontline Providers Survey: To identify the key perceptions and To identify thelegalgaps, barriers, To buildthelimited understanding Undertake interviews intwo Analyse the Develop project (Seeethics sectionbelow for details). incorporated andethical approval sought for the Following changes themeeting, were stakeholders. from key ThaiGovernment Ministries andother 2019 andwas attended by representatives meeting that took placeinBangkok inDecember were presented anddiscussedinanexpert group preliminary findingsoftheanalysis oflegislation The proposed methodology, research tools and (analysis ofnational legislation). diverse SOGIE)andadocumentary research tool qualitative research (interviews with youth of quantitative research (frontline providers’ survey), methodology ofthisresearch project included boys inThailand.To generate data, primary the understanding ofthesexual exploitation of to buildanempirical baseto establish abetter The mainpurposeofthisresearch project was Methodology support incompleting such a survey. complexity ofthistopic required explanation and was available to supporttheprocess, asthe One-on-one supportby trained data collectors or laptops) that theparticipants self-completed. participants, usingan onlineplatform (via tablets The survey was thenadministered in-person to frontline staff to participate. considerations ofthe research -and to invite to explain thepurpose,objectives and ethical organisation leadership teams were then held professional networks. Aseriesofmeetings with providing welfare to services children withintheir administrators by identifying organisations Potential participants were identified bythe and thenconducted data collection. pilot tested andimproved the Thailanguage tool, trained by theproject team asadministrators, financially compensated for theirtime)and a numberofdays (partnerorganisations were organisations were seconded by theproject for of sexual exploitation. Staff from thesethree organisations working directly withmale survivors Sky Association ofThailand,whichare Thai of Thailand,SISTERS foundation andRainbow in partnership withUrbanLight Foundation For thisactivity, ECPAT International worked Frontline providers’ survey 8 frontline workers that indicated: Specifically, thesurvey aimed to gather data from data. throughout theanalysis to furtherilluminate the Quotes andcomments are alsoincludedat times and under-reported area ofchildprotection. offer valuable insight into anunder-researched perceptions and experiences reported here administrative counts. However, theestimates, merely recalled estimates rather thandetailed workers inThailand,andcases describedare representative ofthe experiences ofallfrontline It shouldbenoted that thedata isnotstatistically action andprogress inthisarea. the challenges andpotential opportunities for throughout thesurvey that furthershedlight on illustrative anecdotes for open response items participants shared additional observations and choice andshortopen-answer questions. Many The onlinesurvey consisted of89multiple- provide supportto meet theirneeds. andfrontlinesupport services, worker’s abilityto affecting boy’s vulnerability, ability toaccess exploitation ofchildren inThailand and key issues results offer asnapshot ofthe context ofsexual sexual exploitation completed thesurvey. The provide for services young malevictimsof Bangkok, ChiangMai,andPattaya, whocurrently Sixty-five frontline providers service from victims. providers having noactive cases involving male attempted, many were disqualifieddue toservice that althoughapproximately 110surveys were latter exclusion criterion, itisimportant to note caseload whichincludedboys. Basedonthis of thethree sites identified andhadacurrent month- experience provision inservice inone basis that they were adultswithat least twelve Participants for this activity were includedonthe Survival Sex. UrbanInstitute. Dank, M. et al. (2015, February). (2015, al. et M. Dank,

SEC. The impactofcultural andsocialnormson providers;service and The level ofawareness ofSEC amongst providers;service The nature andextent ofSEC referrals to

Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engagedin YWSWLGTBQYouth, York.and of New YMSM, Experiences of Streets the Surviving sample. Theseeligibilitycriteria included an specific eligibilitycriteria for inclusioninthe youth involved in exchanging sex, we set In targeting adiverse group ofSOGIE-identified interviews. weeks, ofwhichfive were chosen to conduct people were trained over thecourse ofthetwo interviews withSOGIEidentified youth. Seven trained onhow to identify, recruit and conduct protections. Thefield researchers were also the study methodology andhuman participant two weeks oftraining onSOGIErelated issues, referred to as‘field researchers’). They conducted partner SOGIEfocused organisations (henceforth Bangkok andChiangMaibasedworkers from the Light Foundation, educated andtrained the local collaboration with team members from Urban Dr Meredith DankandMrJarrett Davis, in goals. use aqualitative approach to address the study’s New York City. who have sex withmenengaged insurvival sex in the experiences ofLGBTQ+ youth andyoung men project, DrMeredith Dank,whichdocumented study conducted by theleadinvestigator onthis goods. Themethodology isbasedonapast who exchange sex for money and/or material of adiverse group ofSOGIEidentifying youth to fullyexplore andunderstand theexperiences In-depth, peer-to-peer interviews were needed participants. the comfort andlikely engagement ofthe quality ofinterviews, itisbalancedby improving this approach hadtheriskofimpacting than might occurwithtrained researchers. While facilitate better engagement withtheparticipants lived experiences asparticipants were made to Efforts to identify frontline staff whohadsimilar organisations were financially compensated). Sky Association ofThailandinBangkok (and and V-Power inChiangMai,andfrom Rainbow CAREMAT, UrbanLight Foundation Thailand SOGIE advocates/staff were seconded from specialise inworking withSOGIEpopulations. partnerships withlocal organisations that This activity was alsodelivered through people Interviews withSOGIE-identified young 8 Given thesmallsamplesize, we

13 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 14 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report assistance inspecialincident reports. all efforts to provide appropriate referrals or were notinterviewed. Researchers documented negative impactonmental healthor well-being, ineligible for other reasons, includingperceived organisations provided. Thosewho were deemed agencies andmadeaware those oftheservices were given referrals to youth-oriented service sex were deemedineligiblefor theinterview but criteria; orwhowere notengaged inexchanging of thesamegender); were too oldfor ourage heterosexual butexchanged sex withthose asSOGIE(or Those whodidnotidentify might berequired. and any otherreferrals orinterventions that appropriateness for recruitment into thestudy agency, subjectswere rescreened for eligibility, researchers were employed. Uponarrival at the were conducted at theagencies where thefield field researchers. Almost alloftheinterviews so, to passalongthecontact information ofthe be interested inparticipating inthe study, andif were asked ifthey knew ofanyone whowould wanted to participate. Additionally, thoseclients they knew fitthe study criteria andasked ifthey clients oftheirrespective organisations who Field researchers approached current andformer future. recruited can beconducted in Thailandinthe conducted inNYC where 283young peoplewere hope isthat afull-scale study similarto theone the sampleofjust 20youth was small.The youth engaged inexchanging sex inThailand, could work to recruit diverse SOGIEidentified objectives was to determine ifthismethodology Since thisisanexploratory study, and oneofthe them continuing to dosonow as young adults. well asthecircumstances that may have ledto experiences ofexchanging sex aschildren, as to askolderyouth aboutpossibleprevious was extended upto 24years asitallowed us child sexual exploitation thesampleage range the focus oftheresearch was to understand to someform While ofsocialsupportservices. participants needed to be already connected goods inChiangMaiandBangkok. Additionally, the exchange ofsex for money and/or material members ofthesamesex); andinvolvement in (or asheterosexual butengaged insex with age of15–24years old, identification asSOGIE responses doesn’talways addupto 20. themes that were quantified, thenumberof interview. Asaresult, for thosecategories and protocol were not consistently asked inevery important note: thequestions intheinterview emerging themesversus outlyingexperiences. An the interview questions. Thishelped to identify young peoplewhoresponded acertain way to possible, researchers quantified thenumberof identified forinclusioninthis report.Where of themessorelevant quotes could beeasily Word; and individuallyusingMicrosoft Excel and Qualitative data were examined thoroughly provided by therespondent was helpful. the interview inthesamplesinceinformation with theteam, andultimately decided to include inclusion criteria. We were ableto discussthis is two years older thanwhat isstated inthe interviewed inMarch was 26years ofage, which researchers learnedthat oneoftherespondents valuable feedback to theteam. For example, had beencompleted pre-shut down andprovide the research team to review theinterviews that this caused asignificant disruption, itdidallow was notcompleted until June2020. Even though begun inmid-March before the shutdown, it COVID-19. Althoughdata collection hadalready movement andnon-essential gatherings due to trained, theThaiGovernment heavily restricted a couple ofweeks after thefield researchers were approximately onemonth to complete. However, Data collection was initially expected to take length. which ranged from 30minutes to over anhourin qualitative data from thetranscribed interviews, Researchers extracted asizable amount of agencies, toand service befullydocumented. including theirinteractions withlaw enforcement of theyouths’ experiences inexchanging sex, analysis), whichallowed detailed descriptions later transcribed (andtranslated to Englishfor were conducted inThai,audio-recorded and and they could stop at any time).Allinterviews theinterview(e.g. was confidential, anonymous, covered what theirrights were asaparticipant obtained theirinformed assent/consent, which recruited andinterviewed after the researchers and appropriate for thestudy were subsequently Youth whowere rescreened anddeemedeligible q uotations were codified into aseries Mahidol University. Institute ofHumanRights and Peace Studies at assembled to ethically review theproject viathe to andapproved by apanelofthree experts 9 Exploitation involving Children, ECPAT Guidelinesfor Ethical Research onSexual circumstances andisstrongly guidedby the includes numerous mitigations forthese For these reason acareful methodology that to thesexual abuseandexploitation ofchildren. affected by ‘vicarious traumatisation’ when exposed triggered strong emotions.They may alsohave been or abuse-andsomeofthequestions may have at sometime experienced various forms ofneglect that thesamplewould includestaff, whomay have the frontline providers service survey, asitwas likely or exploitation. Risks also related to participants in experienced discrimination andchildsexual abuse who were targeted for interviews were likely to have SOGIE identified youthengaged in exchanging sex knowledge andanecdotal accounts indicate that the this research project very sensitive. The existing of boys andtheinvolvement ofSOGIEyouth made In particular, the topic ofthesexual exploitation ethically sensitive research approach. the research team andwiththeapplication ofan study hadclearlydefined ethical guidelinesset by should besubjectto strict ethical standards. This research onchildsexual abuseandexploitation Given theinherent vulnerability ofchildren, Ethical Approval andConsiderations Prosecutor for confirmation. peer-reviewed by ahighlyrespected ThaiPublic comprehensiveness. Thedraft oftheanalysis was the development oftheanalysis andensure its including over 120points was created to support Global Boys’ Initiative. Inparticular, achecklist will befurtherusedinothercountries underthe tools developed by ECPAT International, which analysis was conducted utilisingamethod and of children, withaspecific focus onboys. The addressing thesexual abuseandexploitation a documentary analysis ofthelegal framework staff from ThailandInstitute ofJustice to conduct ECPAT International worked inpartnership with Analysis oflegislation International. ECPATInternational. December). (2019, 9 was proposed

Guidelines forethicalGuidelines researchsexual exploitationon involving children. the respondents’ namesare notmentioned. above, inorder to protect interviewee anonymity, used to write aresearch report. Asmentioned were informed that theirresponses would be Participants to bothprimary research activities reason. time, feel uncomfortable, upset, or for any other not to continue withtheinterview ifthey, at any sensitive innature andthat they are encouraged that theinterviews may cover topics that are beginning interviews, they were alsoinformed and for any reason, withoutrecourse. Priorto could withdraw from thestudy at any time participants were informed clearlythat they Team. Nowithdrawals were requested. The by contacting ECPAT International’s Research input process butalsopriorto thedata analysis free to dosobothat any timeduringthedata wished to withdraw from thestudy, they were any participant to thefrontline providers’ survey of thestudy andassent/consent was obtained. If participants were informed aboutthepurpose Before conducting interviews, allinvolved would berecommended infuture. so withinthelast month. Alonger recall period workdid boys with infrequently,not done had but Some excluded participants reported that they accurate recall, thiswas afairly shortperiod. period was deliberately chosento facilitate more Furthermore, whilethe‘one month’ recall been impacted. Thisisexplained intheanalysis. impacts. Nevertheless, thisdata may still have this question recalling amonth prior to COVID-19 administrators instructed participants to answer time ofmovement restrictions. However, the which for many respondents includedduringthe recall theircaseloads “during thelast month” survey, somequestions asked participants to couple ofways. Withinthefrontline providers’ possibility that data was perhaps influenced ina accommodations however there remains the methodology was maintained withminor collection was able to proceed. Ourplanned phase, however after these were relaxed, data COVID-19 delayed theplanneddata collection Movement restrictions asa response to Limitations

Bangkok:ECPAT

15 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 16 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report goods. who exchange sex for money andothermaterial in recruiting more youth undertheage of18 Respondent Driven Samplingcould besuccessful larger samplesize that usesamethodology like adulthood. However, afuture study witha experiences exchanging sex oncethey reach are more comfortable speakingabouttheir 10 Past research were interviewed were over theage of18. Additionally, themajorityof young peoplewho in future research withalarger samplesize. emerging themesthat can befurtherexplored the findingsinthat chapter shouldbetreated as SOGIE identified youthwho exchange sex. Thus, findings to thebroader population ofdiverse limited theresearchers’ abilityto generalise the identified youngpeople wassmall(n=20),which The samplesize for theinterviews withSOGIE- communities. wider andmore nuancedissueswithintheir own on globalindicators ofrisk,andnotevidence of on theirwork, from alist ofsuggestions based providers’ ‘perceptions based ofvulnerability’ This research explored frontline service YWSW Engaged inSurvival Sex. Curtis, et al. (2006).; 10 hasshown that young people Dank, M.

et al.

Urban Institute. (2015, February).

Surviving Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and born andraised inThailand. experiences andneedsmight differ from those Thai nationals inorder to document how their sex shouldmake allattempts to includenon- Future research onSOGIEyouth whoexchange work are more likely to beThainationals. atservices theNGOswhere thefield researchers experiences. Or, that theclients that access are afraid to come forward to talk abouttheir youth whoexchange sex are lesscomfortable or This could bebecause foreign national SOGIE that alloftherespondents were Thainationals. Another limitation oftheSOGIEinterviews was identify as ‘other’. In Pattaya, among25service male (45%)orfemale (45%), andtwo (9%) providers inChiangMai, 90%identify aseither either transgender or‘other’. Among22service 17% identify as female, and44% identify as providers,the 18service 39%identify asmale, as Transgender or‘other’. InBangkok, among female, 19(29%)are male,and17(26%)identify providersNearly half(29or45%)ofservice are Gender three areas. fitting theinclusioncriteriasurvey forthe inthese to beathorough providers samplingofservice Considering this,field researchers believe this providersservice having noactive male cases. attempted, butmany were disqualified due to exploitation. Onehundred and ten surveys were an active caseload ofmalevictims sexual a very limited numberofsocialworkers with sample, field researchers explain that there is (18 or28%).Whilethisisnotastatistically large or 38%),ChiangMai(2228%),andBangkok taken inthree Thaiurbancentres: Pattaya (25 Respondents come from similarlysized samples Location SAMPLE DEMOGRAPHICS SUPPORTING BOYS SURVEY OF FRONTLINE WORKERS

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1 o P 1 3 4 k 0 r 1 1 o 4 1 1 5 5 vi 1 1 6 8 1 2 d 1 7 1 Ciang Mai 2 1 1 e data. Mai; however, thiscannot beconfirmed from the network oflocal, specialized providers inChiang This could indicate agreater interconnected respondents) and4%inPattaya (one respondent). providers incomparison to 11%inBangkok (two (16 respondents) providing referrals to other organization with73%ofChiangMaiproviders referrals to notcovered otherservices by their Chiang Maiare muchmore likely to provide majority oforganizations. providers Service in raising/training (58%)isalsoprovided by a Community outreach (60%)andawareness (67%), incomparison to ChiangMai(45%). more common inPattaya (72%)andBangkok or 62%)ofrespondents, whichissomewhat areservices provided by nearlytwo-thirds (40 comparison to Bangkok (56%).Sexual health in ChiangMai(95%)andPattaya (100%),in or psychosocial support,whichismore common providersof service (86%)provide counselling The figure below illustrates that the vast majority providedServices organisations. representation ofsamplingviaSOGIE-focused and two (8%)identify asmale.Thisislikely a female, seven (28%)identify astransgender, providers, nearlytwo-thirds (64%)identify as 9 d

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17 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 18 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report caseloads related to SEC, bothwith2.2cases on and Pattaya report notably smallerindividual to SEC withanaverage of4.4cases. Bangkok Mai hadthehighest individualcaseloads related providerswith 40cases (22%).Service inChiang less thanathird ofcases (54or30%)andPattaya 48%) are inChiangMai,followed by Bangkok with and females. Nearlyhalfofthesecases (87or exploitation of children (SEC), includingmales management over atotal of181cases ofsexual Respondents indicate providing direct Caseloads reintegration support (72%). training (84%),sexual (72%),and healthservices community outreach (84%),awareness raising/ include, counselling/psychosocial support(100%), inotherareas.services These common services indicating withinfive services key areas, but few withthestrongservices majorityofrespondents to provide acommon, butnarrower, package of legal support(50%).Pattaya, however, appears training (59%),community outreach (50%),and raising/training (64%),education/vocational referrals to (73%), awareness otherservices include: counselling/psychosocial support(95%), availableservices for boys, whichcommonly to have thewidest andmost diverse range of support (56%).Incontrast, ChiangMaiseems (67%)andcounselling/psychosocial services most common beingrelated to sexual health frontline workers beingidentified inthecity. The be aresult ofarelatively smallsampleofeligible narrowest range however ofservices, thismay geographic area, Bangkok appears to offer the Considering the range of services provided in each in Bangkok. with disabilitiesare indicated providers by service of Pattaya respondents). Noservices for children Chiang Mairespondents), andtwo inPattaya (8% providers, sixofwhichare inChiangMai(27%of with disabilitiesare indicated by nineservice five providers service (23%).Services for children housing isonlyindicated inChiangMaiamong in Pattaya (4%).Semi-independent supported provider inBangkok (6%),andoneprovider providersservice inChiangMai(14%),one broadly, theleast provided withthree service and caregivers (17%).Economic assistance is, with disabilities(14%),andsupport for families supported housing(8%),supportfor children to economic assistance (8%),semi-independent Providers minimallyprovided related services service providersservice indicate nearly200maleSEC particular age groups, withinthepast month, In recalling thenumbers of clients served from discrepancy inthenumberofmale cases served. Considering respondents’ ages, there isa Ages ofClients and female providers. (55%)service caseloads, which is lower thantransgender (72%) provider’sonly 46%ofmaleservice average exploitation. SEC cases involving boys make up with boys whohave experienced sexual providers are muchlesslikely to have caseloads providers.(65%) service However, maleservice is higherthantransgender (74%)andfemale 83% oftheiraverage total caseloads, which caseloads comprised of boy clients, makingup providersMale service are most likely to have one. number ofcases beingsixandthelowest being boy SEC cases withinthepast month, thehighest providersservice report seeinganaverage of1.5 in Bangkok and1.2inPattaya. Overall, frontline SEC cases withinthepast month, compared to 1.1 average, withindividualcaseloads of2.2male nearlytwiceasmanyserving maleSEC cases, on 57% inPattaya). ChiangMai respondents indicate sites (50%inBangkok, 53%inChiangMai,and the past month withsimilarfindingsinallthree the 181total SEC cases (boys andgirls)within make upjust slightly more thanhalf(54%)of those whowork onlywithgirls),maleSEC cases with boys intheircurrent caseload (i.e.excluding Despite thesamplebeinglimited onlyto those 31 (32%)inPattaya, and20(21%)inBangkok. served by providers inChiangMai,followed by sites. Nearlyhalfofthesecases (46or47%)were of 97cases inthepast month, across thethree SEC cases, respondents indicate atotal serving average withinthepast month. Consideringmale Nuber o cases 3 4 8 4 0 B T a ot n 3 a g 8 C l k

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b o y s perpetrator hadbeenidentified. had nocases withinthepast month where a Lastly, nine respondents (14%)cite they have (three or5%), andadultsiblings(three or5%). members (three or5%),parents orstepparents perpetrators, followed by adultcommunity resident) describedasthemost common foreign stranger tourist (e.g. orexpatriate Thai strangers, four respondents (6%)indicate commonly local Thaistrangers. Following local (respectively) indicate perpetrators are most Pattaya and ChiangMai,where 72%and68% to thechild.Thisismost commonly seenin other words, Thai-nationals whoare unfamiliar are describedaslocal Thai strangers (58%),in the past month, themost common perpetrators Across alllocations and considering cases within Perpetrators andFacilitators reported to beundertheage of11inChiangMai. Bangkok andoneisinPattaya. Noclients at allare the three clients undertheage of11,two are in were reported to beundertheage ofsix.Among and 2%between theages of6-10.Noclients age of14with9%between theages of11-13 Only 11%ofclients are reported to beunderthe ages of14-17and32%beingover theage of18. to beover theage of14with58%between the The vast majorityofclients (89%)are reported in theintake andcase management process. opposed to formal clients that have gone through all malesserved duringoutreach activities,as it ispossiblethat respondents here include it isunclearwhy thesenumbers may bedifferent, indicated withintheirreported caseloads. While This isnearlytwicethenumberofmaleclients cases over whichthey haddirect management. Ages o Clients 1 1 6 1 4 1 0 8 1 1 1 0 5 3 7

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8 L o P c a � a a y � a o n 1 8 s 111 30 milesaway. Jeng, watches thisinteraction onlinefromhome posts itonline.Suk,whodoesnotknow Chaior relative, Jeng, to undresswhilefilmingandlater Scenario 1: responses intheirrole providers. asservice and/or assumptions, andindicating possible as ameansofassessingpotential common biases diverse general identities and sexual orientations, common situations, involving characters with purposely designedto reflect complex but or perpetrators. Thesurvey questions were each scenario, withregard to theirbeingvictims were asked to assessvarious characters within potential sexual exploitation ofchildren, and vignettes, whichincluded examples describing Participants were thenpresented withsix exchange.” child sexual abuseistheunderlyingnotionof of childsexual exploitation fromother forms of child her/himself. Whatdistinguishes the concept from athirdparty, theperpetrator, orby the gain orbenefit, or even thepromiseofsuch) sexual activityin exchange for something (e.g. sexual exploitation whenshe/he takes partina their computer screen: definition of sexual exploitation ofchildren on Participants were provided withthe following Responses to childprotection scenarios and Sexual Exploitation Understanding ofMaleVulnerability child siblings(two or11%). or 17%),parents orstep-parent (two or11%),and Thai strangers (five or28%),adultsiblings(three range of‘common’ perpetrators, includinglocal and Pattaya, Bangkok seems to indicate awider a strong majorityofrespondents inChiangMai described asthemost common perpetrators by research locations. Whilelocal strangers are Some notable differences are observed between S S c u k e

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19 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 20 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report Daeng willnottell hisfather. Daengaccepts. He offers Daengsexual favours inthehopethat knows thiswillmake thingseven worseathome. close family friend,willtell Thep’s father. Thep and isworriedthatDaeng,ateacher who is a has struggled to make goodgradesthisyear Scenario 2: Daeng hascommi�ed Thep isNOTavic�m of sexualexplita�on. sexual exploita�on.

exploitation with33(54%)believing about Thepbeingavictim ofsexual committed sexual exploitation. transgender respondents believe Sukhad and lessthanone-third (five or29%)of more thanhalfoffemales (16or55%) Nearly two thirds ofmales(12or63%), to thinkSukhadcommitted exploitation. with malesandfemales beingmore likely cisgender andnon-cisgender respondents, Notable differences are seenbetween (12%) ‘strongly’ believed shehadnot. indicating strong beliefs (8or12%).Eight sexual exploitation with few respondents (33 or51%)believe shecommitted Slightly more thanhalf of respondents Suk: Chai: transgender. victim, three are maleandoneidentifies as respondents (7%)whobelieve Jengisnota across allgender groups. Amongthefour agreeing. Similarresponses are seen with 74%“strongly” agreeing and20% that Jengisavictimofsexual exploitation Jeng: Thevast majority(61or94%)agree Thep: transgender. three are maleandoneidentifies as Chai hasnotcommitted sexual exploitation, the four respondents (7%)whobelieve male andtransgender respondents. Among among females (86%)incomparison to Strong agreement ismuchmore common exploitation with71%in strong agreement. agree that Chaihascommitted sexual S c e n Feelings aboutSukwere more varied.

Nearly allrespondents, (61or94%) Thep isa17-year-old student. He

a Respondents have mixed feelings r i o

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4 Disag 4 8 3 r e e m e n t and closedthedoor. money thathebrought. Dtee’s mothernodded was to beableto visit andprovide themwiththe anything, Gairemindedherofhow happy he bad washappening,butbefore shecould say into theroomandrealisedthatsomething touching hisprivate parts.Dtee’s motherwalked Uncle Gaiasked Dtee to sitonhislapandbegan Recently, duringavisitto Dtee’s family home, has alwaysgivenmoney to helpthefamily out. His uncle,Gai,hasagoodgovernment joband struggles to make endsmeet intheirruralvillage. Scenario 3: c o

S c exploitation. believing that heisnotavictimofsexual (16%) seeingThepasavictimand21(84%) Thep asavictimwithonly four respondents are significantly lesslikely to understand respectively). Respondents from Pattaya likely to seeThepasavictim(61%and86%, and ChiangMairespondents are more Comparing data gathering sites, Bangkok and transgender respondents (41%). (69%) incomparison to females (49%) more likely to believe that Thepisavictim believing heisnot.Overall, malesare he isavictimand four (7%) ‘strongly’ with eight (13%)‘strongly’ believing Few respondents indicate strong beliefs that heisavictimofsexual exploitation. Daeng: exploitation. strongly that Daenghasnotcommitted the samewithonerespondent feeling 95%), onlyfour inPattaya (16%)understand understand Daeng asanexploiter (21or While ChiangMaiismore likely to respondents inChiangMaiandPattaya. Notable differences are observed between third (20or31%)believing so‘strongly’. sexually exploited Thepwithnearlya (37 or57%)believe that Daenghas e i � n D e t a d e r

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Disag 8 r e e e n 2 t her to perform oralsex onhim.Neungagreed. Neung haddonefor theirfamily - if heallowed make surethat Ton appreciated everything invited himinto thehouse.Shepromisedto Neung wasworkingaroundthefarm, Sri making agoodimpression.Onedaywhile her husbandalotandwanted to continue having migrated for work.Neungrespected away fromhomefor longperiodsoftime, happy to help.Herhusband,Ton, wasoften manual labourontheirsmallfarm, hewas her houseontheweekends to helpwiththe neighbour, Sri,asked ifhecould come to Scenario 4:

in Pattaya. (77%), followed by 56%inBangkok and32% more likely to beinstrong agreement locations with respondents inChiangMai Similar patterns are seenacross research 41% amongtransgender respondents). comparison to 52%amongfemales, and likely to bein‘strong’ agreement (68%, in ‘strong’ agreement. Malesare slightly more committed sexual exploitation with54%in Gai: (36%). followed by Bangkok (61%)andPattaya ‘strongly’ agree that Dtee isavictim(77%), in ChiangMaiare somewhat more likely to respondents, respectively). Respondents and 47%amongfemales andtransgender agreement (68%,incomparison to 55% males slightly more likely to bein‘strong’ are seenacross allgender identities, with in ‘strong’ agreement. Similarfindings exploitation withmore thanhalf (57%) 98%) agree Dtee isavictimofsexual Dtee: mother hascommitted exploitation. more likely to ‘strongly’ believe that Dtee’s all gender identities, withmalesslightly ‘strongly’. Similarresponses are seenacross however onlyafifth(13or20%)believe so the abuseagainst Dtee to continue, committed sexual exploitation byallowing (58 or89%)feel that Dtee’s motherhas Dtee’s mother:Asignificant majority All respondents agree Gaihas

Neung is17.WhenNeung’s Nearly allrespondents (64or people shouldmindtheirown business. this, Jaysaysthatthisishischoice andthatother payment and sometimes gifts.Whenasked about ‘boyfriends’. Hehassex withthemandreceives often meets oldermen,whohedescribesashis confident inhissexuality. Ontheweekends, he looks older;heself-identifies asgayandappears Scenario 5: Jay is almost 15 years old, although he Neung isavic�mof sexual exploita�on. sexual exploita�on. Sri hascommi�ed sexual exploita�on. commi�ed sexual S ‘boyfriends’ have Te entatJay Jay isavic�mof

c describes asis e agreement (20%). were alsoleast likely to indicate strong exploited Neung.Respondents from Pattaya third (34%)‘strongly’ agreeing that Srihad likely to beinstrong agreement withonlya strong agreement. Females were least nearly two-thirds (40or62%)are notin by askingNeungfor oral sex, however, that Srihadcommitted sexual exploitation Sri: Allbutonerespondent (98%)believes Pattaya respondents feel thesame. is avictim,whilelessthanthird (32%)of Mai respondents strongly agree that Neung agreement. Well over half(59%)ofChiang about thiswithfive (29%)in ‘strong’ respondents are lesslikely to feel strongly slightly lesslikely (9or37%).Transgender in ‘strong’ agreement (52%)andmalesare females are more slightly more likely to be strongly. Looking across gender identities, the majority(36or55%)donotagree Neung isavictimofsexual exploitation, Neung: exploita�on. n S a c r e i n o a

4: r i o While allrespondents agree

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21 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 22 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report because Maiiwants to buildabetter future. that thislife istough butaccepts thissituation, and hassex withthemfor payment. Maiiaccepts so quite often meets menandsometimes women, Maii needsmoney to payfor food andfor studies, is homeless,sosleeps in apagodatemporarily. new life. Maiihasnotbeenableto findworkand and neighbours,somoved to thecityto start a countryside butfaced discriminationfrom family a transgenderperson.Maiiusedto live inthe Scenario 6: tat Maiieetstoave of sexualexploita�on. Te enandoen Maii isNOTavic�m sex itaveNOT commi�ed sexual

S c ‘the men’: respondents. from Pattaya and comprise 12%of Pattaya ‘strongly disagree’ that Jay isavictim,are exploitation. Allthree respondents who Pattaya donotseeJay asavictimof sexual the strong majorityofrespondents in In contrast to Bangkok andChiangMai, respondents (38%)identify Jay asavictim. (45%) andmore thanathird oftransgender him asavictim.Lessthanhalfof females victim withthemajority(63%)identifying Males were most likely to seeJay asa he isavictim,12(19%)believe so ‘strongly’. is notavictim.Amongthe48%whobelieve with three (5%)believing ‘strongly’ that he that Jay isnotavictimofsexual exploitation The majorityofrespondents (52%)believe significant disagreement onthisscenario. Jay: Respondents demonstrate some men exploited Jay. only two respondents (8%) believing the respondents inPattaya are least likely, with to identify themenasperpetrators (86%), respondents inChiangMaiare most likely and 44%oftransgender respondents. While men asperpetrators with41%offemales respondents are least likely to seethem this ‘strongly’. Females andtransgender perpetrators, one-fourth (6or19%)believe Among the48%whobelieve themenare with four (6%)believing this‘strongly’. have notcommitted sexual exploitation respondents (51%)believe themen exploita�on. e n a r i o Maii is17yearsoldandidentifies as

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Disag r 47 47 e e 8 e n t significant impactwith49(75%)believing that it ismost commonlypoverty” rated ashaving a in vulnerability to sexual exploitation. “Extreme respondents ormore citingasignificant increase the set offactors provided, allwith60%of Four factors ranked notably higheramong research. provided were basedonotherglobalandregional across gender andresearch location. The factors at all”. Responses were diverse andvaried greatly somewhat,” or“does notincrease vulnerability vulnerability alot”, “increases vulnerability to sexual exploitation by choosing“increases to whichthefactors increase theirvulnerability in aboy’s life andasked to evaluate theextent Respondents were given aseriesof30factors Beliefs aboutvulnerability

(18 or82%)andBangkok (10or59%). comparison to respondents inChiangMai to identify exploitation (two or8%),in Respondents inPattaya are least likely respondents (42%and28%,respectively). in comparison to female and transgender women hadcommitted sexual exploitation, were more likely to believe themenand ‘strongly’. Malerespondents (12or63%) exploited (16%)believe Maii,one-sixth this 46% whobelieve themenandwomen have (13%) believing this‘strongly’. Amongthe committed sexual exploitation witheight women that Maiimeets for sex have not majority (54%)believe that themenand men andwomen Maiimeets for sex. The were demonstrated withregard to the ‘the menandwomen’: Similarbeliefs Maii and 53%believing Maiiisnot. average with47%believing Maiiisavictim Respondents inBangkok were similarto the in Pattaya believe Maiiisnotavictim. believe Maiiisavictim,88%of respondents While 82%ofrespondents inChiangMai strongly dividedacross research locations. identify Maiiasavictim. Respondents were third oftransgender respondents (37%) half offemales (48%),andmore thana The majorityofmales(53%),lessthan victim, nine(14%)believe so ‘strongly’. Among the47%whobelieve Maiiisa with six(9%)believing this‘strongly’. Maii isnotavictimofsexual exploitation scenario. Themajority(53%)believe that : Similar disagreement isseeninthis citing asignificant increase, 34(52%)citinga vulnerability to sexual exploitation with29(45%) also very broadly considered to increase aboy’s Having aprevious experience ofsexual abuseis increases vulnerability ‘somewhat’. sexual exploitation and20(31%)indicating this significantly increasing aboy’s vulnerability to “increased accessto technology andtheinternet” vulnerability ‘somewhat’. Lastly, 41(63%)indicate and16 (25%)indicating‘a thisincreases lot’ (68%) indicating thisincreases vulnerability seen ashaving asignificant impactwith44 and exposure to pornography” isalsocommonly that itincreases vulnerability ‘somewhat’. “Access vulnerability, inaddition to 12(18%)indicating early childhood,significantly increasing aboy’s or playing withaboy’s genitals ininfancy and indicate thecultural practice ofadult’s touching to ‘extreme poverty’, 47respondents (72%) citing it increases vulnerability ‘somewhat’. Similar increases vulnerability andanother18% ‘a lot’ p a P r e e n e t r g s A P e g

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23 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 24 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 15 16 11 cultural beliefs around masculinity, andsexuality which identify vulnerability to beincreased due to This contrasts withevidence from otherstudies among therange offactors. most likely to beconsidered ashaving noimpact assumptions aboutmale resilience (22%)are (28%), stigma andshame(26%), gendered sexual exploitation. Similarly, community violence disability ashaving noimpactonvulnerability to no impact,andslightly lessthanathird (31%)see belonging to anethnic minority group ashaving as having noimpact,more thanathird (38%)see (49%) seetaboos surrounding sex andsexuality vulnerability to sexual exploitation. Nearlyhalf considered providers by service to impactaboy’s with oneormore disabilities,are factors least belonging to anethnic minoritygroup, andliving Conversely, taboos surrounding sex andsexuality, 12 14 13 of silence) victims often face(Culture Stigma andshamethat have theirown rights lower status anddonot Beliefs that children are related services with ahighvisibilityofsex Living inanenvironment and sexual exploitation Lack ofawareness ofrisk nology andtheInternet Increased accessto tech- Extreme poverty showing affection boys genitals asaway of The practice of touching pornography Access andexposure to Tadele, G., (2009). Tadele,G., United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees. Journal ofHealthDevelopment, Boys: Findings,ethical considerations andmethodological challenges. Neglect, vol. 69, 2017, pp. 188−200, cited in United Nations Children’s Fund, (2020). Commissioner,C., Hounmenou, London; Exploitation: review.Evidence (2016). Hynes, P. and Allnock D. L., Radford, London.; Commissioner, Love146/Urban Light.; Hilton, et al.(2008). Findings, ethical considerations andmethodological challenges. eeoiz S, t l, (2012). al., et S., Berelowitz, eeoiz S, t l, (2012). al., et S., Berelowitz, Survival Sex. February). (2015, al. et M. Dank, Chynoweth,(2017). S., Davis & Miles.(2014). & Davis Males

Urban Institute.

‘Unrecognized Victims’: Sexual abuse against male street children in Merkato area, Addis Ababa’, Ethiopian Addis area, Merkato in children street male against abuse Sexual Victims’: ‘Unrecognized “Boys for Baht”: An exploratory study on the vulnerability of male entertainment workers in Chiang Mai. Chiang workersin entertainment male of vulnerability the on studyexploratory An Baht”: for “Boys

“We Keep It in Our Heart”: Sexual violence against men and boys in the Syriacrisis. the Sexualboysagainstin and violence men Heart”: “WeOur in KeepIt 10 10 10 10 11 12 12 13 53% 53% 53% 53% 58% 63% 63% 68%

I huh I a te ny n. h Ol Oe n h World”. the in One Only The One. Only the Was I Thought “I World”. the in One Only The One. Only the Was I Thought “I New York:New UNICEF. Children’sNations United (2020). Fund,

vol. 23,no.3,2009,pp.174−182. Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engagedin YWSWLGTBQYouth, York.and of New YMSM, Experiences of Streets the Surviving and sexual exploitation Lack ofawareness ofrisk Family violence feminine Boys whoappearto be transgender Identifying as gay or technology andtheInternet Increased accessto pornography Access andexposure to showing affection boys genitals asaway of The practice of touching Extreme poverty

‘An ExplorationInitial of the in ofProstitution Boys African West Region’

I Thought ItCouldNever Happento Boys. Females have disabilities. and homophobia. impoverished communities, is alsonoted for boys migrating from rural, and community violence. lack ofemployment, homelessnessandfamilial enforcement providers, andservice poverty and discriminatory treatment andabusefrom law and familial rejection anddiscrimination, of engaging insurvival sex, dueto societal as vulnerable, andfacing increased likelihood as victimsofsexual exploitation. providers are lesslikely to identify boys thangirls risk. exploitation ofboys, asplacingthemfurther at stakeholders to acknowledge thesexual Tadele (2009)noted thereluctance ofcommunity

New York: UNICEF. 15

New York: UNICEF. Furthermore, law enforcement andservice 14 15 19 20 22 23 24 24 Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual toChild Responding and Preventing 48% 52% 66% 69% 76% 79% 83% 83%

Research on the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: 14

World Vision: PhnomPenh. 11

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Transgender or‘Other’ Research on the SexualExploitation of the Researchon

London: Office of the Children’s of Office London: the Children’s of Office London: 12 Increased vulnerability 13 andchildren who 16 Geneva: Office of the of Geneva:Office , Child Abuse & Abuse Child 10 11 13 6 7 8 8 9 35% 41% 47% 47% 53% 59% 65% 76%

Expressed problems/needsofmaleclients being forced to have sex, beingmolested, andbeing violence (19or29%)includingphysical assault, Respondents most cited boys experiencing physical down into categories andanalysed thematically. sexual exploitation. These responses were broken serious that theirclients faced asaresult of issues orproblems they believed were themost Respondents were invited to share upto three sexually exploited?” that they have,asaresultofbeing you arethemost seriousproblems “In yourwork,whatdoboys tell C M L onﬂ i v B a B B i e n n e e i l c g i l i l i t i p e e

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25 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 26 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report some clearpatterns emerge. Nearly athird of to thisquestion, amongthe31 (48%)whodid, While relatively providersfew service responded Seeking helpfor sexual exploitation Perceived Barriers for Males commonlyindicate money to bethe most significant and community relationships. Respondents most be understood asdeeplyaffecting their family who have beensexually exploited andseemto clearly perceived assignificant needs amongboys Financial strains andeconomic pressures are same. be akey issue,11ofthoseinPattaya (65%)cite the five inChiangMaicite manipulation/intimidation to in Pattaya. Whiletwo respondents inBangkok and manipulation/intimidation as a keyissue are located Similarly, nearlytwo-thirds (61%)ofthosewhosee indicate physical violenceto beakey problem. problem, 13or76%ofrespondents inPattaya cite physical violenceasbeingthemost serious in Bangkok andsixproviders inChiangMai(29%) are located inPattaya. providers Whilenoservice of thosewhoseephysical violenceasakey issue Considering location, more thantwo-thirds (68%) trying totrying access support services” of sexual exploitation face when challengesdoboy victims “What exploited?” needs, asaresultofbeingsexually you aretheirmost significant “In yourwork,whatdoboys tell B a s i c

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3 R e indicate agreater diversity ofneeds. or 56%),respondents inBangkok andChiangMai (24 or96%)andbasicnecessities for survival (14 are most likely to describeneedsrelated to finances research locations. While respondents in Pattaya in Thailand.Notable differences are seenbetween boys) andknowledge/education of relevant laws rights, prosecution ofoffenders (buyers of sex with lack ofseriouscommitment to protection oftheir clients needinglegal support,whichincludesa in sexual exploitation. Lastly, four respondents note family members discovering theboy’s involvement often indicating fears related totheirparents and providersservice (11%)cite needfor confidentiality, and understanding from theircommunities. Seven trustworthy friends,love, acceptance from parents, as well associalorrelational needs,including necessities (15or23%),including food andshelter, extent, providers service cite needingbasic sex work’ sectionslater inthe report). To alesser with young people – see‘debt’ and‘entry into concurs withtheresponses from theinterviews to supportthemselves andtheirfamilies. (This employment andpressures to generate income exploitation (35or54%),citingneeds for stable need ofboys whohave experienced sexual describing theirown vulnerabilities, which results gender-specific difficulties that boys facein by boys affected by exploitation. Somenote safety, trust andhighlevels ofshameexperienced able to -includedestablishing accessservices to thechallenges related to disclosure andbeing identified by respondents, andlikely to contribute to providers. service Othersignificant issues disclose theirexperiences ofsexual exploitation boys finding the courage needed,orbeingable to those responding (32%)describedifficultiesin s u l t

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c i i a on e Ciang Mai t n t g s r b e d o l e e e g s t s s s i a 4 l l e i t s low levels ofrecognition in Pattaya. greater levels ofrecognition inChiangMaiand very withsomewhatan impactonaccessto services, nationality, language, or ethnic originashaving slightly more thanone-fourth ofrespondents see a third ofthesample.To alesserextent, only amongnearly that boys donotneedsupport” factor amongnearlyhalfofthesampleand“beliefs “low level ofconcern for boys” isseenasakey factors. Perhaps linked to regressive assumptions, gender normsseenasthenext most significant and restrictive assumptions aboutmasculinityand all respondents, withsocialstigmas for malevictims factor impactingthe availability ofsupportamong awareness isreported astheoverall most common boys andprovide supportandisdiscussedbelow. faced providers by service seekingto engage with 4 y o 8 8 S u p p 8 o O r t P t e a 8

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27 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 28 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 17 provided. to beaccessedand support andservices for themto beunderstood, andappropriate experiences andneeds-there islessopportunity unless children are ableto communicate their is asignificant when consideringthat finding, boys’ (above) beingableto This accessservices. mirrors thefindings related to ‘challenges for because children willblockthemselves”. This their heartsandprovide accurate information, challenge of“Supportingthechildren to open talk aboutit”. Anotherparticipant describedthe to speakthetruth,asthey are ashamedto tell or with oneparticipant remarking that boys “Refuse information’ orthe‘facts’ related to the case, described asboys needingto provide ‘true participants notingthis.This wasmost often information abouttheir experiences), with14 to ‘Disclosure’ (boys are reluctant to share By far themost common response was related interlinked themes. the responses indicate someimportant and chose to respond to this question, although in theirwork. Arelatively smallnumber(n=31) work experiences, ofspecificchallenges they face invited to freely share theirideas,basedon ended question, participants were therefore needs ofmalesinmany settings. Asanopen- training, knowledge andawareness ofthespecific experience ofworking withmales,and/or limited of evidence basedprogrammes for boys, less of disclosure, andtheimpactsonvictims,alack exploitation, shame, fear ofthe consequences be related to thesecretive nature ofabuseand affected by exploitation andabuse.This may engaging with,andproviding supportto males providersservice face anumberofchallenges, is widelyacknowledged inotherresearch that they experience providing supportfor boys. It be themost significant and common challenges Participants were asked what they considered to with boys andproviding support The challengeofconnecting andengaging Herman, J. (1992). Trauma and recovery. New York: BasicBooks. boys’ withoneparticipant describinga in specific comments related to ‘engaging with and attitudes”. Thethemeoftrust alsoemerges as beingableto ‘gain accessto emotions, feelings support, oneparticipant describedthechallenge the kids’trust”, and inrelation to psychosocial enough trust to tell thestory”, and“how to gain disclosure, including theneedto “establish Specific comments reveal linkages to enabling children to beableto share theirexperiences. and ‘Engaging Boys’ -whichare essential for Support’, establishing ‘Confidentiality and Safety’, frequency, relate to providing ‘Psychological Other notable themesdescribedinorder of recommendation sectionsofthis report. and thiswillbeaddressed inthediscussionand acknowledge these andotherrelated themes, with others, story ofthetraumatic event, and reconnecting three stages: establishing safety, retelling the recovery process may beconceptualised in grow to trulytrust them”. Recognising that the consistent behaviourinorderto helpchildren providers haveto demonstrate stability and This makes themextremely vulnerable.Service difficultfind itvery tobuildtrust inothers. in creating stable relationships, because children 17 itwould appearimportant to “ Difficulty public awareness. and criminaljustice -andequallyspliton general fair inrelation to stakeholders, law enforcement respondents believing responses to bepooror a similarpattern emerged, withthemajorityof justice, and general public awareness. Overall, on stakeholders, law enforcement, criminal the issueofsexual exploitation ofboys, focusing awareness andresponse ofThaicivilsociety to providersService were similarlyasked to rate the Society areas. responses to bepoororfair, inrelation to all that themajorityofrespondents consider exploitation ofboys. Overall, the results indicate andspeakingpubliclyaboutthesexualfunding, on theareas ofawareness raising, training, forservices sexual exploitation ofboys, focusing quality ofThaiGovernment andlaw enforcement providersService were asked to evaluate the Government Services Evaluation ofExisting Support 3 4 3 4 A E x Quality ofGovernment'sAc�vi�esrelated c S a e t r l a e l e k n n e e 3 1 1 3 t 4 3 8 9 to SexualExploita�onofChildren s 9 4 6 1 o s l

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s locations across Thailand. different ifdata were to be collected inother locations. Expectations wouldbesignificantly item, data was collected inthree majorurban It shouldbenoted that for thisandthefollowing considered by amajorityto beeitherpoororfair. although legal andreintegration services majority (37and47respondents respectively), perceived asbeingexcellent orgood by the of psychological were andmedical services work, responses were more varied. Availability reintegration support,inthesites where they related to medical, psychological, legal, and When asked abouttheavailability ofservices Availability ofServices excellent (28respondents). between poor/fair (36respondents) andgood/ perceptionsservice were more evenly split thirds believing itto bepoor/fair. Reintegration support was considered ofleast quality, withtwo considering itto bepoor/fair. Thequalityoflegal to beeitherexcellent/good, withtheremainder psychological support was perceived by two thirds excellent/good andalsofair/poor. Thequalityof (32) considered to themedical services be legal, andreintegration support. Equal numbers relatedof services to medical, psychological, Respondents were asked to consider thequality Quality ofServices 3 4 4 4 8 M M e 3 2 e 3 2 7 1 6 1 1 5 d 1 6 d i i c c a a l l E x ce E l A l x e ce n va P t l P s l e y s u n i y c l t a c a 2 3 1 3 1 o 9 2 1 1 2 l 0 7 6 o l b i o l t o g G i G y g i l o c o i i o a c o t o a d l d y l o S e F a s r i r e vi L L F r e 1 3 e 3 1 8 7 a 8 5 8 1 c 8 3 g vi g i r a a e P l o l c s o e r s P R o R o e r e i n i n t 2 3 e t 6 5 3 2 3 0 5 5 e g 1 3 g r a r a � � o o n n

29 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 30 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report community, withinfamilies, andtheindividual. of thesocialspectrum,includingwidersociety, complex, andinterlinked across thedomains have experienced sexual exploitation are multiple, consequences, andresulting needsofboys who 18 programming. and policy, andoften under-addressed insocial continues to beunder-recognised inlegislation to sexual exploitation, theimpactonboys Despite a growing awareness of male vulnerability Discussion ofSurvey Results as common barriers isareal concern. These andconfidentiality’ ‘engaging boys’ were named environments. For example, that ‘providing and thecreation ofsafe client-practitioner building relationships, fostering disclosure, being ableto connect andengage with boys, Respondents describe furtherchallenges around with regard to SOGIE-identifying children. children withinpractical scenarios,particularly workers’ abilityto identify sexual exploitation of The data findsnotable challenges infrontline setting. availability andprogrammes ofservices inthat the evidence indicates amore wide-ranging with thepossibleexception ofChiangMai,where evidence-based comprehensive programming, availableservices may indicate aneedfor more as observed above, therelatively limited range of throughout thethree research areas. However, the development ofprogramming for boys programming orwhat evidence informed The survey didnotexplore theoriginsofcurrent sexual exploitation and existing stakeholders. and focused collaboration withboys affected by research, evaluation of existing programmes, and invest inunderstanding local needthrough would benefit from drawing onthis evidence base provided. Thismay suggest that programmes which donotalways alignwiththeprogramming andawiderangeservices ofperceived needs, Data from thisstudy findsalimited range of exploitation. and thesupportneedsofboys affected by sexual response to address theprevention, protection, This requires acomprehensive andcoordinated 19 Mitchell,(2017). al., et K., methodological challenges. New York: UNICEF. United Nations Children’s Fund, (2020). Fund, Children’s Nations United to optimize future knowledge generation, 18 Thecauses, riskfactors, and

RethinkingResearch Sexualon Exploitation Boys: of Methodological challenges and recommendations

Child Abuse&Neglect,vol. 66,2017,pp.142−151. Research on the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Findings, ethical considerations and considerations ethical Findings, Boys: of Exploitation Sexual the on Research

order to assist boy victimsadequately, for boys. Previous studies have identified that in approach to thedevelopment ofprogramming a needfor acomprehensive evidence-based meet theexpressed needs.Thedata indicates material resources, strategies andresponses to with awillingnessto develop anddiversify staff, with careful listening andcontinues andlearning, for development. Incontrast, a needsfocus starts known needs,whichmay becritical components overlooks key, underutilized resources andlesser- be appliedto avariety ofat-risk groups, itoften and provide which can then a‘menu’ofservices practitioners to develop asimple set ofskills criteria. Whileleadingwithresources allows communities, provided by adifferent set of resources, whichare available across all reflect the existence ofaset of standardised Whereas being‘resource-led’ ismore likely to assessments, project evaluations and/or research. expressed needs andevidence, emerging from together to provide onthebasisof services individuals livingincommunities, working drawn from young people,practitioners, and development based onevidence ofservices vulnerabilities. Being‘needsled’allows for the with complex andoften overlapping needsand of critical importance, especiallyamongpeople opposed to needsled.Thisdistinction can be programming may bemore resource led,as provided suggests that thedevelopment of perceived needs/vulnerabilities andservices practice throughout Thailand,the gap between While there are clearexamples ofpromising knowledge andskillsdevelopment they need. starting from. They seemeager for access to the shortcomings whichisagood position to be the staff are aware ofthe capacity gaps/service exploitation andviolence.The responses indicate disclose vulnerabilities and experiences ofsexual boys andyoung menwhomay bereluctant to aid inunderstanding andconnecting with creation ofspecialised tools andtraining, to of staff andindividual capacities, andthe there issignificant need for thedevelopment in identifying vulnerability andengaging boys, or disclosure. Consideringthesechallenges, are fundamental conditions to help-seeking programmes coherent evidence-based approach to developing Globally, practitioners identify that they stilllacka 26 20 home andduringchildhood,aswell asconcerns overlapping. Extreme poverty andexperiences at expressed needsofboys are often complex and general are services widely available inallareas, two-thirds ofrespondents. Whilethesethree outreach similarlycommon amongnearly and sexual withcommunity healthservices, level ofcounselling andpsychosocial support All butninerespondents indicate providing some Gaps andoverlaps inservices lack acoherent evidence-based approach. practitioners have recognised that they still 23 22 21 25 24 the socialspectrum. complex, andinterlinked across thedomainsof (and therefore theneedsofboys) to bemultiple, causes, riskfactors, andconsequences ofSEC surrounding childprotection inThailand. great dealofthediscourse andprogramming and tourism contexts, whichoften consumes a itself, outsideofsexual exploitation withintravel and young menthat exists withinthecountry prevalence oflocal SEC perpetration against boys note thesefindingsalsounderscore the existing these potential influences, itisimportant to the COVID-19 pandemic(May-June 2020).Despite travel andtourism duringdata collection, due to finding may have beeninfluenced bychanges to nationals whoare unfamiliar to thechild.This past month are local Thaistrangers (58%)orThai- finds the vast majorityof exploiters withinthe by survey administrators. For instance, thestudy findings, though efforts to address this were taken potential impactsofthe COVID-19 pandemicon limitations section,itisalsoimportant tonote the In considering thesefindings,asnoted inthe receive thesupportthey need. role inidentifying boy victimsandensuring they working withvulnerable children play acrucial and coordinated response, providers thusservice and consequences requires acomprehensive The United Nations. (1989). (2014). sexual abuse victims in a clinical sample, (2016). Cohen, J. Sprangand G. J., Cole, Hilton, et al.(2008). A., methodological challenges. (2020). Fund, Children’s Nations United Ibid. Bernardos. ECPAT International.(2017). Ibid. Hidden in plain sight A scoping study into the sexual exploitation of boys and young men in the UK Policy briefing. 21 andresearch demonstrates the 22 Responding to theseneeds

“I Thought ItCouldNever Happento Boys”. New York: UNICEF.

Regional Overview: Sexual Exploitation ofChildren inSoutheast Asia Convention ontheRights oftheChild.

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 31, no. 1, 2016, pp. 122−146.; McNaughton, et al., The TraumaThe to victims CSE SexualCommercialExploitation of of of comparison A Youth: Research on the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Findings, ethical considerations and considerations ethical Findings, Boys: of Exploitation Sexual the on Research 20

with service providers.with service exploitation, whichisechoedinprimary research recognised vulnerability factor for sexual and exposure to pornography isacommonly a vital timeofthechild’s development. Access between “good touch” and“badtouch” during agency over hisown bodyandcan blurthe lines often a way of normalisingthe removal of a child’s frequency asthechildgrows, suchactionsare this usuallyhappensininfancy andreduces in home experiences askey vulnerability factors, Despite clearindication ofpoverty andchildhood and vulnerability isunclearfrom thedata. consideration, thelinkage between pornography While itisimportant to take thesepoints into to beaviolation ofthechild’s basicrights. suggestions shouldbe avoided and considered which theabuseofexploitation occurred. Such sexuality, could besuggested to bethereason for engagement withpornography, and/or theirown abused orexploited. Insuchscenarios,achild’s providers to blamechildren whohave been could beusedby parents, carers, orservice that achild’s accessto, anduseof, pornography pinching, orkissingaboy’spinching, genitals. often involves aparent orolder relative grabbing, communities throughout theMekong region and common practice inmany, particularly provincial, exposure to pornography. Genital touching isa in infancy, childhoodsexual abuse,andaccess/ childhood experiences includegenital touching vulnerability to sexual exploitation. Noted providers assignificantly increasing boys’ the Internet were highlyrecognised by service related to increased accessto technology and abuse. perpetrators ofchildsexual exploitation and and isacommon meansofgrooming usedby inappropriate for achild’s age anddevelopment a meansofnormalisingsexual engagement access to pornography at young ages can be providers shouldbe critically considered. Easy to sexual exploitation, thisbelief amongservice between accessto pornography andvulnerability does notelaborate onthespecific,perceived link

Treaty Series,1577, 3.

World Vision:PhnomPenh. 25 However, there isalsothepossibly 24 Whilethisstudy’s data

. ECPAT International: Bangkok. 23 While 26

London:

31 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 32 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 27 development within thiscontext. better understand thedynamicsofprogramme needs assessments andresearch are neededto and what evidence baseisused,more focused basis for theestablishment ofprogramming provision. Whilethisraises questions as to the to work, butthisisnotmatched by service money andstable employment to bekey barriers Similarly, providers’ service express needsfor least addressed provided. issuesamongservices Despite this,economic assistance isoneofthe support family members inprovincial areas. employment, andincome that issufficient to food aswell ashelpfinding andhousing, stable includes needsfor basicnecessitiessuchas have experienced sexual exploitation. This as amainvulnerability factor for boys who The needfor economic supportisidentified assistance programming Economic needversusalackofeconomic Bangkok andPattaya, respectively. of theirwork, incomparison to 11%and4%in the provision ofreferrals being astandard feature 73% ofrespondents from ChiangMaiindicating other organisations with for specialisedservices, are alsosignificantly more likely to refer cases to especially narrow. Respondents inChiangMai providedof services inBangkok andPattaya is support for parents andcaregivers, therange support, educational and vocational and training, emerging diversity suchas,legal ofservices While ChiangMaishows someexamples ofan to alesserextent, awareness raising. sexual community outreach, healthservices, and, including counselling/psychosocial support, providedthe services are largely very generic, experienced sexual exploitation. Despite this, commonly expressed needamongboys whohave support andsocial/relational needsasthemost providers. providers Service describeeconomic vulnerabilities described by socialservice for boys donotgreatly match theneedsand these factors. Inallareas, provided theservices programming focused addressing onservices few respondents indicate any involvement in Exploitation ofBoys: Findings, ethical considerations and methodological challenges. in Survival Sex. Survival in February). (2015, al. et M. Dank, Urban Institute; Edinburgh et al. (2015). al. et Edinburgh Institute; Urban Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged YWSW and YMSM, Youth,LGTBQ of Experiences York. New of Streets the Surviving

(See: United Nations Children’s Fund, (2020). Fund, Children’s Nations United (See: Chiang Mai). Bangkok, 4%inPattaya, andamuchhigher41% in forsupport services families andcaregivers (0%in 17% ofrespondents indicated theprovision of community members. However, overall, only indicating aneed to work closelywith family and communities, being asignificant risk factor, affection), which takes placein familiesand touching aboy’s genitals (asaform ofshowing number ofrespondents (73%)whoconsidered programming provided. Oneexample isthehigh and therefore notseemto beaddressed insocial a widerange ofvulnerabilities andrisk factors, of emerging research that clearlydemonstrates to besomewhat disconnected from thebody approach to addressing theirneeds,andappears seems to take alargely individualistic andnarrow boys andyoung menindicated inthisstudy However, themajorityofprogramming with exploitation, appears to beclear. protective factors andthe consequences of families to address risks, vulnerabilities, address homelessness. and spendingtimeonthe street, and youth relationships, children running away from home connection with families, poorparent-child violence, substance misuse,poverty, lackof providers.by service Riskfactors includefamily also highlight theneedfor ‘family engagement’ of exploitation across thesocialspectrum,and factors often overlap withthe consequences International research indicates how many risk identified children and youth. need for understanding andsupportingSOGIE- are nottheirfault, isnoted. Thislikely includesa understand that theirexperiences ofexploitation within theirfamilies, andtheneedfor relatives to Specifically, theneed for boys to beaccepted men whohave experienced sexual exploitation. being akey challenge amongboys andyoung connection withparents and ‘acceptance’, as Frontline providers service recognise alackof programming for families andcaregivers Social/relational needsversusalackof 27 Further, theneedto engage with

New York: UNICEF.

Research on the Sexual the on Research 28 services. awareness andconcern inwidersocialwelfare 27% inChiangMai),perhaps reflecting alackof relatively rare (0%inBangkok, 12%in Pattaya and children withdisabilitiesandtheir families, is (48), availability andinclusionofsupportfor affects vulnerability (5)or ‘somewhat’ ‘a lot’ and whiletheremaining 53either recognise it to beavulnerability factor by 11respondents, with oneormore disabilities,isnot considered reflected provision. inservice Parents living (14),or‘somewhat’ (30),thisisnot ‘a lot’ recognise disabilityasaffecting vulnerability and whiletheremaining respondents either multiple disabilitiesasavulnerability factor, or 31%,doconsider achildlivingwithoneor factors providers. amongservice One-in-three, be oneoftheleast considered vulnerability and exploitation, broadly seems to speaking, Disability anditspotential linkwithabuse programming for childrenwithdisabilities A relativeabsence ofawarenessand and inclusive approach inthat setting. recognition oftheneed for amore collaborative making referrals asacore suggesting service, a exception, with73%of respondents reporting and 8%inPattaya. ChiangMaiappears to bethe to meet diverse needs,withjust 11%inBangkok, providers whomay beableto provide services of organisations making referrals to otherservice There alsoappears, intwo settings, tobealack exploited and only 18% ‘strongly’ agree that Jay is a victim of sexual exploitation. Similarly, in this in Similarly, exploitation. sexual of victim a is Jay that agree ‘strongly’ 18% only and exploited been NOT has Jay that believe (52%) half than more scenario, this In gifts. and money for exchange in weekends on men older with sex gay, has as identifying old 15-year Jay,a scenario, later another In exploitation. committed has Jay believing 71% and victim a is Jeng believing 74% with exploitation whileundressing be filmed to sexualcommitted has Jeng, providersChai largelybelieve internet. Service the on video the postslater and relative, younger a 16-year-old pays Chai scenario, first the In to potential unconscious bias toward SOGIE-diverse youth. definitions of SEC providedin the survey, responses within this section raise some concern with regard less likely to perceive that the adults involved had committed sexual exploitation. Considering the clear and were children SOGIE-identified among exploitation of recognition and vulnerability of perception toscenarios comparison In diminished as a indicate providers transgender. service males, extent, who identifies lesser a to child and, heteronormative females with a and gay as identifies who boy a people. This is especially seen in the two hypothetical scenarios presented to serviceThere is a providers,clear challenge in identifying risk and vulnerability among SOGIE-diverse childrenfeaturing and young Chynoweth,(2017). S., United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees. Identification of sexual exploitation ofchildren among

“We Keep It in Our Heart”: Sexual violence against men and boys in the Syriacrisis. Sexualthe against boys in violence and men Heart”: “WeOur in KeepIt SOGIE-identified youth increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation. children withdisabilitiesare noted as facing disability andsexual exploitation islimited, Although focused research onthelinks between communities, educators, andotherauthorities. unnoticed andneglected providers, by service and rights ofchildren withdisabilities remaining previously identified, may resultintheneeds combined withthelimited referral pathways their individualneeds.Thelackofawareness, development ofresponses to accommodate to sexual exploitation andviolence, vulnerabilities ofchildren withdisabilities understanding oftheuniqueandincreased need for frontline workers to develop agreater The evidence from thisstudy indicates the greater riskofabusethandisabledgirls. that suggests that disabledboys may beat are inconsistent, althoughthere issomeevidence on therelationship between disabilityandabuse Research findings exploring theimpactof gender duetoservices, thestigma surrounding disability. accessing childprotection, anda range ofother and theirfamilies, alsoface significant barriers without adisability. Children withdisabilities all forms ofchildabuse,compared to children and neglect,at asignificantly higherriskof disabilities are at anincreased riskofabuse increasing awareness that children with International research consistently indicates

Geneva: Office of the of Geneva:Office 28

33 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 34 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 29 scenarios. Similarly, oftheseven peoplewho gay ortransgender children withinthegiven were alsounableto identify vulnerability among that nearly two-thirds of transgender respondents noted inthebox above, itisinteresting to note vulnerability toward gay andtransgender children Considering thediminishedperception of children. providers’ abilityto meet theneedsofsome implications for everyday practice andservice to recognise vulnerability, whichhaspotential scenarios, respondents seemto belesslikely these categories are translated into practical strong awareness ofchildvulnerability, butwhen ‘sexual exploitation’ there seems to bea relatively Notably, whenprovided categorical definitions of actively engagingintheir own exploitation Unconscious biasesagainst children facilitator of the crime) is illegal in most of its forms, regardless of age of sexual consent laws, as laws, consent sexual of detailed later inthelegal analysis chapter.age of regardless forms, its of most in illegal is crime) the of facilitator the and/or directly victim child the and offender an betweenexchange an involves (which children of exploitation sexual that knowledge poor indicates However,that Thailand. in age of years 16 is sex for consent of age the that understanding within question this answering are respondents that possibility is the There concerns. protection child raise fewer exploitative and less be transaction to this assume to seem respondents and grades, poor about information sharing not for exchange in favours sexual ‘offering’ as described is student transgender,the or gay being as presented not in see Thep as a victim, and only 25% believe the teacher has committed sexual exploitation. While Thep 17-year-old Thep in exchange for not reporting poor grades. In this scenario, only 31% of respondents totheir own exploitation. a which in thescenario seenin is This teacher accepts sexual favours from to have sex with the adults in exchange for money, even though children cannot ever actually consent It is also possible that some confusion has arisen due to a perception that the children are ‘choosing’ agency ontheirpart. sexually active or ‘promiscuous’, and thus payment to have sex with adults assumes a greater deal of originate from the (often unhelpful) assumption that gay and transgender youth are ‘naturally’ more of the sexual exploitation of children, it is possible that the reduced perception of vulnerability could examples definitive featuring scenarios both Despite orientation. sexual and gender toregard with assumptions regressive and/or biases potential to regard with concern significant some raises This scenarios. two these within exploitation sexual identify to unable are respondents of half Roughly money. forexploitation hasoccurred. exchange in that agree women ‘strongly’ 14% only and and exploitation experienced men NOT has Dtee with that believe half sex Nearly has with Dtee struggles survive, and to home order at discrimination In to homelessness. due city unfamiliar an to moves who 17-year-old, a transgender Dtee, presents, scenario Another exploitative. as scenario this identify to likely least being Pattaya and Bangkok in respondents with exploitation, committed have men’ ‘the that agree study onthevulnerabilities oftransgender sex workers inthesex industry inBangkok, Thailand. Love146: Phnom Penh.; Davis, J., Lippman, H., Morrison, T.,Morrison, Penh.;H., Love146:Davis,Phnom Lippman, J., G. Miles, & Z., Miles, Davis, J., Quinley, J., Miles, G. (2014).

More than Gender: A Baseline Study of Transgender Persons in the Phnom Penh Sex Industry. implications of subconscious biases,assumptions, focused research ontheexistence, impacts,and this underscores a significant need for more insufficient to draw conclusionsonthesefindings, SOGIE identification. While data in this data is that sexually exploitive experiences are apartof of sexual violence,andto someextent, beliefs these studies indicate significant normalisation cultures themselves. Transgender youth in about vulnerability withindiverse SOGIEsub- Penh transgender sex workers inBangkok andPhnom and young people.Previous research on activities among gay and transgender children potential ‘normalisation’ of sexually exploitative within diverse SOGIEcommunities, includingthe similar unconscious biasesandassumptions There isspace here to note theexistence of vulnerability, four are transgender themselves. cite that being gay ortransgender doesnotaffect 29 findsnotable influences andassumptions (2016).

“Same-Same, but different”: A baseline different”: A but “Same-Same,

Love146: PhnomPenh.

child’s acquiescence to theirsexual demands.” existing imbalances ofpower to prompt the because theperpetrator takes advantage of children cannot beconsidered asconsensual 32 31 30 consent to theirown exploitation by anadult. Regardless ofthecircumstances, nochildcan ever if they donotcomply. other influences, or fearful ofwhat might happen to make achoice,andthat thechildisnotunder there are othermeaningfulchoices,thecapacity it might appear. Indeed, consent requires that engagement’ isoften muchless ofa ‘choice’ than of complex nuancesat play, andthis‘active circumstances. However, there are arange and therefore somewhat responsible for the children asexercising agency intheseinstances own exploitation. Perceptions may seethe ultimately amounts to actively engaging intheir inexchangingengaging’ sex for money –what made whenchildren are seento be‘actively This findingalignswith common assumptions further exploration and attention. boys are concerned, islimited, andrequires dynamics withinexploitation scenarioswhere integrate legal definitions, and/or analyse power that for somerespondents, theircapacity to not consider himto beexploited. Thissuggests this report). Despite this,46%ofthesampledid offences inthecriminal code (seelegal chapter of authority over achildare considered aggravated current Thailaw where crimesby aperson in over thechild.Thisisalsoreflected assuchin of himbeinginapositionpower andauthority compounded withtheaggravating circumstance due to theexploitative intentions ofthe teacher, considered assexual exploitation ofchildren be considered statutory rape, butthiscould be Thep, heisover theage ofconsent, sothiscannot from theirown understanding. Inthecase of providers,of service appearto differ significantly recognised instruments), for asignificant number provided inthesurvey (basedoninternationally The evidence suggests that thedefinitions of SEC providers.service both heteronormative andnon-heteronormative and thenormalisation ofsexual violenceamong Abuse &Neglect V.Josenhans, (2019). ECPAT International. (2020).Summary Paper –Sexual Exploitation ofChildren in Prostitution. (forthcoming publication). Abuse &Neglect. Josenhans, V.Josenhans, (2019).

Gender, rights and responsibilities: The need for a global analysis of the sexual exploitation of boys. of exploitation sexual the of analysis global a for need The responsibilities: Gender,and rights boys. of exploitation sexual the of analysis global a for need The responsibilities: Gender,and rights “ Sexual exploitation of 31 30

the gender sensitivity of support services the gender sensitivityofsupportservices Theneedtoand delivery ofservices. improve inthedevelopmentto gender ‘insensitivity’ assumptions about gender andsexuality, leading biases provided by existing, regressive cultural be more likely to default to theseunconscious through a‘gender lens’, providers service may with boys, focusing onanalysis ofvulnerability In contexts where nospecifictraining for working conscious ofmay includethefollowing: youth, someofthepotential biases to be factors. Withregard to boys andSOGIE-identified and attitudes -or combination ofall ofthese agency, age, power dynamics,traditional beliefs gender, gender norms,sexual identity, perceived against victimsof exploitation whether basedon understanding ofpotential unconscious bias There isaclearneedfor greater awareness and judgement with theboys,” andthusare more likely to place a trueunderstanding oftheproblems that occur One respondent notes somesocialworkers “lack it beingauniquechallenge inworking withboys. a general issuefor socialworkers, inaddition to context. providers Service indicate feeling thisis understanding thenuancesofchild’s case and results inlimited disclosures, anddifficultiesin a senseoftrust andsafety amongboys, which consistently express challenges in cultivating Across anumberofquestions, providers service barriersforService boys identification,service and provision. sexual exploitation hasbeennoted in relation to institutions tomeet theneedsof boy victimsof

If aboy is a druguser, heisnotavictim. kid’, heisnotavictim. If aboy isrebellious orconsidered a‘bad he isnotavictim. If aboy isgay andtheperpetrator isaman, sexually, heisnotavictim. If aboy is‘promiscuous’ oractsout active inthesexual act,heisnotavictim. If aboy isoffering sex, orperceived to be 32 and Child

Child

35 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 36 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 35 34 33 violence andexploitation. he perceives himselfto bevulnerable to sexual applies to himself, aswell astheextent to which understanding ofconsent and agency that a boy identification cansignificantly impactthe Regressive assumptions aboutmasculine of achild’s self-identity within their gender. same assumptions also inform the construction providers,unconscious biasesofservice these While gendered assumptions may impactthe of sexual exploitation have been recognised. developing rapport amongyoung malevictims The uniquechallenges inaddressing needand biases aiddisclosure inany way. providerservice andclient, itisunlikely that such a perceived lackoftrust andrapport between not preclude unconscious biasto bethebasisfor heteronormative youth. Whilethesefindingsdo or transgender children, incomparison to or vulnerability to exploitation among gay and were lesslikely to perceive exploitation unconscious biastoward SOGIE-identified youth frontline providers service demonstrate potential children. Asindicated, asignificant portionof with transgender orgender non-conforming working withgay orbisexual boys, aswell as This may beofparticular concern when become normalized asapartoftheirlives. remain silent, allowing abuseto continue and providerservice expresses fear that boys will providers ismost commonly expressed. One and capacity buildingfor frontline service support boys, theneedfor training, awareness, about what key resources neededto better boys, aswell asgaps intraining. Whenasked understanding ofengaging andworking with and barriers provider’s inservice capacity and or blameontheboy. Others describegaps normalized, scary.” whichisvery to continually cycle,until itbecomes differently. [This]allows theabuse and peoplewillchooseto treatthem it istold, they willbestigmatised, the truthbecause they thinkthatonce “It isdifficult to get children to reveal Philippines. Terre desHommes-Netherlands: PhnomPenh. and Learning Boys. of Assessment Report, Training Abuse Needs SexualExploitation and The Gap: the Bridging (2018). A. Hilton, of thesexual exploitation ofboys”, V.,Wekerle,press).Josenhans, & (in S. C. Kavenagh,Smith, M., Development Goals. Heise, et al. (2019).

Measuring psychological abuse by intimate partners: Constructing a cross-cultural indicator for the Sustainable

Child Abuse&Neglect. change. to establishing astrong foundation for lasting gaps andneedscan meaningfullycontribute ‘voice’ inrelation to theirlived experiences, affected by sexual exploitation, to ensure their close collaboration withboys and young men learning materials shouldideallytake placein should bepromoted. Thedevelopment of the development ofevidence-based programmes and review andevaluation ofprojects -linked to support plansandcase management processes, assessments, andthedevelopment offlexible addition, tools for undertaking comprehensive relationships, to enableand foster disclosure. In with boys/families, andestablishing safe to understanding riskandvulnerability, engaging Training shouldalsoincludecomponents related masculinity, gender normsandsexual identity. cultural beliefs related to abuseandexploitation, gender lensto address underlyingsocialand curriculum for providers, service applyinga comprehensive awareness raising andtraining This research indicates that there isaneedfor a ability to seekcare. boys’ help-seekingbehaviours, limitingtheir Gender andmasculinitynormsalsoconstrain to disclose, seeking amongboys. Further, boys are lesslikely development ofnegative attitudes toward help- research inothersettings. of psychological support,echoingfindingsfrom disclose abuse/exploitation, andtheprovision relationships, creating the conditions for boys to engaging withboys, establishing safe andtrusting Specific challenges providersfor service include providing providers. it,includingservice protection andsupportthose responsible for may result ina‘gap’ between boys whoneed in additionalblameor stigma toward boys. This ‘delinquent’ or‘problematic’ behaviour, resulting distress, providers whichservice may seeas Gender, rights and responsibilities: the need for a global analysis global a Gender, need for the responsibilities: and rights 34 andmay often externalise their 33 Thiscontributes to the 35 39 37 36 to themselves, andrefuse to seekinformation.” “unable to accept thetruthaboutwhat happened experiencing are notsevere” andthat they are that “Children thinkthat theissuesthey are was noted, withrespondents commenting shame and‘normalisation’ ofthe exploitation material needs(15)andfamily issues(10)while Other responses includedproblems related to injuries. the exploitation process, leading to physical commonly experience physical violenceduring abuse ofmales.Globaldata suggests that boys in otherglobalresearch focusing onthesexual intimidation were also common,echoingfindings and coercion, alongsidemanipulation and molested, andbeingbullied.Useofforce 29%), includingphysical assault,rape, being responses related to physical violence(19or problems’ faced by boys. Themost significant Respondents identified a range of‘most serious exploitation Issues related to theexperience ofsexual 38 Hilton, et al. (2008). of thesexual exploitation ofboys”, Mens Health, 12(2): 189–201.; Hay, et al. (2019). Donne M, etM, Donne al., (2018).Barriers to and Facilitators BehaviorHelp-Seeking of SexualExperience Who Men Among Violence. Commissioner, London. to masculinenormsandmental health-related outcomes. eeoiz S, t l, (2012). al., et S., Berelowitz, Josenhans, V.,Josenhans, Wekerle,press).& (in S. C. Kavenagh,Smith, M., 36

I Thought ItCouldNever HappentoBoys .

I huh I a te ny n. h Ol Oe n h World”. the in One Only The One. Only the Was I Thought “I

Child Abuse&Neglect.

Wong, Y. J.,et al., (2017).

Journal ofCounselingPsychology, 64(1),80–93.

World Vision:PhnomPenh.

silent. perpetrator’s threats render themajorityofboys and familial andpeerrejection; and fear ofthe in exchange for sex; fear oftheattitudes ofothers shame for receiving gifts,money for privileges for shame for failing to prevent theabuse;guiltand feelings ofguiltfor experiencing pleasure and as ‘gay’, feminine andapotential perpetrator, of negative consequences includebeingseen and concerns that noonewillbelieve them;fear embarrassment, notwanting to get into trouble, Non-disclosure related to shame,fear, norms’. dueto ‘hegemonichelp seeking, masculinity more likely to develop negative attitudes towards help-seeking behaviours, includingboys being perceptions ofmasculinitymay influence their Multiple research studies illustrate that boys’ main reason for notaccessingsupportservices. self-perception ofsexual victimisation, wasthe VAC surveys whichidentified that boys’ lackof Gender, rights and responsibilities: the need for a global analysis global a Gender, need for the responsibilities: and rights 39 37 Meta-analyses of the relationship between conformity Thisissupported by data from global

London: Office of the Children’s of Office London:

Am J Am 38

37 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 38 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 41 40 identified their genderasmale(11) identities. That said,most youthinoursample encouraged to usewhatever terms best fittheir identities toselect from, andparticipants were people withapredetermined list ofgender Field researchers didnotpresent theyoung Gender living situations andfinancialdebts. respondents, aswell astheireducation, current and socioeconomic characteristics ofthe youth In thissection, we describethedemographic Sample Demographics and theirinteractions withlaw enforcement. their experiences withviolenceandvictimisation, needs andexperiences providers, withservice benefits. We alsodescribethe youths’ service peer network, andtheirself-reported risks and sex for money and/or material goods withintheir why they first exchanged sex, whoalso exchanged what theirlives were like growing up,how and in thesex trade. Youths were asked to describe experiences withandperceptions ofengaging money, aswell asanoverview oftheseyouths’ in ChiangMaiandBangkok, predominantly for lead SOGIE-diverse youth into exchanging sex overview ofthecharacteristics andpathways that This chapter primarilyfocuses onproviding an Researchers andadvocates have found that a of youth andadultstrading sex inThailand. make up animportant partofthepopulation Transgender youth, whichincludesthird-gender, alternative.” and oneperson identified as “gender ofthe (6). Two individualsidentified as transwoman SEX YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE EXCHANGING INTERVIEWS WITH SOGIE IDENTIFYING Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and National Coalition for the Homeless; Walls, N. Eugene, and Stephanie Bell. 2011. Task Bell. Lesbian Stephanie and GayN. and Eugene, Homeless; the Walls, Force Coalition National Policy for Institute and Correlates ofEngaging inSurvival Sex amongHomelessYouth andYoung Adults. ubr i prnhss ee t te ubr f epe nt ecnae f epe Gvn h sal ape ie reporting size, sample small the 2006. Nicholas. Given Ray, people. of percentage not people, of percentages didnotmake sense. number the to refer parentheses in Numbers

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of Homelessness. of Epidemic An Youth:Transgender and Bisexual Gay, Lesbian, 40 orladyboy criteria. in theinterviews met thestudy’s diverse SOGIE and women.” Alloftherespondents included One person stated that they had“sex withmen identified asbisexual and3identified as straight. gay (6)or“have sex withmen”(5);3respondents of theyouth identified their sexual orientation as specifically identify inthat way. That said, most a labelontheirsexual orientation ifthey didn’t bisexual orstraight. We didnotwant to place attracted to, althoughsomedididentify as gay, sex with,asopposedto whothey were sexually the responses focused more onwhothey had question askingaboutsexual orientation, and researchers andparticipants misunderstood the confusing. Thefindings confirmed that boththe lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, etc.) was foreign and that theconcept ofsexual orientation (e.g. gay, the field staff onSOGIE related issues,they found When theUSbasedresearchers were training Sexual orientation non-transgender youth. more frequently involved inthesex trade than sex at somepoint, andthat transgender youth are large numberoftransgender youth have traded respondents were from outsideofThailand. Lumphun, andChiangMai(4).Noneofthe Udon Thani(2),ChiangMaiprovince, Nan, Pichit, UbonRatchathani, NakhonRatchasima, Phet, Prachin Buri,Sakon Nakhon,Sukhothai, came from were: Phare, BuriRam(3),Kamphaeng minorities. Theprovinces where the respondents originally from ChiangMaicity. Two were ethnic provinces withinThailand,andonlyfour were The vast majorityofrespondents came from rural Home province Journal ofSex Research, 48(5)423–36. 41

Washington, DC: National DC: Washington,

42 Relationship Status extended relatives. living withagirlfriend;andonewas livingwith a sibling;onewas livingwithfriends;onewas were livingwiththeirparents; 3were livingwith stated that they were livingontheirown; 5 was at thetimeofinterview, 6participants When asked what theircurrent livingsituation Current Living Situation decided to drop outofschool. reason why one17-year oldmalefrom Sukhothai violence inthehome.Thislast point was the interested inschool,andfamilial instability and money to continue theireducation, notbeing out ofschool,whichincludednothaving the college. Several reasons were given for dropping completed highschool,three completed some continue theireducation. Seven participants people graduated middleschoolanddidnot education upthrough middleschool.Nine young All oftheyouth hadat aminimumformal Education looking for workto do.(Respondent 19) So Idecidedto dropoutofschoolandwas was injail.Mymommoved to ChiangMai. parents werealwaysfighting. Finally, mydad School my GPA wastheworst because my my GPA.was 3.WhenIwasinTechnical around 3-3.5.WhenIwasinmiddleschool, school,[Ihada]pretty goodGPA,in primary at SukhothaiTechnical college. WhenIwas Well Igraduated withavocational certificate engaging insex work. never beinarelationship aslongthey were person explained why they felt that they could relationship for a couple of weeks. One young one ofthoseindividualshadonlybeeninthe they were currently seeingsomeone,and time oftheinterview. Onlythree youth said that they were notinarelationship at the The vast majorityofrespondents reported Kirk Dombrowski, and Bilal Khan. 2008. Khan. Bilal and Dombrowski, Kirk House CovenantYouth of the by Experienced As Chicago: YWEP. Resistance. and Resilience of Study Research Action Participatory Heal—A and Back Fight toEconomy Street Trade and Sex the (YoungWomen’s Empowerment Project). 2009. and Tharaken, Maya Nolan, C. Theresa Amanda S. Richtie. Nish, 2009. David Willis, Brian Smolenski, Carol Gostnell, Karla Viorst, Marya Gwadz, Justice; Population in New York City: Size, Characteristics, and Needs. and Characteristics, Size, City: New York in Population in Survival Sex. Survival in Dank, M. et al. (2015, February). (2015, al. et M. Dank,

Urban Institute; Bigelsen, Jayne, and Stefanie Vuotto. 2013. Stefanie Vuotto. and Jayne, Bigelsen, Institute; Urban The Initiation of Homeless Youth into the Street Economy.

Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged YWSW and YMSM, Youth,LGTBQ of Experiences York. New of Streets the Surviving

The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in New York City, Volume 1: The CSEC The 1: City, Volume York New in Children of Exploitation Sexual Commercial The

Girls Do WhatDo Girls TheyHave to toDo Illuminating Survive: Methods in Used Girls by New York. New York: Covenant House; Curtis, Ric, Karen Karen Ric, Curtis, York.Terry,York: Dank, House; NewNewCovenant Meredith

Submitted to the National Institute of Justice, US Department of USDepartment of Justice, Institute National the to Submitted Prachin Buri) 2, 22-year-old genderofthealternative from and youhaveto take responsibility.” (Respondent have less income, but the expense is still the same, person stated, transportation) andschoolloans.Asone young instalment plans,dailyexpenses food (e.g. and for avariety ofexpenses, including:motorcycle friends orfamily. Theyouth borrowed money baht. Most ofthemoney was borrowed from 500 baht whereas others owed several thousand to someoneorhaddebt. Someowed aslittle Nine respondents stated that they owed money Money Debt abuse, neglectandviolence. involved inthesex trade trace backto familial pull factors asto why andhow young peopleget Past studies have shown that many ofthepush/ Familial relationships experiences. they could go to for supportandtheirfirst job experiences runningaway from home,who friends andcommunity, aswell astheir respondents’ relationships withtheir family, In thissection, we describethe youth Childhood Upbringing like withtheirfamily, friendsand community like, specifically what their relationships were asked to describe what theirchildhoodswere Udon Thani) (Respondent 13,24-year-old, gaymalefrom to know they wouldnotbeokwithit.– tell themaboutmy workandifthey were Respondent: you do? could accept youasare?Whatwould Interviewer: Whatifyoumet someonewho job Ihave. don’t want to lieto themaboutwhatkindof that Ido, Ican’t take itseriouslybecause I Respondent: Because ofthiskindwork

Homelessness, Survival Sex and Human Trafficking:Human and Sex Survival Homelessness,

Journal of Adolescence; 32 (2): 357–77; YWEP “Because youknow sometimes you Idon’tknow butIamafraidto 42 Respondents were

39 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 40 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report homosexual. specifically attributes this experience toherbeing around theage of6by aneighbour, andshe into adulthood.Shewas alsosexually abused violence inthehome,whichcarried over she grew upvery poor, andexperienced domestic traumatic upbringing.Asshedescribesbelow, transwoman from ChiangMaihadaparticularly abusive to loving andaccepting. One23-year-old with theirfamilies ranged from violent and most partfinanciallypoorandtheir relationships Overall, respondents’ upbringingswere for the expression. to theirsexual orientation, gender identity and rejection, violenceorabusethey experienced due probe furtheriftherespondents mentioned any growing up.Field interviewers were trained to always hadarguments over issueslike had to sharefood We andeverything. Respondent: Yes, itwasabigfamily. We many peopleinyourfamily. Interviewer: takes to get meoutofthatplace. left. Ichose to leaveanddowhatever it uncomfortable staying home.Thisiswhy I and my dadarealcohol addicted. Ifeel Respondent: Itisn’tgood.Myoldersister with yourfamily [now]? Interviewer: doing massageto raisemoney. relying onmyself since then.Ihavebeen home intheyear2543[2000].Ihavebeen home to workto supportmyself. Ileft It wasapushfactor for meto leave sensitive. Ididn’twantvery to stay home. My parents usuallyhadarguments. Iwas There wasdomestic violence in my family. experience. homosexual because ofmy previous saw himaround.Irealized thatIbecame remember it.Many yearslater, Istill I hadnoideawhatitwasbutstill He usedsomething to rubonmy body. was 6or7.Itoo youngto understand. things to me.Ididn’tknow whatitwas.I usually came to visitandhetriedto do visit my parents. Therewasamanwho who workatthefactory usuallycame to close to abakery factory. Several people sexual orientation. I lived in the community had shorthair. Ididn’trealize my actual Respondent: WhenIwas6yearsold, It seemslike therewere How isyourrelationship families inhercommunity experienced. a coping mechanismorsomething that alotof unclear ifthenormalisation oftheabuse was felt that most families experienced abuse.Itwas violence appeared to besonormalisedthat she abuse onceshecame outasaladyboy. The for years, onlyto thenfall victim to her father’s her alcoholic father physically abusehermother One 22-year-old ladyboy from Buri Ram witnessed you beingaladyboy? Interviewer: How muchdidyourdaddislike But my momsaidI can bewhatIwant. Respondent: relationship withyourdad? Interviewer: Doyouhaveagood instinct to help my mom. cried alot.Iwaskidanditmy natural Respondent: saw yourdadphysically abuseyourmom? Interviewer: Whatdidyoudowhen happens withmost families. is normalfor afamily to fight. Ithinkit unhealthy family issues,Ithinkthatit Respondent: think youhaveunhealthy family issues? remember it?From whathappeneddoyou happening withthem.Doyoustill Interviewer: Soyousawwhatwas he beatupmy mom. Respondent: Yes, my dadusedto drink and that happenedbetween them? divorce probablycame fromabigproblem Interviewer: Sothereasonfor yourparents’ remember. Respondent: got divorced? Interviewer: How oldwereyouwhenthey Respondent: Where arethey? Interviewer: How aboutyourparents? (Respondent 7) what to dosoIgotajobdoingmassage. left, Ididn’thave any income. Ididn’tknow electricity, utilitiesandsupplies.WhenI Mydaddoesn’tlike ladyboys. Well Ihelped my mom.She Idonotthinkthathave Since Iwaslittle, can’t Myparents gotdivorced. send money home. an opportunityto make a higherwage there and Chiang MaiandBangkok since there was more of poverty was ahuge pushfactor to seekwork in quotes above, inaddition to the following quotes, 43 exploitative work situations. to why individualsare forced orcoerced into of themainreasons, ifnotthemainreason, as across theglobehave identified poverty asone Studies onsexual exploitation andtrafficking upbringings. andhealthychildhoods. Somedescribedloving Not alloftherespondents hadabusive Interviewer: How? Respondent: your family? Interviewer: How isyourrelationship with alternative fromPrachinBuri) (Respondent 2,22-year-old genderofthe Respondent: Interviewer: Isitahappy life? mom anddadonesibling. Respondent: your family? Interviewer: How isyourrelationshipwith would actoutonit.(Respondent 14) anything butwhenhegotdrunk but hedislikes it,buthewouldnotsay ladyboys anyway. Mydadisnotcontrolling Respondent: to stop beingaladyboy? you or abuse wasbecause hewanted to punish Interviewer: Doyouthinkthephysical when hewasdrunk. like adifferent personfromwhohewas Respondent: Whenhewasn’tdrunkwas because oftheintoxication? abuse whenyourdadwasdrunk Interviewer: Doyouthinkthephysical would get physical andbeat meup. Respondent: exploitation ofchildren. March). ECPAT (2016, International. It’s notaperfect family. Yes, it’s ahappy life. We stay together. Ihaveboth It’s notthat.Buthedoesn’tlike Whenmy dadwoulddrinkhe 43. because hewanted you 43 Asindicated inthe Power, Impunity and Anonymity. Understanding the forces driving the demand for sexual for demand the driving forces the UnderstandingAnonymity. and Power,Impunity the home: home, butfelt freest whenthey were outsideof gender role expected ofthemwhenthey were at parents. Asaresult, they were forced to play the young person describes,butnever from their acceptance amongtheirpeers, asthefollowing identity and expression. Someofthe youth found when they were younger dueto theirgender more likely to have experienced familial rejection Respondents whoidentified asladyboys were for jobs atbarsand karaoke places. Right life. So, after I graduated, Iwaslooking with friendsatnight club.Ipreferred night don’t like to study. Iwanted to gohangout find jobs to doafter Igraduated, because I graduated middleschool.Ithought Iwould when Idecidedto continue studying until I until the teacher told my family. Sothat’s with my friends.Istarted to skipclasses like agirl.Iliked to spendmost ofmy time often because hedidn’twant me to dress [me]. Iusedto arguewithmy dadvery siblings. I’m afraidmy family won’taccept only boy inmy family, andIdon’thave any want my dadto know aboutit.Iamthe I wanted to beatschoolbecause Ididn’t of them.Ihadto domake upand bewho fact thatIwanted to beagirlbutnotall my family membersstarted to accept the When Iwasinmiddleschool,someof preferred playingwithdolls. and Icouldn’t doitbecause Idon’tlike it.I taught me how to use a gun, how to gamble often.very He taught me to beaman.He time, Iwashavingarguments with my dad my house,sometimes atschool. At that my family. Ihadto dresslike agirloutside secretly dresslike agirl.Inever showed itto couldn’t accept iteither. After thatIhad to where Iwaslivingatthattime,they couldn’t accept it,aswellthecommunity girl. Ididn’twant to beaboy. Andmy family it was,Ihadafeeling thatIwanted to bea school,notexactlyprimary surewhatgrade As far asIcan remember, whenIwasin Phet) gender ofthealternative from Kamphaeng the money also.(Respondent 3,21-year-old have to goto workfor otherpeopleto get parents borrow people’s money andthey farmers wedidn’tmake alotofincome. My the financialsituationandbecause weare Respondent: Itisnotperfect because of

41 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 42 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report As one23-year-old ladyboy from BuriRam people self-harming andto suicidalideation. In somecases, familial rejection led to the young finally was able to becloser to her family. her family that shecould take care ofherself, she running away from home,andthenproving to her dadwas unableto show hislove. After identity. The respondent believed it was because came around, butherdadtook time to accept her and expression was herbrother. Hermomquickly first person whoaccepted her gender identity identified inthe interview) explainedthat the One ladyboy from UbonRatchatani (age was not care ofmyself. (Respondent 16) from homeandnow they seethatIcan take or asked for their supportsince Iranaway many family issues.Inever contacted them time thatIranawaybecause therewereso them since Iwaseighteen andduringthat care ofmyself. Because Imoved outfrom parents andshowed themthatIcan take grown upandIhaveproved myself to my Respondent: Somuchbetter. Iamalready kid? to compared to before whenyouwerea Interviewer: How isyourfamily doingnow how to show hislove orhow to reactto me. doesn’t love mebutbecause hedidn’tknow understood him more,it’s notbecause he was bornto beaboy butwhenIgrew upI but for my daditwashard.Hethought I hard for them.For my momitwaseasy needs to accept thewayyouareandit’s important andthey arethefirst inlinewho Respondent: understood you more,right? Interviewer: Astimewent by they probably me astheirdaughter. my sister”, andeven my parents now accept I am.Even withhisfriendshesaid“thisis just notgetting along,he accepted theway Even whenwewerefighting over toys or because my brothernever makes funofme. Respondent: when youtold himyouarealadyboy? Interviewer: How didyourbrotherfeel transwoman fromChiangMai) happy aboutit.(Respondent 9,21-year-old then Ibecame like this,my daddoesn’tfeel accept thatIamgay. Iwasbornmaleand now my family still doesnot completely

Yes, andfamily isvery I thinkhavegoodluck orientation and gender expression andidentity. growing upwere thefirst to accept theirsexual Most oftherespondents stated that theirpeers Friendships care ofherself, hermotherfinallyaccepted her. once sheleft her provedfamily and she could take was nooneshe could go to for support.However, she was often teased by her cousins andthere emotional abusefrom hermother. Inaddition, she experienced, butrather years ofguiltand described, itwasn’t overt familial rejection (Respondent 4) just don’tdodrugsandthatmademecry. or whatyoudo, just dogoodandplease my momsaid nomatter who youbecome ladyboy. waswhen Whatmade mecry honest withthemthatIhave become a with my family good. Iamjust isvery Respondent: your relationshipwith family now? Interviewer: come to workinBangkok. school. AndIasked my parents ifIcould and thatwasthereasonIhadto quit middle school,my family washavingissues with my studies. ButwhenIgraduated from met good friends,by thattimeIwasvery Respondent: Interviewer: to commit suicideatthattime. Respondent: Interviewer: girls, thingslike that. like men,andnotgoto playwiththe always tell methatIhaveto becalled “Sir” Andwill fun ofme,calling me“Ladyboy” me ismy aunt’s children.They liked to make the thingthatmost frustrated meandhurt Because my entire family areallboys. But before bed,thatpleasedon’tbealadyboy. my mom,shesaysitallthetime, even dad didnotreallysayanything muchbut accept meatallespeciallymy mom.My found outthatI’m like thisthey could not Respondent: childhood. with whatyoucan rememberabout your bit aboutyourbackground? You can start Interviewer: Canyoupleasetell usalittle

Right now, my relationship tellCan youplease usabout When Iwent to schoolandI How didyouovercome that? I feltI even hurtand wanted How didyoufeel atthattime? The first timethat my family community attitude. community, whichcould explain thechange in identifies and presents asa womaninher new the community she grew upin,whereas shenow This could bebecause sheidentified asa boy in experience from thecommunity shegrew upin. by hercurrent neighbours, whichisadifferent One young transwoman person felt excluded the communities they were currently livingin. they didn’tnecessarilyfeel that was thecase in their neighbourhoodsgrowing up,whereas they were treated well by individualsfrom Overall, theyouth respondents stated that Community Relationships who more readily accepted themthantheboys. trans gravitated to friendships withothergirls struggles. Thosewhoidentified asaladyboy or they were, andsupported themduringfamilial of afew friendswhoaccepted themfor who they hadat aminimumtrust circle madeup Even ifthey didn’thave alarge group offriends, shy. Back thenIhadshorthair. Iacted and distance myself frompeoplebecause I’m with my community backthen. Now I Respondent: with yourcommunity inthepast andnow? Interviewer: from NakhonRatchasima) like them.Nope.(Respondent 15,ladyboy they did.Icouldn’t playwiththemor them. Ididn’tplayroughoruseviolence like Respondent: you feel like youareone ofthem? Interviewer: girly things,since Iwasinkindergarten. woman. Iwouldjust playlike they did,like me intheirgroups andthey sawmeasa Respondent: any issueswiththem? Interviewer: separated myself fromthem. that andthenIgot they wouldmake“Ladyboy” funatmelike make funofme.They usedto call me were mostly withtheguys,they liked to Respondent: your friends? Interviewer:

No, Idon’tfeel like Iamoneof When boys come nearyou,do Girls wereokay, they accepted Howhave you Did girls? about myThe issueswith friends Did youhaveany issueswith I hadabetter relationship How relationship wasyour upset atthemand

described thespecialrelationship hehadwithhis family members orfriends.Oneyoung person or neededto talk. These individualswere often people they could go to ifthey hadany problems sort ofsupportsystem intheir life. These were The majorityoftheyouth respondents hadsome Support System despite knowing that heidentifies as gay. a supportive community backhomeinLumphun Another 23-year oldgay maledescribedhaving We get well.(Respondent alongvery 8) overall. Ialsohavenew friendsinthisarea. back inmy hometown. Anyway, itisok I wouldbemorecomfortable withpeople close to thembecause Ididn’tgrow uphere. Respondent: community inSanpathong? Interviewer: danger. of me.They don’tseemeasa They aren’tafraidto take offclothesinfront know thatI’m gay. They still treatmewell. They treatmeasifI’m astraight man.They friends treatmewell.They don’tbullyme. Respondent: Lumphun? your community backinyourhometown in Interviewer: from ChiangMai) (Respondent 7,23-year-old transwoman don’t reallyapproachorreactto eachother. community isquite individualistic. People Respondent: mean now orbackthen? Interviewer: ceremony. had to doitmyself ifIwanted to jointhe didn’t puttheholythreadinmy house:I community housewarmingceremony. They excluded my housewhenthey hada community activity. For example, they Respondent: you? Interviewer: it ismandatory. participate inany community activityunless shy to approach[my neighbours]. Irarely played like aboy. Now, I’m different soI’m

What’syour current about and My maleneighbours How isyourrelationshipwith And thatrelationship,you They exclude mefrom How istheirreaction toward It’s ok.Imight notbefully Now. Moreover, my current

43 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 44 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report figure outhow to handlethemonhisown. and that ifherunsinto any issues,hewillhave to in hislife hecan leanonwhentimesare difficult, Another respondent stated that hehasnoone respondent’s gender identity. their momcome to terms withandaccept the now deceasedbrother, whowas theoneto help from Lumphun) later. (Respondent 8,23-year-old gaymale it myself. I don’twant to return theirfavour they wouldhelpifIasked butIwant to do Respondent: ask? Interviewer: Respondent: from them? Interviewer: myself. Ihaveto survive. need to make aliving.Ihaveto take care of to turnto. They areallbusy withwork.They I don’thaveany family memberorrelatives Respondent: relying onyourself? Interviewer: Respondent: with difficulties? that youcan turnto whenyouarefaced Interviewer: 23-year-old ladyboy fromBuriRam) because ofmy brother. (Respondent 4, wasok financially and everything understand. Mybrotherusedto supportme in anew generationso my mom can that, to to clarify my momthatweareliving a ladyboy. Healsotalked to my momabout and abouthow Iwanted to transition to be eveneverything, aboutmoving to Bangkok Respondent: you? Interviewer: How didhehelpto support away itwashimwhosupported me. Respondent: when youhadproblems? from yourchildhood,whocould yourunto Interviewer: From what youcan remember Icould talk to himabout I feel shameto ask.Ithink Would they helpyouif No, Ihaven’t. Have youever asked for help Yes, Ihaveto beindependent. You pretty havebeen much No, Ihavenoone. Next, anyone doyouhave Before my brotherpassed

term abuse. parent, andothertimesit was more severe, long- Sometimes allit took was anargument witha was to escape thefamilial violenceintheirhome. returned. reason Theprimary for runningaway home; whereas others ran away onceandnever of theirchildhood,buteventually returned Some ran away multipletimes over the course of four, ran away from homeat least once. Almost alloftherespondents, withtheexception Running AwayExperiences with theirparents orother relatives. started work at ayoung age, they mainlyworked mainly inrestaurants andcafes, andfor those that young as5or6years ofage. Their first jobs were who first started working whenthey were as got theirfirst job.However, there were ahandful they were around 15-16years ofage when they first job experience, thosethat did reported that Although notmany respondents discussedtheir First JobExperience 23-year-old gay malefromLumphun) so Ileft. Iwasvery stressed. (Respondent 8, that situation.I couldn’t handleitanymore Respondent: home? Interviewer had anargument. return. Ioften left homewhen myparents days to calm myself down. ThenI’d haveto was aproblem.Sometimes, Ileft home for2 of my life time.I’d have to leavewhenthere Respondent: away? Interviewer: How many timesdidyourun around 16-17yearsold. Respondent: home? were youwhenfirst ranawayfrom Interviewer: Doyourememberhow old 21-year-old transwoman fromChiangMai) Santitum, inadormitory. (Respondent 9, for abouttwomonths andIstayed in downtown. Iwasaround17-18.ranaway was madaboutit,soIranawayto stay and time, Ihadaboyfriend my dad I hadanargument with my dad.At that : Isthatwhy youdecideto leave Yes, Ihadto get myself outof Very often. Iranaway for most Iwasinmy late teens. Iwas many oftheyoung peopleinto exchanging sex. work. Asdiscussedinthissection,iswhat led anticipated forced many to look for higherpaying cost oflivingwas alotmore thanthey had stability. Onceinthecity, therealisation that the would openeven more doors for financial order to go to university, whichthey believed some alsomoved to ChiangMaiorBangkok in to theprospect ofhigherwage employment, more money if they migrated to acity. Inaddition Mai orBangkok determined that they could make respondents whodidn’talready live inChiang After working several low-wage jobs, many ofthe Migration rely ontheirfamily for support. stated financialneedsandtheirnot wanting to When asked why they decidedto work, many 22-year-old ladyboy fromUdon Thani) to askthemto supportme.(Respondent 1, school, andmake my livingsoIdon’tneed that Ineedto workto make money for study. Sothatiswhy Ihavethemindset not beableto supportmeifIwanted to my family arenotwealthy andthey would Well Iwouldsaythemainreasonisthat of thealternative fromPrachinBuri) earn it.(Respondent 2,22-year-old gender need ifIwant something Ineedto workto work andmake money to buystuff thatI province andwewereinneed,soIwant to I madeadecision,amfromdifferent Buri Ram) (Respondent 4,23-year-old ladyboy from got paidonehundredandfiftybaht perday. farms, like rice farms orpotato farms, andI [When Iwaslittle],wouldgo to workon 23-year-old transwoman fromChiangMai) amount wasalotofmoney. (Respondent 7, too. WhenIwasyoungthought thatany working inarestaurant. Ididgenerallabour took any opportunitythatIcould find.Iwas home,I around 15-16yearsold.WhenIleft for ajobandstarted workingwhenIwas dropped outfromschool.Iactuallylooked working asawaiter inarestaurant after I Right after Ifinishedgrade6 started months. interview, hehadbeentrading sex for onlytwo suggested trading sex. At thetime ofthe education. That iswhenhis step-brother have many employment options due to lackof immediately uponarrivinginthecity, butdidnot with hisstep-brother attempted to find work Chiang Maifrom SukhothaiProvince to live One 17-year-old young manwhomigrated to the restaurants andbars, to sex work. introduced, eitherthrough friendsorclients at namely rent andfood. At that point they were pay was notgoing to cover alloftheirexpenses, sector related jobs, but quicklyrealised that their working inbars, restaurants, andotherhospitality the respondents stated that they hadfirst tried first arrived inBangkok orChiangMai,someof When asked how they earnedmoney whenthey home. to escape theviolencehewas experiencing at discussed coming to ChiangMaifor work, butalso Another 23-year-old gay malefrom Lumphun asked why they moved to Bangkok: of thealternative’ from Prachin Buri stated when to highereducation. Asone22-year-old ‘gender either better financial opportunities and/or access that theirbest option was to move to acity for the home,familial rejection, orpoverty, many felt they were to trying escape violenceandabusein respondents was difficultand traumatic. Whether rural provinces for the majorityoftheyouth As discussedintheprevious sections,life inthe 21-year oldtranswoman fromChiangMai) and menatthesametime.(Respondent 9, with themtoo. So, Ican havebothmoney and Iwant money. AndIwant to havesex Sometimes clients want to havesex withme I worked asawaitressinpubs andbars. for abetter future.(Respondent 8) issue wasachronicproblem.Ihadto leave send money homewhenIcan. Myfamily I left to look for ajobandbeon my own. I family context wasalsoapushfactor. So I came to lookfor ajob.AsImentioned, my myself to goto school.(Respondent 2) it willbegoodifIcan workandcan support to schoolbecause offinancialissues.Ithink because my family cannot supportmeto go Work. Andanotherreasonisfor education

45 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 46 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report explained how shewas introduced to sex work. One ladyboy from NakhonRatchasima province to sex work through contacts they hadinthecity. Chiang Mai,others were immediately introduced sex for several months after arrivinginBangkok or Whereas somerespondents didn’tstart trading 44 come to you? between youandthem?How closecan they Interviewer: Dothey limitthespace sometimes hugyouand feel you. with them,they willtouch yourbodyand Respondent: For example, whenyousit customer? explain whatitlooks like to sitwiththe Interviewer: Canyougiveanexample and to them,entertain them Respondent: You make drinks for them,talk did you have to do when you sat with them? Interviewer: Satwiththecustomers? What and satwiththecustomer. Respondent: bar? have to dowhenyouworked atthekaraoke Interviewer: a woman.So, Igotajobatthekaraoke bar. because hesawmealreadydresseduplike that Iknew helpedmeto get ajobthere mom therewasakaraoke bar. Someone near theplace thatIusedto stay withmy of jobIcould get by thattime,andthen looking for ajobanddidn’t know whatkind was sodifficult tofind.Iwassotired from Respondent: WhenIwaslookingfor ajobit Respondent: [trading sex]? Interviewer: So, thiswaswhereyoustarted known for solicitingsex]. suggested thatIgostand at[location the positionwasfull.So my step brother brother took meto applyfor ajob,but only graduated middleschool.Somy educational background. I told himIhave job Ican do?Soheasked meaboutmy come pickmeup.Iasked himaboutwhat Respondent: arrived [inChiangMai]? Interviewer: Whatdidyoudowhen Two people didnot state how oldthey were. Andwhatnext? whatdidyou I did two positions. Served food Yes. (Respondent 19) Itold my step brotherto older. status andalmost halfwere 18years ofage or for money, goods, shelter, protection, and/or the age of18whenthey first exchanged sex Almost halfoftherespondents were under Entry into Sex Work The breakdown was asfollows: respondents hadbeentrading sex for over ayear. the interview was conducted, themajorityof only beentrading sex for two months when Although therespondent quoted above had introduced to the sex trade at theage of12. they first exchanged sex, one respondent was few respondents were undertheage of14when who starts oncethey reach adulthood.Although likely to exchange sex asopposedto someone whether someoneunder theage of18ismore there are othervulnerabilities that might indicate research can explore, withalarger sample,if sex for money andothermaterial goods. Future rejection) that might have led them to exchange sexual, physical andemotionalabuse,poverty, they might have encountered asachild(e.g. exchange sex to andtry better understand what experiences ofSOGIEdiverse individualswho focus oftheinterviews was to document the started exchanging sex undertheage of18.The sample wasn’t restricted to individualswho in sex work varied, butasmentioned previously, The ways inwhich therespondents got involved

Sakon Nakhon) (Respondent 6,20-year-old gayman from valuable things,alsofor themoney. sell sex, for sexual desire,orto exchange I wastwelveyearsold.[It]eitherto To behonest Ihavebeendoingthissince (Respondent 15) right therethey wouldprobablydoit. of space like ifthey can havesex withme Respondent: years 6 peoplehave beentrading sex between 6-10 years 9 peoplehave beentrading sex between 1-5 year 2 peoplehave beentrading sex for lessthana 44 Itisimportant to note that thestudy Completely, thereisnolimit outside ofworking inkaraoke bars. are few jobopportunities available to ladyboys to feel that sheisforced to sellsex sincethere customer forced himselfonher. Shecontinues she was told to massage afrequent customer, the informed aboutthenature ofthework, andwhen The respondent stated that shewas not fully her first experience sleepingwithacustomer. karaoke barin thelast section went on to discuss described herexperience getting ajob atthe The young ladyboy from NakhonRatchasima who sex trade. despite heroverall discomfort inengaging inthe the needto continue inorder to make money karaoke barquitafter a couple ofdays, she felt Although thefriendwhointroduced herto the the onlyway shewas going to make any salary. initially didnot want to sellsex, but felt it was described herinitial experience trading sex. She One ladyboy from UbonRatchathani province or restaurant they were working inat thetime. already doingitthemselves oraclient at thebar most were introduced by afriendwhowas get ajobthere. Respondent: Someonerecommended thatI yourself ordidsomeonehelp you? at thekaraoke bar, didyouget thejobby Interviewer: Whenyoustarted to work my best to workhere.” (Respondent 16) already stepped into thisandIamgoingdo much money. Idid itbecause Ithought “I’ve through themonth even thoughitwasn’t didn’t want to dothiswork.ButImadeit continue to work,butIwastheonewho one thatbrought methere.Shecould not it’s notherway, butshewasactuallythe to work.Myfriendsaidshecouldn’t doit, she left thebartwodaysafter we started had afriendwhobrought methere,but in theareawheremany ladyboys work.I get the salary, soIendedupgoingto work sleep withjust anyone, butIjust wanted to the customer. Iamnotsomeonewhocan the bar, butItold myself Iwillnotgowith knew someofwhatitlooked like to workin I just wanted to workandhaveasalary, I out. Insideofmy heartIwasfearful, but would becustomers whowouldtake me nothing to lose,butIdidnotthinkthere some money. Ithought Icould andIhad try the fact isthatIliked to workandmake me to goto workatthebarwithherand I hadafriendwhoisladyboy whoasked able to findthemonhisown. subsequent customers until the respondent was himself, introduced himto hisfirst customer, and Mai. Hisfriend,whowas already trading sex experience trading sex at the age of12inChiang A 20-year-old gay manalsodescribedhisfirst clients approachme. that point. Later Istarted to havesome with aclient andIstarted taking jobs at Then Iasked my friendto putmeintouch way to get alotofmoney soIwastempted. friend diditandgotmoney. It’s aneasy Respondent: that? (Respondent 15) I haveto force myself to dosomething like Respondent: issues like that? experience? After thatwerethereany other Interviewer: Andthatwasyourfirst-time and Ididthatjust to supportmy living. happen. AndIdecidedto sleepwithhim is doingthesame.Nothingbadgoingto me thatit’s okay, everyone whoworks there tried to move awayfromhimbuthetold then hepulledmy armandIfell onhim.I and Istarted to massagehimonhislegand so Iwent into theroom with thatcustomer massage fromafriendwhoworked there, this customer amassage.Ilearnedhow to the owner told methatIneededto give them whojust started workingthereand staff who come to workthere.Iwasoneof the time,andheloves to sleepwithnew customer whocame to thekaraoke barall a massageparlourandtherewasone Respondent: Thekaraoke baralsohad Interviewer: Whoforced you?andhow? something Iwanted. a customer Iwasforced to doit.Itwasn’t Respondent: how didyoufeel? first timethatyouslept withacustomer, Interviewer: It’s notjust hugging,right? The recommended mefor thisjob. work atthekaraoke bars,whichiswhy he people still thinkthatladyboys aregood for Respondent: something inyou,thatyoucan dothatjob? Interviewer: Because thatpersonsaw Ididn’tdoitatfirst. Isaw my NotreallybutIfelt like why did Myfirst timethatIslept with To be honest, in the community

47 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 48 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 45 had more thanone. used to findclients, althoughtwo stated that they Most respondents method hadoneprimary they How they findclients work experiences oftherespondents. recruiters. Thissection willdiscussthecurrent sex money on,theirclient poolandinteraction with much money they made,what they spent their where they went withtheircustomers, how when itcame to how they found customers, respondents hadawiderange ofexperiences trade for two months orten years, the20youth Whether they hadbeenengaged inthesex Current Sex Work Experience

10 found clients through an app/online 1 found clients through friends Chiang Maiprovince) (Respondent 17,20-year-old malefrom Respondent: first chose to gowithhim? Interviewer: Whatwasthereasonwhy you take longandIwillgiveyoumoney”. if Iwanted to gowithhim.Hesaid,“Itwon’t his car andcame to approachme.Heasked there whiletheclient drove past. He parked Respondent: were 12,right? How didyoufeel? Interviewer: Your first timewaswhenyou knows clients well. very Respondent: find clients? Interviewer: How doesheknow whereto Respondent: found clients for you? Interviewer: Was yourfriendtheone who Respondent: the jobandstarted taking clients, right? you asked yourfriendto introduce youto got money andyouwereinterested. Then Interviewer: So, yousawthatyourfriend Thisterm is used to indicate foreigners –usuallyofa Caucasian background. Iwanted money to spend. Iwasquite scared. Iwassitting Idon’tknow butmy friend Yes Yes customers. Mai describedhow sheusedonlinechats to find Line. One23-year-old transwoman from Chiang social media/online chats, suchasFacebook or clients online,eitherthrough anapporthrough At least halfoftherespondents found their people know you can solicitsex andonline. including standing incertain locations where would useseveral methods to findclients, Another 20-year-old gay manfrom Sakon Nakhon that hewas amasseur. one oftheapps, hemet themundertheguise When hearranged adate withsomeonethrough individuals ongay chat groups anddating apps. either go to bars to findcustomers orengage with One 23-year-old young manfrom Lumphunwould

Interviewer: OnlyFacebook? Respondent: Facebook groups. Interviewer: Whatapplication doyouuse? masseuse. offer massagesfrombothmaleand female days thatI’m available.Imake posts to I make posts to advertise.Iusuallysaythe Respondent: Ifindthemfromonlinegroups. clients? Interviewer: Wheredoyouusuallyfindyour gay groups. (Respondent 6) connect viaapps thatarewellknown by in thoseplaces. Andviatheinternet, Iwill immediately because Iamnotshy ifIam tree orwalkingthestreets, Iwillsayyes But ifIamstanding inthecluborunder not sayyesright awaybecause Iamshy. they come Iwill to askme,“How much?” I amonthestreet buyingsomething and Every wayofconnection. Butifsometimes go to Farang usually goto meet themasamasseur. Ialso talk andarrangeameeting onapps first. I chat groupsgay in apps. anddating Imostly I usuallygoto bars.Isometimes findthem locations onthe street 5 found clients by standing at particular parlour 4 found clients at abar/restaurant/massage 45 bars.(Respondent 8) him out. hoped that they would beinterested inhelping customers askingfor financialassistance, and massage. Instead hereached outto potential advertise any kindofsexual suchasa service, found customers online,butdidn’tdirectly One 20-year-old gay manfrom Sakon Nakhon (Respondent 6) that Iamtradingsex, I’m notthatbrave. put myself ontheinternet andtell people to helpmeout,something like that.Butto forsorry me.Imight askifthey wouldlike I needhelpwith,just to make themfeel them astory, thatIhavesomeissues, customers directly. For example, Imaytell Respondent: No, mostly Iwillcontact the customer? of yourselfto show whoyouareto the Interviewer: Doyouuseany pictures connect withthecustomers online. want tradesex, youmust besmartand want to gooutto stand intherain.Ifyou nights theremight berainandyoudon’t connect withcustomers because some Respondent: Yes, thatisthemainwayI customers viatheinternet? Interviewer: Didyouconnect with me ifthey areinterested. (Respondent 7) post theminthegroups. Clients willcontact Respondent: advertisements to findclients foryou? Interviewer: Whousuallymakes the specific. Facebook groups areeasier to join. Respondent: more thanLine? Interviewer: Doyouprefer Facebook groups groups. Sometimes Ihave to pay to jointhese limit itto regularclients orfamiliar faces. when peoplerequest [to join].They usually group. They haveto approve andscreen Respondent: Yeah, thereisalsoaLine Interviewer: WhataboutLine? groups. Respondent: Yeah, Imainlyfocus ononline Iusuallymake my own and Yes, theLinegroupisquite person. was alotsafer to andeasierthantrying doitin discussed how usingsocialmediato findclients One 23-year-old gay malefrom Lumphun the street orinamassage parlour. chose to lookfor clients onlineasopposedto on transwoman from ChiangMaidescribedwhy she the client before meeting them.One23-year-old way sincethey hadanopportunityto chat with several stated that itwas easierandsafer this venues suchasbars andmassage parlours, as opposedto onthestreets orthrough various When asked why they choseto findclients online, that areato waitfor clients. (Respondent 7) newbies haveto payto beableto stand in also come to collect ‘location fees’. The start arguments withthe new faces. They [Xanax orAlprazolam].“Meaw” They will at thenewbies. They areusuallyhighwith in thatareawillusuallyget madandshout will bepicked on.Theolderfaces whowork own spot.Ifsomeone new shows up,they Respondent: People usuallystand intheir please? Interviewer: Couldyouexpand alittle with them,itwouldbehardto blendin. location. IfIdon’tknow themorget along own groups. They havetheirown areaand Masseuses usuallyhaveestablished their too obvious. People often lookdown onme. the roadsideandwaitfor clients. Itisway Respondent: Yes, Ihave.couldn’t stand on area? clients onthestreet orsomeotherpublic Interviewer: Haveyouever looked for Respondent: Yes, itis. looking for clients onthestreet? Interviewer: Doyouthinkitissafer than from thecomments section. post something. Iwouldlookfor clients usually aseriesofcomments whenpeople to seeifthey areinterested. Thereare Iwouldsendthem adirectmessage service, a comment sayingthatthey arelookingfor massage groups. WhenIseeclients replyto Respondent: clients online? Interviewer: Why doyouchooseto lookfor Iusuallylookfor clients in

49 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 50 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report goods, such asfood, clothingandcellphones. money, butsomeaskfor additionalmaterial All of the respondents reported that they received for sex What they typically receive inexchange gas station bathrooms. was most convenient for thecustomer, including Other youthservices. were open to going where it oftentimes roomsthey canuse toperform sexual as massage parlours andkaraoke bars, there are venues where sex work isknown to occur, such hotel withtheirclients, butthosewhoworked in Most respondents stated that they would go to a Where they exchange sex withclients besides money? exchange Anything withtheservice? else Interviewer: Whatdoyouusuallyget in 22-year-old ladyboy fromUdonThani) that youcan usefor that.(Respondent 1, At thebarthatIwork.The hasaroom old manfromChiangMai) Respondent: Yes. (Respondent 20,21-year- Interviewer: Inthetoilet? rushed. It’s easierfor them. the gasstation. Well, someclients areso Respondent: Iprovide [sexual] at services station? Interviewer: Whatdoyouatthegas station. Sometimes wego toahotel. Respondent: Interviewer: Wheredoyounormallygo? easy way. (Respondent 8) 5-10 minutes to findclients. It’s aquickand meeting inperson to talk. Itonly takes me and chooseclients. Theriskislower than can askto exchange photos. Ican compare several clients. Ican askthemquestions. I a meeting. It allows me to stay in touch with the price and arrange an agreement prior to Respondent: Yes. Itallows meto negotiate media themost? Interviewer: Itseemslike youusesocial Sometimes wego to agas to theirfamily back home. earlier, somewould sendwhat they could afford surgery, amotorbike, andschool.Asmentioned money for something specific,suchasplastic and clothes.Several stated that they were saving bill, make-up, gaming, transportation, hormones, of necessities,suchas rent, food, utilities, phone Respondents spent theirmoney onawiderange How they spendtheirmoney naked to barberservices someofhiscustomers. creative duringthe COVID-19 shutdown andoffered from Lumphun,who was abarberby training, got their family business. One23-year-old gay male coffee, cosmetology, and helpingwith hair styling, Their otherjobs included:waitressing, serving make money at thetimethey were interviewed. respondents stated that thiswas theironlyway to they have otherincome streams, whereas eight besides trading sex, eight respondents stated that When asked ifthey hadotherways to make money Other waysofmakingmoney the alternative fromPrachinBuri) food. (Respondent 2,22-year-old genderof And Isupportmy needsfor like clothesand important.bills, thephonebill,thisisvery I spend[my money] onmy rent, electricity from BuriRam) (Respondent 4,23-year-old ladyboy third [portion]Iwillsend to my mom. my food andlivingexpenses andthe my rent, thesecond [portion]is for it: one[portion]Iwill keep to pay I willdivide[my money] andorganise man fromChiangMai) them for it.(Respondent 20,21-year-old Respondent: accommodations? Interviewer: Sodoyouget and beverages. Respondent: Yes, they buymefood, snacks, get? Like food, beverage? Interviewer: Isthereanything elsethatyou new clothesfromthem.That’s it. drinks]. Second, Iget money. Third,Iget with theclient [andget freefood and Respondent: Well, first, Iget to hangout Yes, thattoo, butIrarelyask in thesex trade knew that they were trading sex. that someoftheirfriendswho were notinvolved involved insex work. However, somedidstate that they told theirmotheraboutbeing friends andfamily. Onlythree respondents stated involvement insex work asecret from their The majorityofyouth respondents kept their Family andFriends’Knowledge graduation events. during celebrations, suchasNew Year and would make additionalmoney doingmakeovers Another 23-year-old ladyboy from BuriRam well. (Respondent 4) University Iwillgodomake upfor themas for them,orwhenstudents graduate from celebrating anew year, Iwillgodomake up For example, ifthefactory theworkers are Sometimes Idomakeup to make money. THB plustravelcosts. (Respondent 8) without any extra Icharge100-150 services. job. Ijust dress normallyandcuttheirhair Respondent: food andotherjobs, right? including sex work, sex related jobs, selling doing several thingsto make aliving Interviewer: Itseemslike youhavebeen woke upat5amto sellgrilledpork. strategy to make money to Ieven survive. Ihadtoservice. make agoodmarketing athome.SoIprovidedbarber service this their haircut.Sothey werelookingfor a COVID lockdown. People couldn’t goto get The salonswereshutdown duringthe provided anexciting andfunbarberservice. lockdown. ButIdidn’tprovide sex. Ionly athomeduringtheCOVIDbarber service Respondent: Interviewer: Like anaked barber? their hair. extra by service beingnaked whencutting 5 kmdistance frommy place. Iprovide an place. Icharge500THBifthey arewithin started to service doingadelivery their media to advertise I my barberservice. I told youthatI’m abarber. Iusedsocial Respondent: of income? Interviewer: Doyouhaveany othersource Yes. Ialsodotheactualbarber Yes. Ioffered thenaked Igototherpart-time jobs. customers. very little to stop himfrom going out to meet the staff at thechildren’s home knew, butdid The respondent was undertheimpression that was ableto buywhat hewanted withthemoney. trading sex themselves sincethey saw that he at, andhisfriendsthenbecame interested in his friendsat thechildren’s homehewas staying One 22-year-old malefrom PichitProvince told of negative repercussions. that ifthey were to findout,there would bealot their family andfriendsnotfindingout, felt Some oftherespondents were adamant about Did youtell themaboutit? about it.Butwhenyoutold yourfriends… you didn’twant to doitwhenyoufirst knew Interviewer: Interesting! You told methat have thingslike otherpeopledo. They wanted to buythings.They wanted to Respondent: They wanted to make money. them to doso? it they wanted to What motivated try? Interviewer: Oh,soafter they heardabout wanted to gowithclients too. them even wanted to try. They saidthey Respondent: Onlyfriendsknow. Someof male fromLumphun) at my farm. (Respondent 8,23-year-old gay found outwhenthat mancame to findme didn’t know thatIwasdatingsomeone.He Respondent: Heknew thatI’m gaybuthe happened? Interviewer: Didyourdadknow aboutwhat me. me. Mydadwassopissedoff. Heyelledat My family knew thathecame to lookfor with mesohebrought mestuff Iwanted. asked for thingsfromhim.Hefell inlove farm. Hewanted to givemeaphone.Ialso that Imentioned waslooking for meat my they almost figureditoutonce. Theman know. They would stressed.be very Actually, Respondent: No, they don’t.Ican’t let them the alternative fromPrachinBuri) know. (Respondent 2,22-year-old genderof to know aboutit.It’s notgoodfor themto They don’tknow, andIdon’twant them

51 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 52 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report very much needed. respondent was sendingthemmoney, whichwas their families accepted theinformation sincethe felt eitherasenseofempowerment orfelt that about theircurrent engagement insellingsex The few youth that reported telling theirfamilies is awesome. He didit.” I’m proud ofmyself. anything. They just think,“oh wow thiskid everyone wasokay withit.Noonesaid I felt Igrown uponanother level. And what Iamdoingandafter I told them went homeItold about themeverything Yes, they know. Everyone knows. WhenI (Respondent 18) I managedto escape andleaveanyway. at night because itisdangerous.However, area. They saidI’m notallowed to leave to theInternet café intown orChangPuek nothing. Sometimes I told themthatIwent Respondent: doing? children’s homeknow aboutwhatyouwere Interviewer: Isee.Didthestaff atthe Respondent: Yes client? children’s homeafter youwent withthe Interviewer: Didyoucome backto the Respondent: Yes home, correct? talking aboutarefriendsfromthechildren’s Interviewer: Sothefriendsthatyouare so. Itwaseachindividual’s choice. with friends.Nooneforced eachotherto do consistent. Sometimes I took abusorwent home. Ididn’thavearidesoitwasn’t it. Ieven diditwhenIwasinthechildren’s eventually did.They areactuallystill doing to dosomething like thisbefore butthey Respondent: actually started doingit? Interviewer: Were thereany friendsthat Respondent: you told themaboutwhatyoudo, right? Interviewer: Sothey wereinterested after have money to buysnacks for them. them whatwasgoingon.They sawthatI They alsosawmegowithclients. So, Itold Respondent: They asked mewhereIwent. Ithinkthey didbutthey said Yes. Someofthemnever tried Yes a recruiter, butwere currently findingcustomers respondents stated that they used to work with who helpedthemfindcustomers. Two ofthe they worked withone, oragroup offriends, identify clients, seven respondents stated that When asked ifthey worked with recruiters to Experience withRecruiters what theirotherexpenses were for themonth. on how muchmoney they madethat month, and send alumpsumevery month, whichdepends that dosendmoney hometo theirfamily typically not themoney they earnedfrom sex work. Those their family, butfrom theirformal jobasabarber, respondent saidthat they sent money hometo respondents saidyes, andseven saidno.One made through sex work to their family, eight When asked ifthey sent money that they Udon Thani) (Respondent 1,22-year-old ladyboy from at least threethousandbaht permonth. on thesituation.But for sureIwillsend sometimes isup to ten thousanddepending my family] aroundfive-sixthousandor if Imadealotofmoney, Iwouldsend[to From thebeginningwhenIstarted to work, from ChiangMai) (Respondent 7,23-year-old transwoman more. Mysister isliving withadisability. 300 baht perday. Igive morewhenIget [I sendmoney] almost every day. 200- male fromUdonThani) money. (Respondent 13,24-year-old gay do thiskindofjobanyway. Ialsogiveher Respondent: permission to doit? this kindofjoborissheokandgivesyou your momhasanegativeattitude towards Interviewer: Inyouropiniondoyouthink She isokwithitandunderstands. Respondent: Mymomdoesn’tsayanything. Interviewer: How didyourmomreact? told my momaboutit. Respondent: your income comes from? Interviewer: Doesyourmomknow where Sakon Nakhon) (Respondent 6,20-year-old gaymalefrom SheisokwithitandIhaveto Mymom?Yes, sheknows. I assistance. had asafety plan inplacecase they needed clients andco-workers, and whether ornot they respondents experienced at thehandsoftheir documents theviolence andabusethat the 46 cisgender counterparts. are more likely to bekilledby aclient thantheir to encounter physical andsexual assault,and Transgender women inparticularare more likely of theirclients, co-workers andemployers. experience violenceandabuseat thehands Past studies have shown that sex workers often in Sex Work Violence ExperiencedwhenEngaging ending herlife. and there were timeswhere shethought about This was ahard realisation for her to come to, combination ofbeautyandluck to attract clients. having arecruiter meant that shehadto have a from Ubonwhoworked at abarstated that not were just helpingeachotherout.Oneladyboy was abusive orcoercive. They believed that they one felt that theperson helpingthemfindclients relationship withtheir recruiter asfriendly. No on theirown. Most respondents describedtheir (Respondent 16) the customer isnotgonnachoose you. beautiful,butyoudon’thaveluck, are very but youmust haveluck.Also, even ifyou of workyounotonlyhaveto bebeautiful working like thisbecause to dothiskind people andIunderstand why they are then Igotbetter andI looked up to other why Ihadto dosomething like this.But sometimes I felt down andasked myself life needsto end.Sometimes Icried and time, I felt like givingup.Ithought that my they willtake yououtwiththem.By that drink andifthey wouldlike to take youout, like to come to sitwiththemandhavea show, they willchoosesomeonethatthey or foreigner customer comes into seethe bikini anddance. Ifthecustomer comes ladyboy’s bar, theladyboy willwearthe have arecruiter. Whenyougoinsidethe Those whoworkinthebardonotreally Kirk Dombrowski, and Bilal Khan. 2008. Khan. Bilal and Dombrowski, Kirk As Experienced by the YouthHouse Covenantthe of by Experienced As Justice. of USDepartment of Justice, Institute National to the Submitted Needs. and Characteristics, Size, City: New York in Population in Survival Sex Survival in Dank, M. et al. (2015, February). (2015, al. et M. Dank, . Urban Institute; Bigelsen, Jayne, and Stefanie Vuotto. 2013. Stefanie Vuotto. and Jayne, Bigelsen, Institute; Urban 46 Thefollowing section

Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged YWSW and YMSM, Youth,LGTBQ of Experiences York. New of Streets the Surviving

The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in New York City, Volume 1: The CSEC The 1: City, Volume York New in Children of Exploitation Sexual Commercial The

New York . N . ew York: Covenant House; Curtis, Ric, Karen Ric, York:Curtis, ew House; Terry,Covenant Dank, Meredith he didn’tfeel like that was always thecase. bribes were supposedto helpkeep themsafe, but police at themassage parlourheworked at. The the bribesemployer hadto thepay to the One 23-year-old malefrom Lumphundescribed of thepolice,particularlybeingarrested orfined. A couple ofrespondents mentioned being afraid get whatever they wanted from theworker. customers who, whenintoxicated, expected to from them.Acouple experienced rudeorloud namely ifthey felt that aclient was stolen quarrel withtheirco-workers aboutclients, respondents stated that they would sometimes workers, employers orclients, someoftheyouth When asked ifthey hadany trouble withco- Violence andAbuse or didthemassageparlourpay? Interviewer: Didyouhaveto paythepolice afraid. to keep themsafe, butIstill sometimes feel for protection withintheirarea.Thebribeis usually hasto payabribe.They haveto pay Respondent: business. employer oranyone involved inthe be aproblemwithclient, lawenforcement, any difficultieswhiledoing sexwork?It can Interviewer: Haveyouever encountered gay malefromChiangMai) or anything. (Respondent 11,18-year-old take care Inever ofeverything. argue,fight just paymoney andexpect usto doand drunk. Sometimes intoxicated customers Only ranting customers. Mostly they are from ChiangMai) (Respondent 9,21-year-old transwoman let theclients go.Sothey wouldinsultme. with me.Butmy frienddoesn’twant to Sometimes my friend’s clients want to go sometimes wesnatch eachother’s clients. are workingthesamepositionasIdo, and In thepub,therearemany workers that

Homelessness, Survival Sex and Human Trafficking:Human and Sex Survival Homelessness, Well, themassageparlour

53 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 54 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report stated that they hadbeenrobbed by aclient. to beokwithwhatever they wanted to do.Two in extreme sex actswiththemandfor theyouth claimed that someclients expected to engage clients whodidnotlike ladyboys, andothers that they experienced verbal abusefrom some many respondents hadexperienced. Somestated their neighbourhood,was notsomething that customers, employers, co-workers orothers in Violence, whether itbeat thehandsoftheir you arejust sleepingfor thewholeday. Respondent: Right, because youlooklike police reportaboutthis,right? with thiskindofsituation? You can’t make a robbed? Thatisnotgood.How doyoudeal Interviewer: Ohmy god.Soyouwere valuables. Respondent: Because hewanted my Interviewer: Why? That’s why thecustomer druggedme. earlier andwaswearinggoldjewellery. Respondent: ThatdayIhadacustomer sleeping pills? Interviewer: They druggedyouwith they druggedmewithsleepingpills. with aThaicustomer outsideofworkand Respondent: Notreallyoften. Ionce went Interviewer: How often? Respondent: abused by acustomer? Interviewer: transwoman fromChiang Mai) disparage us.(Respondent 9,21-year-old has ladyboys, butthey still come. They ladyboys. They know thatthispubonly There weresomeclients thatdon’tlike workers (Respondent duringtheservice. 8) Sometimes clients usedrugswithsex Respondent: Nothingisguaranteed. bribe isthewayto keep yousafe? Interviewer: Doesitmeanthatpayinga cover thiscost. that they subtract frommy payment to Respondent: They paid.They usethemoney Yes. Have youever beenseverely leaving to go somewhere withaclient. were required to tell theiremployer ifthey were up withaclient. Sometold friends, whileothers stated that they told someonepriorto meeting they went outondates, onlyfive respondents When asked ifthey hadasafety planfor when Safety Plans very traumatic experience. client whilehisfriendswatched. Itwas clearlya with aclient whichledto herbeingraped by the Ratchasima diddescribeanexperience shehad assaulted orraped, oneladyboy from Nakhon not disclosewhether they hadbeensexually Although thevast majorityofrespondents did myself. (Respondent 15) my life butItake thatasalessonto teach Respondent: with whathappened? Interviewer: How areyou feeling right now me. life, soIlet himdowhathewanted to doto what happenedto me.Iwanted to savemy him. Hisfriendsdidnoteven care about head. HesaidthatIneededto sleepwith and whenIrefused heputhisgunto my even care thathisfriendswereright there, front ofhis friends,butIrefused.Hedidnot his mindandwanted to havesex withmein but Iwasnot.Thenthecustomer changed not doanything to me.They wereondrugs, wanted meto stay andhesaidwould told himhedidn’thaveto payme.Buthe he could bringmebackto theshopand had hisfriendsinsidetheroomIasked if three ofthemintotal. WhenIsawhe Respondent: in theroom? Interviewer: How many ofhisfriendswere the room. he openedtheroomhisfriendswereinside workplace, andIwent withhimbutwhen he didn’twant to sleepwithmeatmy who paidmeto gooutwithhimbecause Respondent: to do? gone throughsex thatyouwerenotwilling Interviewer: Isthereany timethatyouhave Udon Thani) (Respondent 13,24-year-old gaymalefrom It’s still from memory ascary Two ofthem,sotherewere Yes, thereisonecustomer 48 47 situation andhoping for thebest. running away or resigning themselves to the best to survive –whether itbefighting back, tried to hurtthem,most saidthey would dotheir When asked ifthey hadasafety planifsomeone happen, they could handle itontheirown. they were andfelt doing, that ifanything were to others to know where they were going orwhat to meeting upwitha client. They didn’t want respondents didnottell anyone any details prior Shame seemedto bethemainreason why certain the hotel roomby myself. Icalled my friend get money fromtheclient. Ihadto payfor my clients left meatthehotel andIdidn’t situation. Therewasonetime,whenof to I’d survive. haveto goalongwiththe happened, Iwouldhaveto my try best I don’thaveany plansbutifsomething Buri Ram) (Respondent 5,15-year-old gaymale from No. IfIhaveaproblem,willfixit by myself. Kamphaeng Phet) 21-year-old genderofthealternative from I want to go.Igoalone.(Respondent 3, a customer, to andItry nottell anyone if No, Inever tell anyone before Igoto see transwoman fromChiangMai) wait for me.(Respondent 7,23-year-old friend to givemearideandaskherto I might bearrested. Sometimes, Iask my my friendthatifthey don’thearfromme, some clients might bepolice. Iwouldtell tell my friendbefore Igo.I’m careful that or they invite meto anew place, Iwould I gowithclients. WhenIget anew client to findme.I tell themtheusualplace that reach me,they wouldknow thelocation can lookfor meatthisplace. Ifthey can’t I tell my best friendsthatifIdisappear, they from ChiangMai) (Respondent 9,21-year-old transwoman can tell otherclients thatI’m goingout. I haveto tell thepub’s owner sothey 23-year-old ladyboy fromBuriRam) tell themwhereIamat.(Respondent 4, location with my friendsor my brotherand When Iget to theplace, Iwillsharethe Sexual Exploitation of Children in New York City, Volume 1: The CSEC Population in New York City: Size, Characteristics, and Needs. Tai Yai isan ethnic minoritygroup from Myanmar. Submitted to theNational Institute of Justice, USDepartment of Justice. Survival Sex. Survival February). (2015, al. et M. Dank, U rban Institute; Curtis, Ric, Karen Terry, Meredith Dank, Kirk Dombrowski, and Bilal Khan. 2008. Khan. Bilal and Dombrowski, Kirk Dank, Karen Meredith Terry, Ric, Curtis, Institute; rban Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engagedin YWSWLGTBQYouth, York.and of New YMSM, Experiences of Streets the Surviving trade. acquaintances whoare alsoinvolved inthesex people have alarge network offriendsand market hasshown that amajorityofyoung Research onyouth engaged inexchanging sex Networks counterparts. Most of the respondents stated that trade sex thantheirheterosexual cisgender SOGIE-diverse individualswere more likely to Respondents were alsoasked ifthey felt that they didn’tknow muchaboutthem. younger endofthespectrumwere minimaland However, theirinteractions withthoseonthe of 16-24whowere engaged inthesex trade. this study knew individualsbetween theages old transwoman fromChiangMai) necessary things. (Respondent 7,23-year- They needtosurvive. make alivingandbuy Respondent: Money! People needmoney to people to dothisjob? Interviewer: Whatarethepushfactor for them arehalfThaiandTai-Yai. Respondent: Interviewer: Arethey Thai? beer. client payfor theirdrinks like whiskey or and goodfood. They usuallyhavetheir phone, brandnameoutfit,alcoholic drinks this to exchange for valuablethingslike cell female, ladyboy andgay. They aredoing Respondent: Therearequite alot.They are job? range from16-24yearsoldaredoingthis Interviewer: How many youthinyourage 15-year-old gaymalefromBuriRam) get awayintimeIwillfight. (Respondent 5, The first thingIwoulddoisrunandif can’t alternative from Kamphaeng Phet) (Respondent 3,21-year-old genderofthe No, Ijust preparemy heartfor that. transwoman fromChiangMai) to pickmeup.(Respondent 9,21-year-old 47 Almost alloftheyouth respondents in Ohyeah!Ofcourse! Someof 48

The Commercial The

55 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 56 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 49 that they always usedacondom withclients. were condoms. Allbutsixrespondents stated overwhelmingly their contraception ofchoice against sexually transmitted infections, and All respondents stated that they usedprotection Health andProtection well asotherrights. inclusion by limitingaccess to various supports,as government IDwhichalsoimpactseconomic Thailand may notchange theirgender onformal has alsoidentified that third-gender peoplein options outsideofsellingsex. Previous research third gender peopleinparticularhad few job heterosexual. They believed itwas because in thesex trade thanthosewhoidentified as individuals were more likely to beinvolved Only onerespondent felt that SOGIE-diverse gender orsexual orientation. that exchanging sex isnotlimited to aspecific provided herperspective as to why shethinks One 22-year-old ladyboy from UdonThani individuals. to beengaged inthesex trade asSOGIE-diverse cisgender heterosexual women are just aslikely are involved. They stated that, inparticular, number ofSOGIE-diverse identified people sex work isnotatrade where adisproportionate my perspective.(Respondent 1) has thereasonwhy they aredoingit.Thisis needing to sellthemselves. Buteveryone this. Itisnotaboutbeinggayoraladyboy for thatpersonto come andworklike [to tradesex], andthereisalwaysareason From my perspective, haseveryone the right the alternative from Kamphaeng Phet) same. (Respondent 3,21-year-old genderof who dothiskindofworkandIthinkit’s the from whatIheardtherearemany women No, Idon’tthinkso, itisthesamebecause 21-year-old transwoman fromChiangMai) want. We cannot dothat.(Respondent 9, government officer anddress however we woman andworkintheoffice orbea anywhere else.We cannot dresslike a can earnmoremoney. We cannot work people (SOGIE-diverse). It’s ajobthat Because most ofthemarethisgroup World Bank. (2018).

49 Economic InclusionofLGBTI Groups in Thailand. condoms andlubricant. frequented clinicswhere they were given free they worked. Alotoftherespondents also at alltimesorhadaccess to free condoms where Most respondents carried condoms withthem paid more money notto useone. condom withsomeclients was because they were the time.Themain reason why they didn’tusea contraception, stated that they useditmost of The sixwhodidn’treport that they always used transwoman fromChiangMai) test checks. (Respondent 9,21-year-old condoms for usandalsoprovide blood LGBTQ+ sortof centre. They willprovide Chiang Mai) (Respondent 20,21-year-old malefrom I havecondoms Ilive. everywhere old malefromChiangMaiprovince) Respondent: why youdidn’tuseacondom? Interviewer: Was thatoneofthereasons Respondent: if youdidn’tusecondom? Interviewer: Didtheclient offer to pay more Respondent: Yes but didn’tforce you,right? Interviewer: They requested notto useone, they requested. condom. Iwanted money, soIhadto doas Respondent: Theclient didn’twant to usea Interviewer Why not? don’t usethem Respondent: times didyouusea condom? that youwent withaclient, how many Interviewer: For example, outoften times explain. go withclients. HmmmIdon’tknow how to Respondent: Ialwaysusecondoms whenI condoms? Interviewer: How often doyouuse Bangkok: World Bank. Yes (Respondent 17,20-year- Yes, someofthemdid. It’s about6-7.Sometimes, I she was feeling. better once she talked to herfriendsabouthow being occasionally depressed, butshewould feel One 23-year-old ladyboy from BuriRamreported depression. medical professional andwas onmedication for had beenevaluated anddiagnosedby a disorder, butonlyoneofthoserespondents namely depression, anxiety and/or bipolar they suffered from amental healthdisorder, Five respondents stated that they believe have thosetests administered. infections, andmost had gone to alocal clinic to a bloodtest to checkfor sexually transmitted respondents hadstated that they hadgone for from whenthey were interviewed. Allofthose them having beenwithinthe last two months been to thedoctor inthelast 6months, most of positive. Eight respondents stated that they had gonorrhoea. Noonestated that they were HIV had asexually transmitted infection, namely Six respondents disclosedthat they have 4) friends andtalk to my friends.(Respondent Respondent: issue? Interviewer: How doyouovercome that frustrated. Respondent: Depression.Sometimes Iam you haveit.Whatdohave? Interviewer: Whatdidyoumeansometimes it. Respondent: Iwouldsaysometimes have depression? disorder, mental healthconcerns, or like any allergyorshort-focus, bipolar Interviewer: Doyouhaveany healthissues Nan) (Respondent 10,26-year-old gaymalefrom asks whereIamgoingand whoIamwith. my momhasbeensoworried.Sheusually to take psychiatric medicine.Thisiswhy I wassuffering fromdepression andhave homeless. I’m just person,but anordinary something might happento me.I’m not is worriedthatImight notcome homeor I usedto beapsychiatric patient. Mymom Iwillspendtimewith my was usingthemto appeasehisclients. However, heneededto make itappear like he with hisclients because hewas against druguse. reported that hewould pretend to usedrugs One 24-year-old gay malefrom UdonThani to doinorder to satisfy thecustomer. clients sincethey felt itwas something they had reluctantly smoked methamphetamines with A couple ofrespondents stated that they work late into thenight. to keep themawake andenergised sothey could respondents was methamphetamine. Ithelped longer did.Themost common drug usedby said that they usedto usedrugs,butthey no they currently useddrugs,whilefour respondents likely withclients. Seven respondents stated that Oftentimes whendrugs were abused,it wasmost using drugs,includingalcohol, intheirlives. Approximately halfoftherespondents disclosed Drug Use (Respondent 13) money soIhaveto domy best to pretend. they willforce meto doitorIwon’tget use thembutifthey find outI’m just acting Interviewee: Yes, acting.Ihave to actlike I Interviewer: Soyouactlike youtook it? them. Orsometimes I fake taking them. Interviewee: you usedrugswiththem? you to usethemhow doyourefuse? Ordo you areanti-drugs. Ifacustomer contacts Interviewer: Let’s gobackto whenyousaid from ChiangMai) (Respondent 921-year-old transwoman refuse because my workisto [them]. service me, they willtell meto usedrugstoo. Ican’t using drugsandthey want to havesex with I usemeth. Sometimes when my clients are 23-year-old transwoman fromChiangMai) friends alldayandnight. (Respondent 7, energetic. I can talk andhangoutwith me awake. Ican workallday. Itkeeps me It’s methamphetamine. Ithelps to keep Yes, Ihaveto usedrugswith

57 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 58 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 22-year-old ladyboy from Udon Thanifelt that legal assistance, mentorship andcounselling. One included employment opportunities,financialaid, providerswished service offered, responses When asked ifthere were that services theyouth exactly to contact. which organisations could assist himorwho sexually assaulted, butultimately didnotknow what hewould doto seekhelpifhewere to be One 23-year-old malefrom Lumphundescribed at that time. where to go dependingonwhat theirneedswere confident that they could search ontheInternet of any specificorganisations. However, they felt for quite some time; whereas others notknow did medical, legal, andeducational-- from providers varied. Somehadbeenreceiving assistance – providersservice inChiangMaiandBangkok The respondents’ knowledge ofandaccessto Access to services andAssistanceAccess to Services don’t havetheircontact. (Respondent 8) foundations outtherethat can help.Ijust or organisation.Iknow that thereare then Iwouldaskfor helpfromNGOs compensation fromthelegalprosecution, pay bribesto endacase. IfIcan’t seek people willbeinvolved. Iknow thatpeople first. Ifthe case isgetting bigger, more Respondent: raped, doyouknow whoto contact? Interviewer: For example, ifyouwere help. usually searchfor information whenIneed Respondent: Iwouldsaysocialmedia. you havesomeproblems? Interviewer: Whocan youcontact when from ChiangMai) (Respondent 7,23-year-old transwoman They trainpeople.They arrangeactivities. in local area.They buildlocal networks. health] screeningandprovide support organization in my area.They do[sexual plus, andCaremat.VPower isthemain They arelocal organisations.VPower, M workshops. Ican askthemfor help. my community to runactivitiesand organisation. They usually come to I havethecontact numberofan Iwouldcontact thepolice related: trouble, whether itbefinancial,legal orhealth- When asked whothey would go to ifthey were in Assistance her life, whichwould beincredibly helpful. mentoring would services helpherset goals for the situation ontheir own. assistance, orwhy they would chooseto handle Below, youth describewhothey would go to for

B: A: B: A: prefer? people inthecommunity, whatwouldyou hospitals, organisations, family, friendsand Interviewer: IfIgaveyoumorechoices like comfortable. It’s lessformal thanahospital. Ifeel more than ahospital. They provide better privacy. the organisation.It’s easier to talk to them Respondent: Iwant to askfor helpfrom when youneedhelp? Interviewer: Whodoyouusuallyturnto 18-year-old gaymalefromPhare) So, Iwillgoto my friend. (Respondent 12, I can’t goto thepolice because ofmy work. to dealwiththesituation ontheir own 2 saidthey hadnooneandwould dotheirbest 2 would go to provider aservice 2 would go to thepolice 3 would go to afamily member 3 respondents saidthey would go to friends (Respondent 1) that they haven’talreadygivento me. them more?Idon’tthinkneedanything But ifyouaskmeIneedanything from their life andit’s apersonalthingIthink. Yes. Sometimes peoplehaveplans for Like someone to you? helpadvise about how to liveourlife. right? Butitmaybehelps to advisemore Honestly condoms the beenough, should would youlike anything else? Normally they provide condom, gel, to request provider]? fromthe[service wouldyoulike service What another subject to araid orfined. often pay abribe to thepoliceinorder not to be earlier, thismight bebecause thesevenues will opposed to inabarormassage parlour. Asstated for prostitution ifthey worked onthe streets as that someonewas more likely to bearrested One 22-year-old ladyboy from BuriRamreported night injail. and ifthey weren’t ableto, they would spenda fairly routine. They were expected to pay afine, offence, theirinteractions with thepolice were who hadbeenarrested for aprostitution related drug possessionandsales.For thetwo youth for non-prostitution-related offences, suchas offence. Four additionalpeoplehad beenarrested they hadbeenarrested for aprostitution-related Only two outofthe20respondents stated that Experiences withthePolice the police? Interviewer: Haveyouever runaway from old transwoman fromChiangMai) then arrested me].(Respondent 9,21-year- the police acted asoneofmy clients [and was chargedfor prostitution. Sometimes often.Not very Once 3-4months.every I old ladyboy fromUdonThani) will tell my family. (Respondent 1,22-year- it andifIcan’t findawayout,that’s whenI me alot.SowhenIhaveproblemwillfix anything. Because my family about worry not goingto askthemfor theadvice or me. IfIcan fixtheproblem by myself, I’m I don’twant my family to about worry gay malefromSakon Nakhon) money for food. (Respondent 6,20-year-old at all,Iwillgoto alocal barto get some issues. WhenIdon’thaveany customers first because Iknow that hastheir everyone people. Imust to try dealwithitby myself brave enoughto bringitupwithother the money, Iwillprocess itfirst. Iamnot totry dealwithitmyself first orifit’s about Mostly Idon’tbringitupto anyone. Iwill 23-year-old transwoman fromChiangMai) my personalinformation. (Respondent 7, confidential. Idon’thave to overshare organisation. Itismoreprivate and Respondent: Iwouldrathergoto an even ifitwas afalse senseofprotection. who are policeofficers. Thus,they felt protected, any issueswiththepolicesincethey have clients Some respondents stated that they don’thave from UdonThani) him. (Respondent 1,22-year-old ladyboy also comes to do something, thiswillaffect someone thatheknows findsoutthathe [manager]. Ifotherpeoplelookathimor it’s normalfor himto befriendlywiththe get isdifficult.Sothat’s theservice why if hehasahighposition, for him to come [within thepolice], andiswellknown. And because hemay haveahighposition Respondent: Interviewer: IsheThai? massage parlour]fromtheshop. close to [nameofthemanagerfrom police officers isourcustomer andheisvery Respondent: relationship withthepolice, please? Interviewer: Canyouexplain your Sakon Nakhon) (Respondent 6,20-year-old gaymalefrom And someofthemalsousemy service. and whenthathappeneditwasmy fault. The police aregood,they dotheirjob (Respondent 14) to paythefine,youhave to stay injail. prostitution. Ifyoudon’thavethemoney Usually aboutonce amonth Ipayafine for Respondent: often, Notvery itdepends. Interviewer: How often doesthathappen? Respondent: Interviewer: Whatisthefine for? Respondent: Onethousandbaht Interviewer: How muchisthepolice fine? prostitutes usually stand. Respondent: Because itisaplace where there? you aredoingsince youarejust standing Interviewer: How dothepolice know what you andhaveto payafine. outside onthestreets thepolice willarrest don’t haveto worry, butifyouareworking Respondent: Ifyouareworkinginabar Yes, heisThai.ButIthink Let metell youthis.Oneofthe Prostitution

59 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 60 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report through trading sex. which was animportant skillthey haddeveloped they learnedthat they can survive ontheirown One respondent inparticularlyspoke abouthow learned aboutotherpeopleandways oflife. with bothco-workers andclients, and what they included thefriendships they were ableto foster to come outofexchanging sex. Additional gains and insomecases, theirfamilies was thebest thing able to earnenoughmoney to care for themselves, trading sex, overall, theyouth reported that being When asked what were someofthepositives of Positive perceptions of exchanging sex in Sex Work Youth’ Perceptions of Engaging included inthissample). who have immigrated from othercountries (not engaged inexchanging sex, particularly those understanding oftheexperiences ofthose with alarger sampleinorder to get abetter sex work, thistopic shouldbeexplored further with thepolicespecific to theirinvolvement in Although few respondents hadinteractions learned how to openmy heartandto live take care andprotect myself fromharm.I me isIwasableto learn andknow how to and learnfromit.Another goodthingfor to openmy heartto theworldoutthere For me,onegoodthingisthatIwasable 10, 26-year-old gaymalefromNan) always helpandsupportme.(Respondent doing this.Therearepeopleouttherethat network. Idon’tfeel thatI’m theonlyone are willingto supportme.Itissuchagood The goodthingisIhavealotoffriendsthat 13, 24-year-old gaymalefromUdonThani) provide for meinthefuture.(Respondent able to findsomeonewho can supportand will take care ofyou.Ihopethatwillbe Sometimes ifyoumeet akindcustomer they Friendship fromfriendsandcustomers. First ofall,money, andthenfriendship. the alternative fromPrachinBuri) job. (Respondent 2,22-year-old genderof need fromtheincome thatImake fromthis can supportmyself, andget thethingsthatI able to sendmoney backto my family, andI The goodthingaboutthisworkisthatIam

respondents, itcame down to survival. money. At theendofday, for many ofthe normally would notbecause they neededthe or take oncertain peopleasclients that they sometimes forced to engage incertain sex acts difficult. Additionally, they felt that they were interested in,ordidn’tlove, made itespecially individuals they didn’tfind attractive, weren’t were specific to clients –having to have sex with Most ofthenegative feelings around trading sex Negative perception of exchanging sex them feel ashamed. feel that itreduced theirself-worth andmade exchanging sex defined whothey are, somedid Although respondents didn’tspecifically say that Sex Work andSelfWorth the alternative from Kamphaeng Phet) this. (Respondent 3,21-year-old genderof good jobto worksothey haveto worklike some ofthemmight notbeableto get a it. Someofthemdon’thaveachoice, and That’s whatIbelieve butthey haveto do works inthisenvironment isnothappy. You haveto fulfiltheirneeds. who Everyone the exchange ofmoney, youhaveto doit. don’t love andthat’s hardenough,butfor to goto sleepwithsomeoneonethatyou The thingthatIdon’tlike iswhenyouhave Prachin Buri) 22-year-old genderofthealternative from the thingthatIdon’tlike. (Respondent 2, it just because youneedthemoney. Thatis to dobutyouhaveto force yourselfto do you haveto dothingsthatyoudon’twant meet theneedsofcustomer. Sometimes The thingthatIdon’tlike isto fulfiland ladyboy fromBuriRam) than this?(Respondent 4,23-year-old wonder why Iamnotborninabetter place Yes, sometimes I feel itbothersmeandI from ChiangMai) (Respondent 7,23-year-old transwoman unstable job.Sex workisn’tadecent job. People lookdown onme. They sayitisan 15-year-old gaymalefromBuriRam) in thecommunity right. (Respondent 5, focus onwhat they have to doto survive. of focusing onthenegative, they blockitoutand they would feel bad about themselves. So, instead people saw themandwhat they dofor aliving, Others believed that ifthey thought abouthow is notascommon withjobs intheformal sector. make good money andset theirown hours, which empowered. They felt that they were ableto despondent aboutexchanging sex, others felt While many oftheyouth felt ashamedand legal, formalised job. should beafforded thebenefits that comewitha only jobopento them,itshouldbelegal andthey interviews. Several of them felt that if this was the of theothertranswomen andladyboys intheir male. Thiswas asentiment expressed by many and gender listed onhergovernment IDwas job sector was incredibly difficultsincethename explained that findingemployment inthe formal One 21-year-old transwoman from ChiangMai Buri Ram) (Respondent 14,22-year-old ladyboy from I willfeel badaboutmyself soIdon’t care. bad person.IfIcare about whatotherssay misunderstand meandthinkofasa about how othersseemeand they might I lookatmyself inagoodwaybutIthink Sakon Nakhon) (Respondent 6,20-year-old gaymalefrom money isbetter thanhavingsex for free. Going to workto havesex andgetting the when Ilookatmyself, Iseethatamhappy. do whatIhaveto doto support myself, and purpose inlife is.Iamhereatthispoint to here onmy own, andIknow whatmy I amwillingto dothisonmy own. Itravelled 9) labour to exchange for money. (Respondent my bodyto workfor money. Ididn’tuse Respondent: honestly? Interviewer: Doesthisreduce yourworth I doisajob.It’s just anillegaljob. employees. It’s difficult tofindajob.Thejob they willnotaccept measoneoftheir is aguy’s name,butIdresslike awoman, are anti ladyboy. If my nameontheID card because I’m aladyboy. Somecompanies to be.Otherjobs aremoredifficult forme myself butIcannot choosewhatIwant Respondent: Yes, absolutely. Because Iuse Sometimes Ilookdown at home to theirfamilie enough to cover theirbills andalsosendmoney employment, theybut the salary received was not who stated that they triedto stop andfindother in order to doso.There were somerespondents need to have astable, livingwage employment trading sex ifthey could; however, they would All buttwo peoplestated that they would stop work (ifthat’s whatthey want) Changes neededintheirlife to leavesex into anew lineofwork. be ableto helpsupportthemasthey transitioned able to stop isifthey found someonewhowould Others stated that theonlyway they would be old gaymalefromLumphun) when they know. (Respondent 8,23-year- app orinthemassageparlour. Noonestays I talk to left after they sawmeondating as soon as they figure it out. Some guys that what Ido.People wouldleaveimmediately want to settle down withmeifthey know people thinkorsay. Iknow noonewould to stay inthisjobbutIhaveto ignorewhat Respondent: Yes, Ihave.know itisn’teasy has decreasedyourself-value? Interviewer: Haveyouever felt thatthisjob that happens Iwouldlike to stop doing this and start over withmy loved one…when it, butifImeet someone, get adifferent job everyone expects. Idon’tknow how to say If Ifindlove. You know love isthethingthat 23-year-old gay malefromLumphun) a better family background. (Respondent, 8, good foundation like otherswho come from I can’t findawell-paidjob.Idon’thave employment opportunities.I can’t go far. and low education background limit my accept my challenges.Myfinancialsituation totrying make somechanges,butIhaveto I haveto changeitmyself. I’m actually alternative from Kamphaeng Phet) (Respondent 3,21-year-old genderofthe so Ican stop doingthiskindofwork. University. Iwant to haveabetter salary better job.Iwouldlike to graduate from I wouldlike to haveafulltimejoband 24-year-old gaymalefromUdonThani) you haveto worklike this.(Respondent 13, and haveto make money for yourfuture you aren’tattheplace whereyoucan stop If youaskmeifIwant to stop, Ido.Butif s.

61 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 62 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 50 gender identity by families, communities, and discrimination basedonsexual orientation or violence andabuse;rejection and experiences includefamily poverty; familial drivers for theircurrent situations. These SOGIE-diverse youths’ past experiences are What we found echoespast research findings: and circumstances. to avoid usinglabelsto explain theirbehaviours describe theirexperiences usingtheirwords and and difficultsituations. It wasimportant forus to exchanging sex, whichoften involved complicated about why andhow they became involved in people we interviewed shared anarray ofstories terms. As thisreport illustrates, the20young when they are notviewed inblackandwhite engaged inexchanging sex are best understood The experiences ofSOGIE-diverse youth who are SOGIE-Identifying Young People Discussion ofInterviews with of theirfamily. and notonlyhave theirneedsmet, buttheneeds embraced; however, itwas ameansto survive sex. Itwas notsomething that they readily study felt whenitcame to engaging exchanging perfectly conveyed what alotoftheyouth inthis One 22-year-old ladyboy from UdonThani this. (Respondent 1) another worldthatIdon’thaveto worklike can move outofthis.Iwouldsaymove into and Ihavegoalsthatwant to meet, thenI support my family intheareaoftheirneeds I haveapurposefor my life, like Ihaveto a lotinlife. But,it’s nottheright timeyet. not, yes,Ican because Ihavegonethrough you askmeifIcan [stop exchanging sex] or than this,Iwouldlike to take thatjob.If better choices oranotherjobthatisbetter work. Ifthereareany otherchoices orany No onewants to come anddothiskindof Depending. It’s apersonalthinglike Isaid. Buri Ram) kind ofwork.(4,23-year-old ladyboy from Experienced by the Youth of Covenant House New York.New YouthHouse Covenant the of by Experienced Young MenWhoHave Sex with Men(YMSM).I Dank, M. Dank, Dorinda Welle, Lloyd A. Goldsamt, and Marya Viorst Gwadz. 2005. Study.Qualitative A York City: New Workin Survival Sex. Survival

et al. Urban Institute; Bigelsen, Jayne, and Stefanie Vuotto. 2013. Stefanie Vuotto. and Jayne, Bigelsen, Institute; Urban

(2015, February). (2015,

Surviving the Streets of New York. Experiences of LGTBQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW EngagedYork.LGTBQin Youth,YWSWNew of and of StreetsExperiences YMSM, the Surviving Ph.D. diss., New York University, New York; Lankenau, Stephen E., Michael C. Clatts, C. YorkMichael University,NewE., York; Stephendiss., Lankenau, NewPh.D.

nternational Journal ofDrug Policy New York: Covenant House; Rees, Jo. 2010. York:Jo. Rees,New House; Covenant employers. were met. their families’ needs,inaddition to their own, contribute to householdbillsand ensure that Bangkok orChiangMai,andfelt pressure to some continued to live with family, eitherin others ran away andnever returned. However, before they officially left thehome;whereas endure themselves. Someran away several times violence they were forced to witnessand/or the first opportunity to run away from the familial also anumberofyoung peoplewholooked for income to helpwithfamily expenses. There were was anexpectation andneed to generate an their chancesoffinishinghighschoolsincethere respondents experienced aschildren decreased throughout Thailand.Theabjectpoverty many we interviewed came from rural provinces Almost alloftheSOGIEidentified youngpeople expression. of theirsexual orientation, gender identity and their own, theirfamilies were more accepting family that they were capable ofmakingiton shared that oncethey were ableto prove to their to supportthemselves. Someof therespondents which pushedthemto leave homeandfinda way experienced severe verbal andemotionalabuse, their family were immediately ostracised and/or support system. Several youths whocame outto who they were, andthey became theirbiggest they found apeergroup whoaccepted themfor from ayoung age. Most oftheyouth stated that whereas others choseto express themselves understand how they were beginningto identify, they knew that theirfamily wouldn’t accept or hid thesefeelings from theirfamily because trans-female. Someoftherespondents purposely later went onto identify asthird-gender or other children theirage, particularlythosewho at ayoung age that they were ‘different’ from Many oftheyoung peopledescribedknowing other factors. Others left because ofeconomic problems or experiencing at homeorintheircommunity. interviewed ran away because ofabusethey were

Street Careers: Homelessness, Drug Use, and Sex Work among

Homelessness, Survival Sex and Human Trafficking: As Human and Sex Survival Homelessness, 50 Many oftheyoung peoplewe

16: 10–18.

TransYouthSex Involvedin police attention. street were at ahigherriskofgaining unwanted the police,whereas thosewhoworked onthe employer, whooftentimes had to pay abribe to a massage parlourorbarfelt protected by their fairly routine procedures. Thosethat worked for police for prostitution related offences reported and thosethat didhave somerun-inswiththe Interactions withlaw enforcement were rare, and educational andliving wage opportunities. training, mental legal healthcounselling, services, suchas:vocationalother services, andjob there seemedto bealackof NGOsthat provided connected with were mainly health providers, and contact information. Theorganisations they were programmes existed orknew butdidn’thave Bangkok, others were eitherunaware that these connected to providers service inChiangMaiand at somepoint intheirlife. Althoughsomewere practicing safe sex andabouthalfabuseddrugs The majorityoftheyoung peoplereported now survive inthesameway they were surviving. peers. They simplywere to trying helpothers not profit or expect to profit from assisting their exploitative innature, andtheseindividualsdid to prospective clients. Thesesituations were not played amore active role by introducing them customers andhow to stay safe, whileothers economy by providing tips onwhere to find passive role inintroducing others into thesex engaged insurvival sex themselves, played a Some ofthesepeers, themajorityofwhomwere exchange for goods, food, shelter orsecurity. the start, thoughthere were someexamples of of cases, sex was exchanged for money from approached by apotential client. Inthemajority exchanging sex through theirfriendsorby being Many oftheyouth initiallybecame involved in in theirown lives andinsociety. others andturningtheirskillsto makingchanges affirmative steps to take care ofthemselves and an extraordinary level ofresilience, taking many said, theyouth we interviewed demonstrated participants engaged inthesex market. That violence at thehandsofcustomers orother addition to the risk of death or physical and sexual infections; feeling devalued and stigmatised; in including incarceration; sexually transmitted perceived risks ofinvolvement inthesex trade, financial independence,against theknown and Youth weighed benefits, suchassurvival and were often underfundedandunder-resourced. helpful, theseprograms were notsufficient and provision programmes inChiangMaiandBangkok Although theyouth found several oftheservice- and liveable-wage employment opportunities. benefits, mental health care and counselling, mentorship, assistance withlegal documents and training, educational opportunities, foodsecurity, goods. Theneedsthey identified includedjob to stop trading sex for money and/or material need for alternatives that would enablethem their basicneeds.Theseyouth expressed a seemed like theironlyviablemeansfor meeting However, most youth saidthat exchanging sex wanted to stop engaging inthesex trade. The majorityofyoung peoplewe interviewed

63 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 64 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 57 that hasratified (in2012)theOPIC. onlySoutheast Asianthe timeofwriting, country enforce theirrights. Thailandisthefirst and, at system ifthenational mechanisms failed to children to accesstheinternational redressal 54 53 52 56 55 51 form. from thesaleortrafficking for any purposeor exploitation, includingtheprotection ofchildren from allforms ofsexual abuseandsexual (CRC). Itincludesprovisions to protect children Nations Convention ontheRights oftheChild sexual exploitation ofchildren istheUnited document, at theinternational level, addressing commitments to protect children. Theprimary Asian countries whenitcomes to itsinternational Thailand hasset thebarhighfor theSoutheast Regional Legal Commitments Thailand’s International and 58 (OPIC). Protocol onaCommunications Procedure international treaties andadopted the Optional a shiftinthe focus beingonimplementation of In 2014,theinternational community pressed for protect children from thisheinous crime. the OPSCin2006,reaffirming its commitment to abuse andexploitation. exploitation as well asother forms ofsexual rising concern oftrafficking ofchildren for sexual Pornography (OPSC)was adopted to address the the SaleofChildren, ChildProstitution andChild In 2000,theOptional Protocol to theCRC on commitment to the CRC andchildprotection. and hastaken tremendous efforts to alignwithits FOCUS ON BOYS EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN WITH A THAI LEGAL PROVISIONS ON SEXUAL Ibid. violence against children inthefield ofcrimeprevention andcriminaljustice United Nations Treaty Collection. Optional Protocol to theConvention onthe Rights oftheChild on a communications procedure. (2014) (2000). pornography.and child prostitution children,child of sale the on Child the of Rights the on Convention the Protocol to Optional Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress andPunish Trafficking in Persons, Especially WomenandChildren, supplementing theUnited Worst Forms ofChildLabourConvention, 1999(No.182) UN Convention ontheRights ofthe Child.(1989), Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. (2013) Justice. Criminal and Prevention Crime on Commission 51 Thailandhasaccededto theCRC in1992 53

Article 9. TheOPICwas adopted to allow for 52 Thailandaccededto

Articles 34and 35.

(2000).

against Transnational Organized Crime and Children, Supplementing theUNConvention Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and theUNProtocol to Prevent, Suppress and children. exploitation ofpersons, especially women and discourage thedemand that fosters allforms of the educational, socialorcultural spheres to or strengthen legislative orothermeasures in issue ofdemand,asitrequires states to adopt Further, theTrafficking Protocol addresses the creation andapplication ofpenalsanctions. of therespective Conventions, includingthe effective implementation and enforcement insist ontheparticipating members toensure ‘Trafficking(hereinafter the Protocol’) from2000 No.182 1999 Worst Forms ofChildLabourConvention different forms ofabuseand exploitation. The of otherinstruments to protect children from the international community hasaplethora In addition to theCRC anditsoptional protocols, led to theadoption ofUNGA Resolution in Bangkok from 18to 21February 2014that had hosting theinternational expert group meeting session inVienna2013. and CriminalJustice duringitstwenty-second justice to theCommissiononCrimePrevention in thefieldofcrimeprevention andcriminal on theelimination ofviolenceagainst children on modelstrategies andpractical measures among others, that submitted adraft resolution against children. Thailandwas aleadingcountry, various resolutions that aim to eliminate violence international collaborative efforts resultingin Thailand hasalsobeenpartofanumber Model strategies and practical measures on the elimination of elimination the on measures practical and strategies Model 55 by theInternational LabourOrganisation 57

E/CN.15/2013/L.21/Rev.1 24April2013. 58 Thisledto Thailand 56

in Persons intheGreater Mekong Sub-Region, Understanding onCooperation against Trafficking to combat trafficking includetheMemorandum of that oftrafficking. Notable agreements that aim to crimeswhichhave across-border element like with neighbouringcountries specifically related has varied bilateral andmultilateral agreements 69 Cambodia, 66 65 64 63 62 68 67 victims inthemember countries. commitment to combat trafficking and protect and Children, Thailandbecame partofthe against Trafficking in Persons Especially Women the ASEAN, in2015,set theASEAN Convention abuse andexploitation against children. When member andapioneerinaddressing theissueof Nations (ASEAN), Thailandhasbeenanactive As partoftheAssociation ofSoutheast Asian 60 59 and respond to violenceagainst children. friendly criminaljustice and to effectively prevent policy makers andpractitioners toensure child- Justice”, whichisaholistic and practical tool for in theFieldofCrimePrevention andCriminal on theElimination ofViolenceagainst Children Nations ModelStrategies andPractical Measures A/RES/69/194 2015onthe“United on26January 61 Goals 2030set by theUnited Nations. the commitment to theSustainable Development Thailand hasalsobeenanexample inensuring children. Itdetailed that for achieving thetarget against allforms oftrafficking, includingthat of trafficking through the ‘zero tolerance’ policy its commitment to endingallkindsofhuman the goals. Inthereport, Thailandhasreaffirmed on theprogress ithasmadetowards achieving submitted its voluntary review report in2017 as well asbilateral treaties withVietnam, Child ProtectionAct B.E 2546 United Nations GeneralNations United Assembly. (2015). of Union the of Government the and Myanmar onCooperation Thailand To Combat of Trafficking in KingdomPersons, Especially Womenand Children (2009) the of Government the Between Understanding of Memorandum (2005). and Children translation Women available). Especially in Persons, Trafficking Combat to Cooperation and Republic Democratic People’sLao the Governmentof the and Thailand of Kingdom Understandingthe GovernmentMemorandumof of the Between Cambodia onBilateral Cooperation for Eliminating Trafficking inChildren and WomenandAssisting Victims of Trafficking(2003). of Kingdom the of Government the and Thailand of Kingdom the of Government the UnderstandingBetween of Memorandum (2008). of Trafficking Victims and Assisting and Children Women Especially in Persons, Eliminating Trafficking for Cooperation Bilateral on Vietnam of Republic Socialist the of Government the and Thailand of Kingdom the of Government the Between Agreement against Trafficking in Persons inthe Greater Mekong Sub-Region. Interpol. (2019). Sustainable Development. (2017). Affairs. Foreign of Ministry The 21 October 2015. ASEAN. (2015), against Children intheField ofCrimePrevention andCriminalJustice, A/RES/69/194, 2015. 26January United Nations General Assembly. (2015), United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination ofViolence Myanmar, the of Kingdom Union of Thailand the People’sand Republic, Democratic the Lao Socialistthe RepublicChina, of of People’sRepublicVietnam. the (2004). Cambodia, of Kingdom the of Government 63 Laos

ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons Especially Womenand Children.

64 50 children rescued, 9sex offenders arrested ininternational operation. andMyanmar.

(2003), Section 4. 60 65 Thailandalso

Thailand´s Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Agenda 2030 the of Implementation the on Review National Voluntary Thailand´s

TransformingforAgendaSustainable 2030 Development,the world: our 66 It 62 59

of boys andgirls. discriminate between therights andprotections on apositive note, itdoesnotdifferentiate and problems duringenforcement ofthelaws, but legislations isfragmented which could pose The definition ofachildintheThai national rights. following itsratification of treaties onchildren’s due to itsobligations underinternational law sexual abusematerials andtrafficking, inpart domestic violence,childsexual exploitation, child Thailand hasadopted anumberoflaws regarding Rights inThailand The Legal Landscape for Children’s prosecuted. rescued, andsexual offenders were arrested and 2017 and2019,inwhichover 50children were operation Blackwrist, conducted between approach helpedcontribute to thesuccessful tackles transnational crimes.This collaborative an international criminalpoliceorganisation that Investigation also workcloselywithINTERPOL, Royal ThaiPolice andtheDepartment ofSpecial the international and regional levels, boththe Apart from beingapartyto conventions both at been set up. the ‘Happy Village basedonnineVirtues’has forms ofviolenceagainst andtorture ofchildren’, 16.2, ‘Endabuse,exploitation, trafficking andall the ChildProtection ActB.E.2546(2003). The mainlaw aimedat theprotection ofchildren is that a childis“a person whoseage islessthan 18 68 67

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation 69

(No English (No A/RES/70/1, Itstates

65 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 66 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report the Juvenile andFamily court hasjurisdiction). been thevictimofdomestic violence (over which 73 age ofmarriage set at 17 the victimamale.Section276ofCriminal cover cases where theoffender isa female and “has to inserttheirsex organ” would clearlynot of thelegislator to that specify theoffender provide additionalprotection to boys, thechoice include “anus” and“mouth”therefore may expansion oftheprevious onewhichdidnot (statutory rape) withorwithoutconsent. with achildnotyet over 15years ofage The CriminalCodecriminalisessexual intercourse victims. to accessingjustice orprotective services for SEC appear that thedistinction will resultinabarrier 72 person. organ into the vagina, anusormouthofanother desire oftheoffender by insertingtheir sex act donewiththeintention to gratify the sexual as amendedin2019,‘sexual intercourse’ isan According to Section1(18)oftheCriminalCode, 79 2553 (2010) and Juvenile andFamily CaseProcedure ActB.E. Meanwhile, intheJuvenile andFamily CourtAct of marriedchildren. below, thisprovision could hampertheprotection exemptions, asdescribedinthededicated section 71 70 attain majoritythrough marriage. years” butdoesn’t includethosechildren who to persons over 15butnotyet 18as“juvenile”. refers to persons notover 15as“children” and and Family CaseProcedure ActB.E.2553(2010) the Juvenile andFamily CourtActandJuvenile under theage of18are referred to. Indeed, 83 82 81 80 76 75 74 78 77 juvenile offenders B.E. 2553(2010)may applyto boththe(accused) Act andJuvenile andFamily CaseProcedure Act This distinction intheJuvenile and FamilyCourt to trialofwell-being protection case, the relevant provisions undertheChapter related As bothjuveniles andchildren are covered under Ibid. Juvenile and Family Courtand Procedure ActB.E2553(2010), Ibid. Civil and Commercial Code Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956), Ibid. Ibid. Ibid Amendment oftheCriminalCode No.27of2019, . 77

As amendedby the Amendment tothe Criminal Code(2019) Section 277(para 5). Section 277. Chapter 15. Section 10. Section 276. Althoughthisnew definition isan

there isadistinction in how persons 73 andthosejuveniles whohave 71

Section 1448. andtheexistence of ( as amendedby theAmendment to theCriminalLaw No.24of2015) Section 277. 70 Withthelegal 75 itdoesnot 76

Section 3. 74 72

Section 4. the offender. marriage whichresults innopunishment of the court’s power, insuchcases, to permit the law hasbeenamendedsoasto remove age withtheconsent ofthelatter. Asof2019 child over 13years butnotyet over 15years of 18 years ofage hassexual intercourse witha in-age exemption in case aperson not yet over Section 277(para 5)alsoprovides for aclose- Criminal Codeincludestheoffence ofchild rape. is achild,thecourt may exercise itsdiscretion who hascarried outa rape underSection 277, persons undertheage of18. applies to alloffences anddoesnotdirectly target non-consensual sexual activities.Thiscriteria Code gives thecriteria for what are classifiedas hundred thousandbaht isapplicable. and afineofonehundred thousand to four punishment offive to twenty years imprisonment offences against children aged over 13 to 15the depending ontheage ofthechildvictim. For are adjusted punishments underthisSection fifteen years of age, irrespective of gender. There The offence covers allchildren not yet over or wife oftheoffender, withorwithout consent. yet over 15years ofage, whoisnotthehusband It criminalisessexual assaultagainst achildnot arrangement. and childvictimwhendecidingthe well-being education and relationship between the offender as, amongotherthings,age, background, factors intheinterest ofthechildvictimsuch offender. The court will take into consideration Law, instead ofimposingpunishment onthe offender inaccordance withtheChildProtection well-being arrangement for thechildvictimor close-in-age exemption the court may render a imprisonment. baht to four hundred thousandbaht orlife and afinefrom onehundred and forty thousand with imprisonment ofseven to twenty years 13 years ofage, theoffender willbepunished offences committed against children not yet over 82 83 However, incases involving a 81 Furthermore, iftheoffender,

78 Section277ofthe 80 For those 79

96 91 95 94 89 88 or training place. as admonishment orsendingthemto aschool the discretion ofimposingothermeasures such for offences undertheCriminalCode,butithas years ofage, theCourtshallnotpunishthem children over 10years oldbutnotyet over 15 sector to participate insuchundertaking. local administrative organisations andtheprivate with theirage, by promoting andsupporting emotion, society andintelligence inaccordance develop theirphysical body, mind,discipline, prior to education underparagraph one to young children receive care anddevelopment charge. Also, thestate isexpected to ensure that completion of educationcompulsory free of education for 12 years from pre-school to the state to ensure that every childreceives quality Constitution hasemphasisedtheneed forthe 90 85 84 The minimumworking age isset at 15. under Sections73-76oftheCriminalCode. render any punishments at all,asprovided for to reduce thescale ofthepunishment ornotto 93 92 forth inSection17oftheNational Education Act work the minimumage for work involving hazardous is provided by thelaw to beanoffence”. age shallnotbepunishedfor committing what Criminal Code,“a childnotyet over ten years of Thailand isset at 10years. According to the The minimumage ofcriminalresponsibility in of compulsory education. 16 except passinganexamination ofninth year from theage ofseven for nineyears, upuntil states that there shallbecompulsory education but below 18years ofage, theCourtshalltake 87 86 sexual exploitation: (2015). Health care needsofvictims. Neglect. & Abuse Child on Committee & E., J. Crawford-Jakubiak, J., Greenbaum, Ibid. World Health Organisation. (2002). Ibid. Article19. Constitution oftheKingdom ofThailand B.E2560 The criteria and procedure ofcalculating age shallbeasprescribed inthe ministerial regulation. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998).Section44 Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) Section73-76 UN Convention ontheRights ofthe Child.(1989), Ibid. National Education ActB.E2542 Regulations. work which must be done on scaffolding ten metres or more above the ground; or (13) other work as prescribed in the Ministerial involvingradioactivity prescribed as Ministerial the in operation;Regulations; engineswhilein or machinery cleaningof (11) (12) work (10) shaft; mountain or tunnel underwater,cave,underground, a done in be must that work (9) saw; motor or electric an the Ministerial Regulations; (7) driving or controlling a forklift or a crane as (6) prescribedRegulations; inMinisterial the Ministerialthe Regulations;in work (8)involvingprescribed poisonous worksubstances, poisonous using as explosive or germsinflammable material, involving otherother than workany in work a fuel service or station as (5) fungus, prescribed in bacterium, Regulations; virus, Ministeriala be the may which microorganisms in prescribed as substances chemical hazardous involving work (4) Ministerial Regulations; the in prescribed as hazardous be may which level abnormal an of light and noise vibration, cold, heat, toperformage following of castingany blowing, metalthe or (2) metal of rolling; work:(1) (3) work smelting, pressing; involving Section 49 of the Labour Protection ActB.E..2541 states that an employer shall not require a young worker under eighteen years 86 is18.Thecompulsory age ofschoolingset

Section 75. Section 74. 91 For persons over 15years 88 In addition,the

Section 73.

(1999)

World Report onViolenceand Health. 85 90 However 89 For

Pediatrics, 135(3),566–574.

(2017), Section 54. 84 Article 34.

focus heavily ongirls. by sexual exploitation, research has tended to sexual exploitation’. parties to protect children from ‘all forms of forefront. Article34oftheCRC requires state that placetheinterests ofthechildat their through robust legislation and effective policy endeavour to provide the same level of protection of gender. Itisimportant that allstate parties protection against SEC for allchildren irrespective the rights ofchildren provide comprehensive International instruments aimed at enshrining Thailand Sexual Exploitation for Boys in Understanding Protections from punish him/herornot. concerning suchaperson to decidewhether to other things(notdefined by theCriminalCode) into account thesenseofresponsibility andall specific ways. affecting individualsand groups ofpersons in Sexual violence manifests indifferent forms, including exploitation andsexual abuse.” to protect thechildfrom allforms ofviolence administrative, socialandeducational measures that “theState Parties must undertake legislative, is compounded withArticle19wherein it states exploitive useofchildren inpornography.” This or otherunlawful sexual practices; and 3) the 2) theexploitative useofchildren inprostitution child to engage inany unlawful sexual activity; state Parties must prevent: “1)the coercion ofa Chapter 6. 95 Althoughallchildren are affected 93 Itexplicitly outlinesthat the 96 Child sex trafficking and commercial and trafficking sex Child 92 Butthere isagrowing

67 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 68 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report childhood sexual abuse. suggest that 8%ofboys globallyhave experienced in exchange for money, food orgifts. working inthestreet hadbeensexually exploited 98 104 101 100 victims, 3% were boys. sexually exploited. Amongallsexually exploited all (adultandchild)exploited victims(59%)are exploitation, it was found that more thanhalfof Drugs andCrime,usinginternational data on According to theUnited Nations Officeon law. protected andconsidered undertheeyes ofthe boys. Attention hasbeengiven to how boys are relevant laws inplaceThailandasthey applyto for allchildren that thisresearch hasanalysed the of providing protection from sexual exploitation gender. Itiswithconsideration oftheimportance on thistopic protects allchildren, irrespective of need to ensure research, policyandlegislation 105 working inthestreet. Philippines, thisfigure rose to 27%ofboys 106 102 97 exploitation are prevalent, understanding that malevictimsofsexual 103 gender. Whiletheanalysis largely indicates may beappliedto allchildren regardless oftheir legislation ismostly gender-blind, meaningit children can occur. Positively, the relevant Thai contexts inwhichsexual exploitation ofall The following sections explore thedifferent distinction. related to children covers allchildren without it isvitally important that alllegislation andpolicy exploitation ofchildren occurs across all genders, under theage of 18 5.6% ofmaleshadexperienced sexual violence problem. Research reveals that, inCambodia, Asian nations has highlighted thescale ofthe from research carried outinotherSoutheast exploitation ofboys inThailandspecifically, data of research into theprevalence ofthesexual 99

ECPAT International. (2015). United Nations OfficeonDrugs and Crime. (2018). 1, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child prostitution child children, of sale the on Child the of Rights pornography, the Concludingobservations: Thailand. on Convention the to Protocol Optional the of 1, US Department ofState. (2008). Davis, J. D., & Miles, G. M. (2017). M. G. Miles, & D., J. Davis, exploitation inSihanoukvilleCambodia. Davis, J. D., & Miles, G.M.(2014). Davis, J. Glotfelty, E.andMiles, G.(2013). Stoltenborgh, Met al.,(2011). Philippines. the sexual exploitation ofboys, V.,Wekerle,Josenhans, & (2019). S. C. Kavenagh,Smith, M., Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2012). Child. the of Rights the on Committee against boys: Astudy in3countries. (2016). D. S. Hillis, ... Kheam, H., W.,L. Marcelin,M. Mwangi, R., Buluma, A., Mercy,J. A., Sumner, S. Philippine JournalofChildSexual Abuse,7,32–58. 99 andthat 26%ofboys 101 98 Furthermore, studies 102 Whilst there isalack

Given that sexual Situational Analysis oftheCommercial Sexual Exploitation ofChildren in Thailand” 97

emphasisingthe A GlobalPerspective onChildSexual Abuse: Meta-Analysis of Prevalence Around the World.

Child Abuse&Neglect.

Human Rights Report: Thailand. “Iwant to bebrave”: Abaseline study onthevulnerabilities of street-working boys to sexual

P A baseline study of vulnerabilities of street-involved boys to sexual exploitation in Manila, in exploitation sexual to boys street-involved of vulnerabilities of study baseline A ediatrics, 137(5). 100 Boys for Baht? Inthe

Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 12, paragraph article under parties States by submitted reports of Consideration

CRC/C/OPSC/THA/CO/1, 21 February 2012,para 21. GlobalReport onTrafficking in Persons. Gender, rights and responsibilities: the need for a global analysis of analysis global a Gender, need for the responsibilities: and rights victims. of allprostitution inthe country involved child health research institute estimated that 40% entered thiswork intheirearlyteens. males engaged inprostitution inthat regionhad carried outinChangMai2013indicated that boys inprostitution is severely lacking.A study Research into theprevalence ofexploitation of continues today. exploitation ofchildren inprostitution likely are dated, they are important indicators that of large numbers ofchildren.” “practiced quite openly, withtheinvolvement Rights oftheChildstated in2012that itwas throughout thecountry. TheCommittee onthe as explained below, itisstill widelypracticed Although prostitution isillegal inThailand, Exploitation ofchildreninprostitution likely victimsofSEC. practice reflects theextent towhich boys are understand ifthisishowthelaw isappliedin exploration ofimplementation isneeded to treatment ofchildren regardless ofgender, Furthermore, whilethelaw may allow for equal to ensure equalaccessto thestated laws. sensitive considerations may alsobepertinent instances are noted where specific gender that boys andgirlsare nottreated differently, around 60,000children. researchers andNGOsputthenumberto beat Report, estimates from Thai government officials, the USState Department´s 2008HumanRights statistics as totheextent ofthe problem exist. In in thecountry vary andnorecent, precise the numberofchildren involved in prostitution to focus onestablishment-based commercial sex their absence inmuchoftheresearch that tends establishment-based commercial sex may explain fact that boys are lesslikely to beengaged in 105 Whilst theseare onlyestimates and 104 In2010,Thailand´s 103 Childhood sexual violence sexual Childhood Estimates as to 106 The 108 over 18for thepurposeofindecency, take away aperson (regardless ofgender) notyet 282 oftheCriminalCodeto procure, seduce or Meanwhile, itisa criminal offence underSection instead ofvictims. in prostitution byidentifying themas offenders the protection ofchildvictims exploitation described inthesectionabove, thismay hamper age ofcriminalresponsibility is10years as children andadultsconsidering that the Section ofthisActdoesnotdistinguish between 118 117 107 establishment, withorwithout hisorher but notyet over 18years ofage inaprostitution person (regardless ofgender) aperson over 15 sexual intercourse against oractsotherwise a sexual desire orthat ofanother person, has any person who, inorder to gratify hisorher of Prostitution ActB.E.2539(1996) states that Section 8ofthePrevention andSuppression are illegal inThailand. As mentioned, most acts related to prostitution in whichwomen andgirlsare more prevalent. 114 116 113 Human Trafficking ActB.E2551(2008). Prostitution ActB.E.2539(1996)andthe Anti- Criminal Code,thePrevention andSuppression of 112 115 111 109 exceeding onethousandbaht. etc. butpunishment islimited to afinenot solicitation, inducingaperson into prostitution, in specificacts related to prostitution, suchas B.E. 2539(1996)penalisesallpersons engaging Prevention andSuppression ofProstitution Act thousand baht. years andafinebetween sixthousandandthirty will amount to imprisonment ofthree to fifteen but notyet over 18years ofage, thepunishment offencethis is committed against aperson over 15 can beinterpreted to includesexual purposes.If 110 thousand andforty thousandbaht. of five to twenty years andafine between ten punishment willbeadjusted to imprisonment against achildnotyet over 15years ofage, the

Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Travel andTourism. Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Ibid. Ibid. ECPAT International andDefence for Children-ECPAT Netherlands. (2016). Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Ibid. Ibid. para 3. Ibid. Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) Section282. Anti Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 Section9. Section 8. para 2. 112 Iftheoffence is committed

Regional Report: Southeast Asia. 108 Theseare covered inthe 110

Astherelevant (2008). 113 111 109 which The 107

(1996). Section 8. (1996). Section 5 (1996). Section 5. twenty thousandbaht. to afineof forty thousand to onehundred and imprisonment for aterm oftwo to sixyears and over 15years ofage, penaltiesare increased to offence is committed in relation toachildnot two hundred thousandbaht. one to ten years andafine of twenty thousand to issues apenaltyofimprisonment for aterm of (within oroutsidetheKingdom ofThailand)and irrespective of consent and geographic location seduces ortakes any person for prostitution, Section 9criminalisesany person whoprocures, offence. age inprostitution establishment isnotacriminal spouse whoisover 15butnotover 18years of a person having sexual intercourse withhis/her desire ofanotherperson. Therefore, theactof one´s own spouseandnotto gratify thesexual considered anoffence when committed against acts committed underthisSectionwillnotbe twenty thousandto thousandbaht. sixty for aterm ofoneto three years andto afineof consent, willface penaltiesofimprisonment expanding thesamepenalties to thosewho Act B.E.2539(1996)goes onestep furtherby The Prevention andSuppression ofProstitution manner. influence or coercion against one’s willinany by meansoffraud, deceit,threat, violence,undue provided incase theoffence above is committed Increased penalties(one-third heavier) are also baht. hundred thousand to four hundred thousand a term often to twenty years andafineoftwo of age, theoffender will face imprisonment for baht, whilst ifthechildvictimisnotover 15 years hundred thousand to three hundred thousand for aterm offive to fifteen years andafineofone the offender will face penaltiesofimprisonment gender) over 15butnotyet over 18years ofage, committed against aperson (again, regardless of 117

Global StudyonSexual Exploitation ofChildren in 118 115 Itisofconcern that 116 Iftheoffence is 114 Ifthis

69 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 70 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report of benefits from prostitution. Section, covers, amongotherthings,theseeking definition of exploitation, provided inthesame considered ahumantrafficking offence. of achild”for thepurposesofexploitation, is to, detaining or harbouring, orconfining, receipt bringingfrom vending, selling, orsending buying, Trafficking ActB.E.2551(2008)the“procuring, Finally, underSection6oftheAnti-Human 128 of anotherperson order to gratify hisorhersexual desire orthat years ofage inaprostitution establishment in againstor actsotherwise persons notover 18 The Actalsocriminalisessexual intercourse 124 123 of exploitation. of achild,that are carried outfor thepurpose illegal thoseacts,related to thehumantrafficking Human Trafficking ActB.E.2551(2008)makes outside theKingdom ofThailand. prostitution whether committingwithinor seducing ortaking away ofany person for 121 120 119 not yet over theage of18for sexual purposes person to procure, seduceortake away aperson the CriminalCodeitisanoffence for bothany Acts concerning prostitution inThailand.Under In summary, there are at least three separate support thecommission oftheoffence. responsibility) whoengage inprostitution. above 10(aspertheprovision onage ofcriminal (1996) criminalisesallpersons, includingchildren and Suppression ofProstitution ActB.E.2539 127 132 129 126 122 from prostitution. under theActincludesseekingofbenefits as offenders by thecriminalisation ofallpersons prostitution may be left atriskof beingidentified prostitution isthat childvictimsof exploitation in concern arisingfrom thelegislation surrounding cover bothgirlsandboys withoutdistinction. A 125 of children inprostitution. and to instigate aperson to engage in exploitation 133 131 130

Ibid. Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Ibid. Section312 ter. Ibid. Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 (2008)asamendedin2019,Section 6. Ibid. Ibid. Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 Committeeon the Right ofthe Child (2009). Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Ibid. Section9. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) Ibid. Bangkok Post. agodsend for paedophiles. (2020). Darknet’ Report. 3. ECPAT International. (2018).

3. Section 6. Section 8. Section 4.

127 Thedefinition of exploitation 128 125 Alloftheabove provisions aswell astheprocuring, 123 Towards aGlobalIndicator onUnidentified Victims inChild Sexual Exploitation Material.

Section 282. ThePrevention 121

(2008), Section6. 126 TheAnti-

Initial reports ofState partiesontheOPSC:Thailand. 119 120

The 124

122

(1996), Section 5. (1996), Section 5. engaged insexual actsthrough images orstories, (regardless ofgender) notover 18years of age refers to objectsorthingsthat show children 1(17) oftheCriminalCode,“child pornography” Thai CriminalCode.Indeed,according to Section provisions related to CSAM are includedinthe In terms oflegislative framework, most Thai CSAM aswell asprosecuting offenders. robust legislation inorder to reduce demand for OCSE offences andemphasisestheimportance of This highlights thevulnerability ofallchildren to be severe orinvolve paraphilic themes. were depicted intheabuse,itwas more likely to 4.1% bothmaleandfemale victims. children, 31.1%depicted malechildren andin of unidentified mediafilesdepicted female cases where victim gender was recorded, 64.8% database stored inthe72.5%of by INTERPOL, contained intheInternational ChildExploitation material (CSAM), basedonanalysis ofdata According to research into childsexual abuse Online childsexual exploitation (OCSE) (1996). Suppression ofProstitution ActB.E.2539 contained inSection 5 ofThePrevention and engaging inspecificacts related to prostitution for itwithnear-untraceable cryptocurrency. live-streaming sites andviawebcams, andpaying offenders orchestrating and watching abuseon a surge insexual exploitation ofchildren, with reported in2020that Thailandwas experiencing Crime at the Department ofSpecialInvestigation the Bureau ofForeign Affairs and Transnational materials.” and distribution source ofchildpornographic both local andforeign markets, asaproduction the country haspreviously beenrecognised “by of children whoare victimsofOCSEinThailand, is difficult tofind precise statistics onthe amount 129

132 Furthermore, the deputydirector of para 16. 130 Whenboys 131 Summary Summary Whilst it 133

hundred thousand baht, orboth. term of upto five years orafineofup toone the associated penaltiesofimprisonment for a criminalised undertheAct. benefits to oneselforotherpersons isseparately Possession ofCSAM for thepurposeofsexual by theThaiCriminalCode. use. Moreover, theterm “obscene” isnotdefined for thepurposeoftrade butfor mere personal CSAM isnotproduced, disseminated, offered etc. may create loopholesinreference to cases where of anything obscene for thepurposeoftrade. offering, sellingorpossession,importand export criminalises theproduction, dissemination, of CSAM-related conducts. First, Section287 The ThaiCriminalCodealsocovers anumber virtual. such, engaged insexually explicit conduct, unless adult wearing children’s clothesandactingas person appearingto beachild,for example an it fails to explicitly cover material that depictsa standards asenshrinedintheOPSC.However, definition islargely inlinewith international realistic images ofnon-existent children). The virtual CSAM (digitally generated CSAM including and written material. This definition covers visualas wellasaudioand 142 141 136 135 baht orboth. up to three years orafineofup thousand to sixty This offence ispunishablewithimprisonment for 143 134 computer system orinotherelectronic devices. include theabove objectsorthingsstored ina recording orany otherformats andshallalso marks, photos, movies, audiorecording, tape publications,colouring, pictures, advertisements, in theform ofdocuments, paintings, prints, 140 139 138 137 include mere accessasanoffence. Forwarding the offence islimited to possessionanddoesnot being for thepurposeofsexual benefits. Notably, possession ofCSAM without therequirement of law shouldbebroadened soasto criminalise conduct to beconsidered acriminal offence. The emphasises theneedfor intent to usefor this

Ibid. Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 Ibid. Ibid. Section287. Computer-Related CrimeActB.E2550 (2007), Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No.24of2015). Child ProtectionAct B.E2546 Ibid. Asamendedby CriminalCode Amendment No24(2015). Ibid. Ibid. “illustrations” can beused to cover cases of Section6. As amendedby the Criminal CodeAmendment No26(2017) Section10. 287/1. 136 Thewording underthisSection The useofthewords “drawings”

137 (2003), Section26(9). Theoffence carries

(2008), Section4. 138 Thiswording

Section 14(4)as amended in2017. 135 134

collection andanalysis, thereby affecting the not beenchanged throughout thecourse ofits possible to guarantee that data collected has They have noted that ithasnotalways been accessible. nature to acomputer system that ispublicly the importation ofany data ofapornographic The Computer-Related CrimeActcriminalises of achildfor sexual exploitation. to, detaining or harbouring, orconfining, receipt bringingfrom vending, selling, orsending buying, these acts. manner, irrespective oftheintention behind gender) to perform or actinapornographic encouraging orallowing achild(regardless of forcing, threatening, instigating, inducing, The ChildProtection Actcriminalisesactsof both. exceeding onehundred forty thousandbaht, or term ofnotexceeding seven years orafineofnot the Codewithpenaltiesofimprisonment for a CSAM to anotherperson isalsoanoffence under bodies interms of digital evidence Development Agency provides supportto legal of digital evidence. TheElectronic Transactions evidence collection andadmissioninthe court challenges intheCriminalProcedure Codefor online environment butthere are significant The above offences apply for conducts inan what constitutes data ofapornographic nature. materials. the production ordistribution ofpornographic “exploitation” covers seekingbenefits from in Persons Act,thedefinition ofthe term Related CrimeAct.UndertheAnti-Trafficking Anti-Trafficking in Persons ActandtheComputer- Other laws that partially cover CSAM are the intheformon their device (e.g. of live streaming). punishment by accessingCSAM withoutstoring it a legal loopholethat may allow offenders to avoid knowingly obtaining accessto CSAM. Thiscreates unknowingly, ‘pornographic performances’ or criminalise attending, whether knowingly or 139

141 143 140 Itcriminalisestheactsofprocuring, However, theActdoesnotdefine However, theActdoesnot Section 1(17). 142

investigation.

71 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 72 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report victims andoffenders. recovery ofevidence andtheidentification of investigation arise,particularly relating tothe heightened, andspecificchallenges for post-event the perception ofimpunitytheoffender is the requirement to download thematerial, directly streamed through theInternet without the computer ofthereceiver. AsCSAM can be not becovered assuchabuseisnotstored on Code, live streaming ofchildsexual abusewould definition of CSAM provided bytheThaiCriminal offence undernational legislation. 145 made up1%ofthesample. containing two ormore children ofbothgenders containing boys madeupjust 3%.Images represented 96%ofthesampleandimages 150 146 144 reality”, “no longer anemerging trend butanestablished Given that live streaming ofCSAM isconsidered child sexual abuseandonlinegrooming. bill inprocess to criminalisethelive streaming of these issues, at the theretime of writing, is a draft grooming andsexual extortion. Being cognizant of as onlinestreaming ofchildsexual abuse,online offences, otherthanthose related to CSAM, such Presently, noThailaw explicitly criminalisesOCSE integrity oftheevidence. problem intheregion isnotknown butthere is 148 stream sexual abusetrade. has beendubbedtheglobalepicentre ofthelive the issueshouldbeaconcern -thePhilippines fact that countries inSouthEast Asiaare facing child sexual abuseinThailanddoes notexist, the data asto theprevalence oflive streaming of younger. depicted were assessedasbeingaged 10or assessed asbeingaged 13oryounger and28% found that 98%ofthevictimsdepicted were carried outby theInternet Watch Foundation, A study oflive streamed childsexual abuse, 152 151 149 147

Virtual Global Taskforce. (2019). Tourism inEast andSoutheast Asia. Southeast Asia. from Sexual Exploitation andSexual Abuse Interagency Working Group onSexual Exploitation ofChildren. (2016). Interagency Working Group on Sexual Exploitation of Children. (2016). Electronic Transactions Development Agency. (2016). Ibid streamed ChildSexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation andSexual Abuse. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2014). Crime. and on Drugs Office Nations United ECPAT International. (2010), United Nations Children’s Fund Internet Watch Foundation. (2018). . 11 145 147 itisvital that itshouldbecovered asan Images containing oneormore girl 21. 146 144

The UseofInformation andCommunication TechnologiesinConnection withCasesofChild-Sex 149 10. 148 . (2016).

Thescale of the Child Sexual Exploitation Environmental Scan. Whilst specific

Bangkok: ECPAT International, 47. Trends inOnlineChildSexual Exploitation: Examining theDistribution of Captures ofLive- 47. Bangkok: ECPAT International.

Going by the Safe from harm:Tackling online childsexual abuseinthePhilippines. . 51.Bangkok: ECPAT International.

Protecting the Future: Improving the Response to Child Sex Offending in Offending Sex Child to Response the Improving Future: the Protecting ETDA offers adigital forensics framework. person. either onlineoroffline sexual contact withthat Internet orotherdigital technologies to facilitate child eitherinperson orthrough theuseof arelationshipof establishing/building witha refers‘Grooming/online grooming’ to theprocess either boys orgirls,for sexual purposes. Grooming refers to thesolicitation ofchildren, streaming ofCSAM to beenacted. an urgent needfor legislation criminalisingalllive being documented inSoutheast Asia. chatrooms andsocialmediasites are increasingly cases ofchildsex offenders grooming children via of thelaw cannot beusedto excuse criminal The CriminalCodeestablishes that theignorance exploitative situation. when compelled to dosowheninanabusive or liability for CSAM, producing/sharing especially wherein thelegislation excludes achild’s criminal in anexploitive situation. Thisneedsa reform with anotherchildorbeencompelled to doso have produced and/or shared CSAM consensually the law to potentially penalisechildren whomay counterproductive to theinterests ofthechild for are seenasoffenders instead ofvictims.Itis set at age 10may increase cases where children scenarios, having thecriminalliabilityofachild boys asaresult ofgender norms.Given such be more conscious of thisriskwithgirlsthan naked images ofthemselves. Infact, parents may example, intheform ofbeingpersuaded to share Children can unknowingly engage withCSAM, for girls islikely to beprevalent inThailand. available, theonlinegrooming ofbothboys and statistics as tothe scale ofthe problem are not these friends. have gone onto have sexual intercourse with to talk about sex withthesefriendsand13% met ‘virtualfriends’, 92%hadbeenpersuaded research shows that 45%ofThaiteenagers have

Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Terminology Guidelinesfor theProtection ofChildren 150 Previous research hasindicated that 3. 152 Thisindicates that, whilst precise

151 Other 164 163 159 158 of theamendedComputer CrimeAct to report, filter/and orblockCSAM. Section15 obligate theInternet Providers Service (ISPs) dissemination ofCSAM material is to enableand One oftheimportant ways noted to prevent the (intention) asadefence argument. the defence might usethelackofmensrea report. Intheabsence ofaspecificprohibition, for allspecificSEC-related crimesanalysed inthis ignorance oftheage ofthevictimasan excuse is silent regarding thepossibilityofusing 157 156 161 160 155 153 liability. 166 165 162 OCSE. Act doesnotcontain any provisions relating to Surprisingly, therecently passedCybersecurity offences ofwhichthey become aware. filter and/or blockall cases ofCSAM-related imperative that ISPs be required by law to report, and prosecute offences related to OCSEitis have to comply. Inorder to effectively investigate CSAM, butwhenissuedacourt subpoenathey have aspecificduty to filter, reportand/or block control. At themoment, ISPs inThailand donot committed using a computer system undertheir pornographic data, whichincludes CSAM, is if anoffence relating tothe‘importation’ of ISPs andcybercafé owners are responsible thousand baht, orboth).Accordingly, both up to five years andafineofup toonehundred those imposedontheoffender (imprisonment public, subjectingthem to thesamepenaltiesas nature onto computer systems accessibleto the to importing computer data ofapornographic liable ISPs that intentionally supportor consent ignorance oftheage ofthevictim. sexual indecency)cannot raise asanexcuse the towards achild,procurement andseduction for provision (includingchildrape, sexual indecency of aspecificlist ofoffences indicated inthe in 2015)states that thealleged perpetrator 154

Ibid. Ibid. Section6(2) Ministry ofSocial Development and HumanSecurity. (2017). Ibid. 67 United Nations Office onDrugsand Crime.(2018) Cybersecurity Actof2019. Ibid. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2017). Computer CrimeActB.E.2550 (2007)Section15. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No.24of2015) Ibid. Ibid. Section11. Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 Ibid. 156

153 Section 285/1. Section 6. Section 4. 193. Similarly, Section285/1(asamended

(2008), Section6. 154 Thelaw 155 holds . Trafficking in persons from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar to Thailand. Global Report onTrafficking in Persons

Thailand´s Country Report onAnti Human Trafficking Response. are notrequired. abduction, fraud, deception andabuseofpower states themeansoftrafficking suchas coercion, (regardless ofgender), thenational legislation trafficking. or receipt of achild’, amount to human or sendingto, detaining harbouring, orconfining, bringing from vending, selling, ‘procuring, buying, required to constitute trafficking, buttheactof or‘displacement’‘Movement’ ofthevictimisnot Nam. Most trafficked girls come from LaoPDRandViet Cambodia, followed by Myanmar andViet Nam. as trafficked toThailand,most come from Republic, Myanmar andViet Nam. from Cambodia,theLaoPeople’s Democratic is amajordestination forvictims trafficked gender orpurposeofexploitation. Thailand research hasnotbeendisaggregated by age, human trafficking inThailand exist, muchofthe Whilst statistics detailing the prevalence of purposes Sale andtraffickingofchildren for sexual cross border andinternal trafficking isincluded. exploitation. victims were trafficked forthepurposeof sexual region found that, in2016,60%oftrafficking from theUNODConEast AsiaandPacific Trafficking Protocol. by theThailegislation is consistent withthe The definition of trafficking in persons provided and trafficking for sexual purposes. factors whichmake children vulnerable to sale ofchildrenservices intheregion are someofthe economic disparityandthedemandfor thesexual as oneofthepurposestrafficking age range 13-17. of children trafficked toThailand fall into the exploitation. 2017, 84.4%were for thepurposeofsexual within prosecuted humantrafficking casesin anti-human trafficking responses found that 161 Highlevels ofregional migration, wide 166 159 158

According to UNODC, themajority TheThailandcountry report on 160 163 Ofallboys documented Sexual exploitation islisted 162 ,

69. Inthecase ofchildvictims Section 64. 157 164 Research andboth 193 10. 165 .

73 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 74 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 180 indecency. unless theactisdonefor thepurposeoflucre or 179 to ahundred thousandbaht, orboth. to imprisonment upto five years orafineofup over 18years ofage thepunishment willamount committed against achild over 15butnot yet both. to onehundred andforty thousandbaht, or to imprisonment upto seven years orafineup 15 year ofage thepunishment willbeadjusted offence is committed against achildnot over 172 from theirparent, guardian orcarer. Code criminalisetheactoftaking achildaway 175 169 174 171 168 176 173 170 167 order to gain illegal benefit. lure ortraffic aperson (regardless of gender)in Code itisillegal to accept, dispose,procure, the issue.UnderSection312 ter oftheCriminal alone provision, emphasisingtheimportance of for sexual purposesiscriminalisedasastand- It isimportant to note that thesaleofchildren the child´swillfor itto amount to anoffence, yet over 18,theactmust becommitted against these provisions. For children over 15butnot a childto betaken away are covered under disposingoraccepting of dishonestly buying, offences relating tochildren not over 15. the child´sage, withhigherpenalties attached to Punishments are alsoadjusted dependingon be committed for lucre oranindecent purpose. offence are greater iftheoffence isdeemed to children under15. compensation to thevictims. and ensuringaccessto remedies, and services legal dispositions,sentencing perpetrators terms to use,isparamount inapplyingrelevant an unambiguousidentification ofthe correct trafficking ofchildren for sexual purposes,and The appropriate definition of what constitutes 177 of Thailand, Section 312 ter, 317and 318oftheCriminalCode of thegravity oftheoffences are set forth in 178

Ibid. 40. Ibid D Guidelines. Varrella, (2019). Terminology A. Considerations on Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes basedonthe Luxembourg Ibid. Ibid. Sections 317-319. Ibid Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No. 24of2015) Ibid. Section317. Ibid. Sections 317-319. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended in1997),Section312 ter. Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Travel andTourism. ECPAT International andDefence for Children-ECPAT Netherlands. (2016). 169 raft Amendment to CriminalB.E 2499 (1956)Section282/1. Code . . Sections317,318and319oftheCriminal

Section 319. Section 318. 172 176 Thisrequirement doesnotexist for

Journal ofHumanRights andPeace Studies, 5 aswell asSection8and9

173

Regional Report: Southeast Asia,33. Thepunishments for this 167 175 Iftheoffence is Thisrecognition 170 168 Theacts Ifthe 174

171

(1), 36 (1996), Sections 8-9. establishment basedsex, boys were already lesslikely to beengaged in thousand baht. fine from two hundred thousand to four hundred an imprisonment from ten to twenty years anda someone under15,itwould bepunishablewith thousand baht. Ifthecrimeiscommitted against hundred andforty thousandto three hundred seven years to fifteen years andafine fromone to bepunishablewithanimprisonment from the age of18for sexual gratification ofothers grooming, andtrafficking ofchildren under operators whoare involved intherecruitment, to includelegal liabilityfor thosetourism business sexual activities.The draft amendment proposes opportunities to engage (involve) children in and tourism companies whocreate orfacilitate no specificlaw inplace to hold responsible travel travel andtourism, butat themoment, there is addressing thesexual exploitation ofchildren in There isadraft amendment to theCriminalCode at riskofbeingsexually exploited. exploitation ofchildren. adjusted punishments targeting thesexual based exploitation or establishment-based exploitation to street- SECTT. isshiftingfrom InThailand,SECTT brothels minorities may allbe at aparticularlyhighrisk to indigenous children orthosefrom ethnic refugees orinternally displacedchildren, sexual exploitation ofchildren. Migrant children, foreigners helpingdrive thedemandfor the destination for sex tourismand SECTT, with Thailand haslongbeenrecognised asa tourism (SECTT) Sexual exploitation ofchildren intraveland Act B.E.2539(1996), of thePrevention andSuppression ofProstitution .

GlobalStudyonSexual Exploitation ofChildren in 180 178 which,considering that 177 whichallhave specific, 179 could seemore boys

Sections 312,317,318.

under theoriginaloffence. face apenaltyonethird heavier thanprescribed against achildfor whomthey are responsible will 189 285 oftheCriminalCode. children isanaggravated offence under Section tutors orany oneresponsible for taking care of commission ofsexual exploitation by teachers, of international volunteers. However, the regulating the recruitment andemployment In Thailand,there are nolegal provisions 185 184 183 182 181 orphanages orday care centres. projects involve working withchildren inschools, local community. Many ofthemore popular destination and take partin projects inthe a fieldof tourism, inwhichtravellers visita Volunteer tourism, (orvoluntourism) describes vulnerable children. unknown adultsto easilymake contact with of background check.Thiscreates pathways for procedures andmany fail to conduct any type lack appropriate childprotection policiesand organisations that offer voluntourism placements put children at riskofsexual exploitation. Many both theproject andthevolunteer, they may also cases theseprojects can bringpositive benefits to 194 192 193 191 190 signs ofdanger. which impactschildren’s abilityto recognise frequent andirregular interaction with strangers of many oftheseplacements may normalise those perpetrators whocommit anoffence online grooming. could expose children to furtherexploitation or of privacy violations. Thesharingofphotos online their placement whichmay leave children at risk volunteers are likely to take photographs during for offenders to exploit children. Finally, many for apower imbalancethat may make iteasier unskilled orunqualified for the role. Thisallows placed inpositionsof responsibility despite being 187 186 188

Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No.24of2015) Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. ECPAT International. (2019). ImmigrationB.E 2522 Act Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Section47. Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No. 24of2015) The offences covered are those contained underSections 276,277, 278, 279,280,282or283. Labour Protection ActB.E.2541

Section 50. Section 45. Section 44. 183 184 Many ofthevolunteers may be

182 Theshortterm nature

(1979), Section12. 185 Thematic Paper: Sexual exploitation ofchildren and voluntourism. 187 UnderthisSection, Whilst thismay hold

(1998), Sections44-52. 181 Whilst inmany 186

that must becomplied with. inspectors andpreparing arecord ofemployment are prescribed rules,regarding labour notifying when employing achildbetween 15-18there is illegal to employ any childunder15 place ofrecreation. excluded from entering theKingdom. contrary to publicorder orgood morals” are prostitution orchild trafficking… orotheractivities by aforeign or“likely government” to engage in or beingaperson withwarrant ofarrest issued 10pm and6am illegal for achildto work between thehours of Sections 44 to 52. the rulesonemployment ofthechildin follow theLabourProtection Act,whichincludes in atravel andtourism context, are obligated to industry. Allcompanies, includingthoseworking which achildmay work inthetravel andtourism also important to regulate theconditions under In order to protect children from SECTT, itis monitor thepractice of volunteering. and care, more needsto bedoneto regulate and proved that children are undertheirresponsibility against children, butonlyincases where itcan be volunteers responsible for offences committed public peaceorsafety orthekingdom indicated “likely to cause disruption, jeopardize which stipulates that foreigners whohave been Section 12oftheImmigration ActB.E.2522 from entering thecountry. Thisiscovered under who are deemedlikely to offend, are prevented foreigners whoare previous offenders orthose important that efforts are made to ensure that To effectively tackledemand itisvitally for SECTT sold, aswell ashotels andmassage parlours. working anywhere inwhichfood orbeverages are 191 orwork inagambling placeor 188 192 Undertheseprovisions it Thisprohibits children from

190

Section 285. Section 285. Furthermore, itis 194 189 security and 193

75 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 76 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 207 200 206 199 204 before reaching theage of18. child brides,10%ofboys inThailandare married laws ofmarriage; theIslamiclaw appliedto four It isto benoted that there isadistinction inthe that thechildren have enoughfinancial resources. Common reasons includepregnancy andthefact by thelaw andleft to thediscretion ofthejudge. concept of“appropriate reason” isnotdefined 205 198 and forced marriage. strive towards theeradication ofallchild,early, protect therights ofallchildren, itisimportant to 197 196 195 women isset at thecompletion of17 years. The legal age ofmarriage for bothmenand were married before theage of18. as aresult ofCEFM.Globally, 115millionboys to underestimate thehardships that boys face this isanissueaffecting both genders andnot a rights violation. Itisimportant to note that child marriedbefore turning18hassuffered affects girls,itshouldbe recognised that any Whilst CEFMisan issuethat disproportionally Child, earlyandforced marriage(CEFM) movement issuedby thecourt. outside thecountry violating the restriction of deposit willbeconfiscated iftheperson travels in whichthere isadepositrequired andthe The court may grant bailincertain circumstances persons to before marry attaining suchage. to, inthecase ofhaving appropriate reason, allow There isanexception clauseenablingthe court 15. of 18and4%girlsare marriedbefore turning Thailand, 23%ofgirlsare marriedbefore theage economic pressure ofproviding for afamily. In responsibilities suchasearly fatherhood andthe cut short,placinguponthempremature adult results inchildgrooms having theirchildhoods 202 201 203

197 Ibid. Civil and Commercial Code. Civil and Commercial CodeSection1448. publication) ECPAT International. (2020). Summary Paper –Exploitation ofChildren inChild, Earlyand Forced Marriage. (forthcoming Ibid. Ibid. of theRights ofMalay MuslimWomen inSouthernThailand” Juvenile and Family Courtand Procedure ActB.E2553(2010) or heradopter, incase theminorisandadopted child. of state ofbeingunableto give consent, orisunderthecircumstances that make theminorunableto askfor suchconsent; his case bothofhis herfather and motherare still alive;his orherparent, in case hisorher father ormotherdied, orisin condition According to Section1454ofCiviland Commercial Code,the consent ofthe following persons is required: United Nations Children’s Fund United Nations Children’s Fund Criminal Procedure CodeB.E2577(1934) Section changing world. PATANI Working Group for the Monitoring ofInternational Mechanisms. (2017) Ibid. Whilst childgrooms are lessprevalent than

Section 1437.

234. 199

Section 1448. . (2019). . (2019). 198 195 Inorder to

196 Child Marriage. The State oftheWorld´s Children 2019Children, food andnutritionGrowing well ina This

112 201 200

The

, 8.

Chapter 15. which meanthat heisunableto marry. which themarriage isunsuitable for themanor if thewoman hascaused circumstances under to theparents, adopter orguardian ofthewoman may claimthereturn ofany property transferred woman. TheSectionalso provides that aman gives ortransfers thegifts for marriage to the that abetrothal willnotbevalid until theman community livingintheseprovinces. disproportionally affecting theMalay Muslim age ofpuberty, whichresults inchildmarriage law allows girlsto uponreaching marry the southern border provinces. ThisIslamicfamily on childprotection. the childvictimoroffender according tothe law implementing theprotection ofthe welfare of not yet over 15,thenthecourt may consider has consensual sex withachildaged over 13but provides that ifaperson notover theage of18 that Section277(para 5)oftheCriminalCode revocable for ingratitude. gifts madein consideration formarriage are not of Thailand.InSection535(4)itis stated that (4) and1437oftheCivilCommercial Code isregulatedDowry by law underSections535 other factors intheinterest ofthechildvictim. behaviour andeducation oftheoffender and amongotherthings,age, background,including, they willtake various factors into consideration, lenient sentence ontheoffender. Indoingso in age exemption, the court may imposeamore get married. children below thelegal age ofmarriage want to parents, guardian oradopter isrequired if Commercial Code,consent ofpersons like the According to Section1454oftheCiviland criminal liabilityeither. same sex marriages are notlegal, butthere isno

203 “Joint CEDAW Shadow Report ontheSituation However, itisimportant to note 204 Incases involving thisclose 206 Section1437 states his orherparents, in 202 Also, 207

205

excuse theignorance oftheage ofthevictim. seduction for sexual indecency) cannot raise asan indecency towards achild,procurement and in theprovision (includingchildrape, sexual perpetrator ofaspecificlist ofoffences indicated (as amendedin2015)states that thealleged 218 and doesn’tdeter thefilingofSEC cases. happened. Thisallows for more cases to befiled offence inbothThailandandthe country where it which meansthat theactdoesnotneedto bean to theextraterritoriality provisions ofThailand principle ofdoublecriminalitydoesn’tapply not applicable to avast numberofcases. The persons isnotcovered, makingthoseprovisions CSAM/CSEM that isnotlinked withtrafficking in relation to OCSE,whereby thepossessionof extraterritoriality provisions ofThailandin to thecase. There isaloopholeregarding the 2551 11 oftheAnti-Human Trafficking ACT, B.E. 211 210 208 and 8oftheCriminalCode exploitation ofchildren asprovided inSection7 Thai legislation, almost alloffences of sexual or ontheircitizens outsidetheir territory. Inthe jurisdiction oncrimes committed bytheircitizens Extraterritoriality isthepower ofastate to have Extraterritoriality andExtradition criminal liability. ignorance ofthelaw cannot beusedto excuse Finally, theCriminalCodeestablishes that the is defined intheCriminalCode. ‘Attempt’, alongwithwhat constitutes an attempt mens rea (intention) asadefence argument. prohibition, thedefence might usethelackof in thisreport. Intheabsence ofaspecific excuse for allspecificSEC-related crimesanalysed the ignorance oftheage ofthevictimasan The law issilent regarding thepossibilityofusing 217 216 214 213 212 specifically inthe context ofSEC related offences. an offence are criminalised generally andnot 209 215

Senate of Thailand (2009). Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No.24of2015) Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamendedby theAmendment to theCriminalLaw No.24of2015) Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No.24of2015) Ibid Ibid., concerned activities”. and dutyto coordinate theextradition for the Requesting State andthe request forextradition toThailandincluding other Ngearndee, P. (n.d.). The Extradition of2008, Act Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 (2008),Section11. Ibid Ibid., 212 . ., allows for theThaicourt’s jurisdiction

Section8. Section 285/1. Section 10. Section 2:

208 “central authority meanstheAttorney General ortheperson designated by the Attorney General having power Similarly, Section285/1

Mutual legal assistance andextradition inThailand.

Legal RulesinExtradition.

Section 7. 211 aswell asSection 210 Attempts at 209

face trial. (double jeopardy), noteligibleto orotherwise found innocent, already punishedfor thecrime may bedeniediftheperson requested hasbeen offence. Additionally, a request forextradition law orisofapolitical character oramilitary is notextraditable andisprohibited by theThai extradition may bedeniedin case theoffence receive bail. cases, thecourt willnotallowtheoffender to according to theCriminalProcedure Code.Insuch to thecourt quickly, after arrest, for investigation offenders whoare to be extradited must be taken are restricted whilegranting extradition. Those countries. same category orbearingthesamenameinboth no matter ifitisprescribed asanoffence inthe of libertyinotherforms from oneyear upward, either by death orimprisonment ordeprivation provides that theoffence shouldbepunishable applicable inextradition cases. TheActfurther that theprincipleofdoublecriminalityis requesting state as well asThailand.Thismeans offence established by boththelaws ofthe extraditable, anoffence must beacriminal 2551 (2008)provides that inorder to be In terms ofextradition, theExtradition ActB.E. extradition treaty withanother country. may becircumvented whenprovided for underan through diplomatic channels. between ThailandandtheRequesting State, or either directly, incase anextradition treaty exists request for extradition from a Requesting State requests. designated Central Authorityto make andreceive extraditable. TheExtradition Actprovides for a may alsoprovide for certain otheroffences to be is noteworthy that individualextradition treaties request for suchoffences may be considered. It offences asmentioned previously, theextradition are committed in connection withserious render themextraditable. Iflessseriousoffences more thanoneyear ofimprisonment, thiswould that most SEC offences have related penaltiesof 215 217 213 TheCentral Authoritycan receive a SomeSEC offences that are bail-able 218 Thedoublecriminalityrequirement Sections80-82.

Section 64. Sections 7-8. 216 Arequest for 214 Given

77 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 78 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 228 227 221 220 six majorinternational human rights treaties.” Child] andconsistently referred to intheother “implicit intheConvention [ontheRights ofthe international law. AstheCommittee notes, itis for humanrights violations is well established in 222 225 226 224 223 219 been tortured orissickdue to unlawful care. if they suspectoritisapparent that thechildhas working withchildren andinstitutions) to report professionals -asstated in thesectionabove- 2546 (2003)requires any person (andespecially and Section41oftheChildProtection ActB.E. against children intheThailaw. Section29 the instances ofsexual abuseorexploitation There isemphasis given to theneedfor reporting Reporting National Complaint Mechanismsand speak outagainst anadult. norms that make itinconceivable for achildto communities, they may besilenced by social she isafamily memberorfriend,insome for theirexploiter, particularlywhenheor happened to them;they may feel guiltorpity they may beashamedorconfused aboutwhat They may notunderstand how to make areport; victims ofsexual violenceare hesitant to report. There are many reasons why children whoare violations.” effective remediesmust be available to redress of theChild,“[f]orrights to have meaning, law. Putsimplyby theCommittee ontheRights remedy for that violation underinternational exploitation are entitled toseekand obtain a Both boys andgirlswhoare subjected to sexual Access to Justice and Remedies by makingsystemic changes. being aboy issomething whichhasto beresolved addition to the stigma that comeswiththevictim restitution, compensation and rehabilitation. Legal remedies can include,amongotherthings,

Ibid.

Exploitation. ECPAT International. (2017) Criminal Code B.E2499 UN General Assembly, BasicPrinciples ontheRight to aRemedy and Reparation, General Comment No.5,UNDoc.CRC/GC/2003/5, para 24. Exploitation. ECPAT International. (2017). See e.g. Criminal Code B.E2499 Witness Protection ActB.E2546(2003),Section9. Child ProtectionAct B.E2546 Committee onthe Rights ofthe Child. (2003).

Criminal CodeB.E 2499 (1956),Section20. 219 The right of children to legal remedy

49 58. .

(1956), Section96and281. (1956), Section95. Through theEyes ofthe Child:Barriers to Accessto Justice and Remedies for ChildVictims of Sexual Through theEyes oftheChild:Barriers to Accessto Justice and Remedies for ChildVictimsof Sexual 222

(2003). Sections29and41 Thesebarriers in General measures ofimplementation ofthe Convention onthe Rights ofthe Child.

221 223 220

Section 95oftheCriminalCodeis15 years. The statute oflimitation for SEC offences under on thebasisofapolicereport. of information obtained by any sources; example officio (withthe power oftheoffice)onbasis don’t have thepower to investigate SEC crimes ex by theMinister ofJustice. 2546, theprotection ofawitnessisapproved to Section9oftheWitnessProtection ActB.E. to provide protection to thewitness.According child protection training and ethical guidelines urgent needto equiplaw professionals with interests ofthechildasapriority. There isan to create anefficient system keepingthebest for more resources, bothfinancialandhuman throughout thecountry. There isalsoadire need roomno childfriendlyinquiry inevery region of thepolicededicated to SEC-related offences, enforcement force. There isnospecialisedunit and addressing reports inthelegal andlaw not sufficient systems inplace for receiving In practice, there isa concern that there are instance. attached iftheperson fails to report suchan Having saidthat, there isnocriminalliability Besides afew exceptions, Thailand. provided for undertheChildProtection of be protected by theWelfare Protection Shelter abuse orexploitation isachildthey might also statutes oflimitations for sex crimes. their accessto justice can bethwarted by short disclosure isoften delayed. Inthese cases, exploited children dodisclosetheirabuse, to policewithinthree months. of compoundable offence for victims to report the state, notrequiring thelegal requirement sexual assaultisclassifiedasacrimeagainst Procedure Amendment Act(No.27) B.E2562 Furthermore, under Section11oftheCriminal a range offactors that may result inachildnot

Article 18. 225 224 publicprosecutors Ifthevictimof 227 Whensexually 228 There are 226

child abusecases. within theRoyal Thaipolicededicated to handling 230 229 rights.” prerequisite for protection ofallotherhuman “fundamental right initselfandanessential the abilityofachildto access justice isa the United Nations in2014emphasisesthat The Accessto Justice for Children Report of Child-Sensitive Justice Domestic ViolenceAct A national referral mechanism exists underthe distinction on gender. national andnon-national victims,withno that theexisting support systems apply to both the law. Itisimportant to note at thisjuncture execution oftheprotection deemedunder policy andsufficient resources toaidthe Therefore, there isaneedfor bothcommitted from legal aid,healthcare andsocialservices. enforcement, butalsoother professionals informed care. Thisappliesnotonlyfor law of childsensitive criminaljustice and trauma- communication skillsandanunderstanding development ofacombination ofpeopleskills, access to justice for children also requires the It isalsoworth mentioning that thesuccessful concerns. norms may furtherdiscourage boys from raising pressures stemming from established gender comfortable to doso.Furthersocialandcultural victims to come forward ifandwhenthey feel limitation for crimes related to SEC, allowing it isrecommended that there isnostatute of for what hashappenedto them.Therefore, abuser orfeel somesenseofguilt/responsibility victim. Otherchildren may wish to protect their until muchlater ormay notseethemselves asa the severity ofwhat hashappenedto them crimes. Somechildren may notfullyunderstand feeling comfortable withreporting SEC related 235 234 233 232 231 norms andstandards, includingtheConvention of rights asputforth innational andinternational to obtain ajust andtimely remedy for violations

Human Rights Council.(2013). Domestic ViolenceActB.E2550(2007),Sections7-8. Ibid. Ibid. Section22. Ibid. Criminal Procedure CodeB.E2577(1934) (asamendedby 28of2008) ActNo. Ibid. 230

Section 26(4). para 4. Itdefines access to justice as“theability 229 butthere isnounit

Access to Justice for Children,

A/HRC/25/35, para 3. questioned repeatedly. are justifiable reasons,achildshouldnotbe child from hearing suchquestions. Unlessthere or socialworker, inaway that prevents the question thechildonlythrough the psychologist mental condition, theinquirer is required to questioning would bedetrimental to the child’s psychologist orsocialworker thinks that sucha by thechildandapublicprosecutor. Ifthe a psychologist orsocialworker, aperson sought separately at asuitable placeandinpresence of request ofsuchchild,interrogate himorher if thevictimisachild,inquirer shall,upon under theThaiCriminalCodeorany otherlaw, According to theCode,incases ofsexual offences provides for child-friendly interview methods. child victimsofSEC. TheCriminalProcedure Code established child-friendly interview methods for In Thailand,thenational legislation has it comes to sexual violenceagainst them. influenced by the stigma surrounding boys when account for theneedsofboys whichare often addition to bechild-friendly has to specifically This emphasisontheabilityto accessjustice, in on theRights oftheChild.” best interests ofthechild. Protection Act requires the efforts prioritisingthe a child-friendly manner, Section22ofthe Child information related to thelegal proceeding in the law. Whilethere isnorequirement to provide legal representation shallbeinaccordance with assist orsupportvictimsifthey request, butthe representation to thevictimsof SEC. NGOs can Family Protection provides free legal aidand The PublicProsecutor’s centre ofChildand reproduced continuously. recorded audio-visually asevidence that can be may arrange to have theinterrogation ofthechild any otherperson whoisnotthechild’s relative. dissemination to receive orgive away achild to advertise by meansofmassmediaorinformation state oractingwiththe state´s approval, cannot of achild’s consent aperson, whoisnotthe be protected. Section26(4) states that regardless Act allows for theprivacy ofthechildvictims to , Section133bis. 232 Instead, theinquirer 233 234 231 TheChildProtection 235

79 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 80 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report victim to obtain a temporary stay intheKingdom entrusts thecompetent authorityto assist the rehabilitation. victim oftrafficking, including mental and physical Security astheagency to supporttheneedsofa the Ministry ofSocialDevelopment andHuman of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act 247 246 245 236 accommodating the needsofvictims. criminal sanctionsagainst theperpetrators, than being more punitive, emphasisingmore on boys. Thisistheresult ofthecurrent legislation full recovery andrehabilitation, eithergirlsor ensures that victimsofSEC have aright to legislation. At present, there isnolaw that reintegration for victimsof SEC intheThai when discussingtheaccessto recovery and There isaconcerning gap inthelegislation Access to Recovery andReintegration others inanunlawful manner.” child orfor seekingbenefits for oneselfor for reputation, prestige orother interests ofthe the “intention to cause damage to themind, disseminated ofthechildorguardian with Section 27 states that noinformation shallbe 240 243 239 244 242 238 237 or theirrights.” manner whichwould damage theirreputation child’s first name,photo orany information ina welfare orwelfare protector shallnotreveal the Section 50 states that the “guardian oftheChild’s 241 mutatis mutandis.” information duringhisorherperformance ofduty Section 24whohas come into possessionofsuch having dutyto protect theChild’s welfare under official, social worker, psychologist oraperson the ChildProtection Act. the Childvictims,as governed by Section50of authorities, itislimited to someidentification of identification ofchildvictims,butinthe caseof The law ingeneral prohibits any form of Ibid.

Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 Criminal Procedure CodeB.E2577(1934) (asamendedby 28of2008) ActNo. Ibid. Children. Ibid. Anti-Human Trafficking Act B.E 2551 (2008). Ibid. Ibid. ECPAT International. (2017). Ibid. Section33. Ibid. Ibid.

Section 37. Chapter 4. Section 50. Section 27. 242 237 Section37oftheActalso Thisappliesto any “competent 238

239

Casting Light ontheCare, Recovery and (Re)integration NeedsofCommercially Sexually Exploited 236

(2008). Section 33. Inaddition, 241 hasappointed 240

Section 37. Chapter 4 that thevictim at thefirst instance be informed of both thenational and regional levels. etc. whichrequires thesupportofsystem at example, providers, service parents, guardians, need supportfrom different stakeholders, for especially situations ofsexual exploitation, they When children leave situations ofviolence, while thelegal proceeding isunderway. Code. under section44/1oftheCriminalProcedure compensation by filingamotionthemselves Victims ofSEC have thepossibility to seek Access to Compensation their lives after thetrauma. support system for themto move aheadwith basic needs,includingeconomic survival anda A key element ofhelpingsurvivors isto ensure children whichare basedontheirgender. address thedifferent circumstances that face mechanisms shouldalsotake into account and the services forthe services themto accessthem. to ensure that thechildren are informed about to set up hotlines and invest in outreach programs andprograms.specialised services Italsoneeds victimisation. There needs to be a development of and guidelinesto protect children from re- up for providers, service alongwithregulations case ofThailand,there needsto beasystem set set by theMinister. compensation inaccordance to the regulations the victimsofhumantrafficking toclaim Human Securityisresponsible for aiding Act, theMinistry ofSocialDevelopment and As perSection33oftheAnti-Human Trafficking support from thelawyers. is complex, inreality, thevictims require legal of thecriminalproceeding, butastheprocess awarded compensation alongwith judgment 246 Intheory, victimsare expected to be , Section44/1. 247 Section34furtherobligates 244 245 Inthe 243 These

in theCriminalCaseAct,B.E.2544(2001). Compensations andExpenses for theAccused under theDamages for theInjured Person and Victims ofSEC are entitled to compensation behalf ofthevictim. to ensure thecompensation claimis carried on responsibility rests withthePublicProsecutor right andalsowishesto claim compensation. The wherein thevictimofhumantrafficking hasthe 35 lays down thedueprocess set forth inthelaw to 287oftheCriminalCode sexual offences contained underSections276 offences affixed totheAct.Therefore, whilst However, damages are onlyavailable for those 248 prostitution may be left atriskof beingidentified prostitution isthat childvictimsof exploitation in A concern arisingfrom thelegislation surrounding work. have beenidentified inthe course ofthis research children’s protection from sexual exploitation few concerns andloopholeswhichmay hamper cover bothgirlsandboys withoutdistinction. A All oftheprovisions describedinthelegal analysis likely victimsofSEC. in practice reflects theextent towhich boys are to understand ifthisishowthelaw isapplied gender, exploration ofimplementation isneeded for equaltreatment ofchildren regardless of laws. Furthermore, whilethelaw may allow be pertinent to ensure equalaccess to the stated specific gender-sensitive considerations mayalso not treated differently, instances are noted where analysis largely indicates that boys andgirlsare children regardless oftheirgender. Whilethe gender-blind, meaningitmay beappliedto all Positively, the relevant Thailegislation ismostly Framework Discussion ofAnalysis ofThaiLegal his orherright to claimcompensation. 251 250 254 249 252 253 compensation underthisAct. victims ofCSAM related offences unable toaccess offences relating to CSAM willnot.Thisleaves

Ibid. Criminal Code B.E2499(1956) (asamended by theAmendment to the Criminal Law No. 24of2015) Damages for theInjured Person and Compensations andExpenses for the Accusedin the CriminalCaseAct,B.E.2544(2001). Child ProtectionAct B.E 2546 Ibid. Section35. Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution ActB.E.2539 Ibid.

Section 287 Section 34. 249

(2003),Section 26(9). 251 may becovered, 248 Section 250

(1996), Section 5. abuse andonlinegrooming. to criminalise thelive streaming of childsexual theretime ofwriting, isa draft Billin process extortion. Being cognizant oftheseissues, at the child sexual abuse,onlinegrooming andsexual related to CSAM, suchasonlinestreaming of criminalises OCSEoffences, otherthanthose Finally, at themoment, noThailaw explicitly and admissioninthecourt ofdigital evidence. Criminal Procedure Codefor evidence collection nature, there are significant challenges inthe Crime Actwhichincludesdata ofapornographic Despite theexistence oftheComputer-Related intheform(e.g. oflive streaming). accessing CSAM withoutstoring itontheirdevice may allow offenders to avoid punishment by criminalised. Thiscreates alegal loopholethat knowingly obtaining accessto CSAM are not unknowingly, ‘pornographic performances’ or of anything obscene offering, sellingorpossession,importand export criminalising theproduction, dissemination, virtual. Moreover, the wording oftheprovision such, engaged insexually explicit conduct, unless adult wearing children’s clothesandactingas appearing to beachild,suchasfor example an to explicitly cover material that depictsaperson With regards to OCSE,theThailegislation fails these acts, manner, irrespective oftheintention behind gender) to perform oractinapornographic encouraging or allowing achild(regardless of acts offorcing, threatening, instigating, inducing, Although theChildProtection Actcriminalises not defined by theThaiCriminalCode. personal use.Moreover, theterm “obscene” is offered etc. for thepurposeoftrade but for mere where CSAM isnotproduced, disseminated, CSAM) may create loopholesinreference to cases (1996). Suppression ofProstitution ActB.E.2539 contained inSection 5 ofThePrevention and engaging inspecificacts related to prostitution as offenders by thecriminalisation ofallpersons 252

254 attending, whether knowingly or 253 (whichcould include

Sections 276-287.

81 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 82 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 256 255 provide protection to thewitness. protection trainings and ethical guidelines to urgent needto equiplaw professionals withchild interests ofthechildasapriority. There isan to create anefficient system keepingthebest for more resources, bothfinancialandhuman throughout thecountry. There isalsoadire need rooma childfriendlyinquiry inevery region dedicated to SEC-related offences, noristhere force. There isnospecialisedunit ofthepolice reports inthelegal andlaw enforcement systems inplacefor receiving andaddressing There isaconcern that there are notsufficient not applicable to avast numberofcases. persons isnotcovered, makingthoseprovisions CSAM/CSEM that isnotlinked withtrafficking in relation to OCSE,whereby thepossessionof extraterritoriality provisions ofThailandin There isaloophole regarding the sexual activities. opportunities to engage (involve) children in and tourism companies whocreate orfacilitate no specificlaw inplace to hold responsible travel travel andtourism, butat themoment, there is addressing thesexual exploitation ofchildren in There isadraft amendment to theCriminalCode exploitative situation. when compelled to dosowheninanabusive or liability for CSAM, producing/sharing especially wherein thelegislation excludes achild’s criminal in anexploitative situation. Thisneedsa reform with anotherchildorbeencompelled to doso have produced and/or shared CSAM consensually the law to potentially penalisechildren whomay counterproductive to theinterests ofthechild for are seenasoffenders instead ofvictims.Itis set at age 10may increase cases where children scenarios, having thecriminalliabilityofachild share naked images ofthemselves. Given such for example, intheform ofbeingpersuaded to children can unknowingly engage withCSAM, A furtherconcern iscaused by thefact that

ECPAT International. (2017). Exploitation. Criminal Code B.E2499

58.

(1956), Section95.

Through theEyes ofthe Child:Barriers to Accessto Justice and Remedies for ChildVictimsof Sexual Section 95oftheCriminalCodeis15 years. The statute oflimitation for SEC offences under crimes. thwarted by shortstatutes oflimitations for sex In thesecases, theiraccessto justice can be their abuse,disclosure isoften delayed. When sexually exploited children dodisclose the needsofvictims. against theperpetrators, thanaccommodating punitive, emphasisingmore oncriminalsanctions result ofthecurrent legislation being more rehabilitation, eithergirlsorboys. Thisisthe victims ofSEC have aright to full recovery and At present, there isnolaw that ensures that raising concerns. gender normsmay furtherdiscourage boys from cultural pressures stemming from established they feel comfortable to doso.Furthersocialand allowing victims to come forward ifandwhen no statute oflimitation for crimes related to SEC, them. Therefore, itisrecommended that there is of guilt/responsibility for what hashappenedto wish to protect theirabuserorfeel somesense see themselves asavictim.Otherchildren may happened to themuntil muchlater ormay not not fullyunderstand theseverity ofwhat has reporting SEC related crimes.Somechildren may result inachildnotfeeling comfortable with 256 There are arange offactors that may 255

boys andSOGIE-diverse youngpeople programming for families andcaregivers of Gaps andoverlaps andalackof inservices the Frontline Providers Recommendations Emerging from categories: The Recommendations are dividedinto four RECOMMENDATIONS

recommendations. Consolidated appliedlearningsandoverall Thai legal context, and; Recommendations from theanalysis ofthe identifying young people; Recommendations emerging from theSOGIE- providers; Recommendations emerging from the frontline here askey vulnerability for boys - few services economic difficultieswhich were reported support that isableto address complex assistance programming. Economic needversus alackofeconomic available to children ofallgenders. of mixed gender to services ensure they are emergency shelter). Increase gender-sensitivity areservices notappropriate -suchas and programmes (where mixed-gender Increase availability ofboy-specific services faced by SOGIE-diverse youth. toservices address intersectional challenges Improve designanddelivery ofspecialist individualistic services). addressing vulnerabilities rather than opportunities, and family-based supports economic support,educational andtraining identified from the data (suchasneeds for ratherservices thantherange ofneeds provision sexual ofbasiccounselling, health and SOGIEdiverse children focuses onthe the available specialist programming for boys rather thanresource-led Muchof services. Design anddeliver more needs-ledservices Develop andprovide

actively engagingintheir own exploitation Unconscious biasesagainst boys andthose programming for childrenwithdisabilities A relativeabsence ofawarenessand

sexual exploitation. Children cannot ever consent to theirown responsible orare ‘naturally promiscuous’. engaging intheirown exploitation are – particularlythebelief that children actively diverse survivors ofchildsexual exploitation beliefs andattitudes aboutmaleand gender addresses knowledge gaps andproblematic Sensitisation training with communities that behaviour andsocial development ofboys and Generally, there isvery little research on the Thailand. of frontline workers andacross allprovinces in expand thisresearch project to awidersample providers. TheGovernment isencouraged to families, communities andfrontline service gaps inunderstanding from boys themselves, providers, disclosure andhelp-seeking andthe and SOGIEyouths’ experiences withservice exploitation is needed to understand boys on boys andyoung menaffected by sexual Community-based, SOGIE-inclusive research development; helpful responses. consequences ofabuse;SOGIEdiversity; boys’ risk andvulnerability; effects and (OCSEA); myths andinaccurate information; including onlineexploitation andabuse of sexual exploitation andabuseofboys, Other topics may include:theexistence disabilities. facing parents/family members livingwith SOGIE children, andthespecificintersections families ofvulnerable boys (andgirls)and assistance, socialsupportsfor parents and Improve programming that supportseconomic to address these. were currently skilledandresourced to beable

83 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 84 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report Service barriersforService boys

exchanging sex inthefirst place. pressures that can pushchildren towards may even avert homelessnessandfinancial living can prevent problems advancing and thatservices are available where children are (boys, girlsandSOGIE-diverse youth). Support urban locations that isopen to allchildren welfare programming andsupportinnon- there isalsoaneed for expanded accessto available to boys andSOGIEdiverse children, benefit from expanded specialisedservices While thethree urbanresearch locations may training for more detail). child sexual exploitation (seebelow sectionon living withdisabilitieswhoare vulnerable to minorities, economic migrants, andpeople diverse youth, Thaiandnon-Thaiethnic challenges faced by girlsandboys, SOGIE- on understanding theunique,intersectional Training to allfrontline providers shouldfocus access to for services many excluded groups. accessible to children ofallgenders improves but ensuringallwelfare are services more young peoplewillcontinue to benecessary, specialist for services boys andSOGIE-diverse with maleandSOGIE-diverse victims.Some they face inbuildingrapport andrelationships Manyservices. workers reported challenges people ifthey seeksupportfrom general work withboys andSOGIE-diverse young to develop somebasicskillsto beableto workers whoare providing to services children Provide training to assist allfrontline welfare of boys). allocations to alsoaddress sexual exploitation and girls,advocacy could increase funding violence usuallyonlyfocuses onwomen the SDG5fundingto address gender-based private philanthropic groups. (For example, government, non-government, andamong advocacy aimedat donors andfunders within within thecontext may require specific and donors. Thus,acritical partof working been madeasignificant priorityoffunders young men.Inpart,thisisbecause ithasnot training aswidelypossible.): – thebarrierispromoting access to thistypeof these linesdoesalready exist andcan beadapted research. (Itshouldbenoted that training along that buildsonexisting practice wisdomand training, witha boy-sensitive gender lens,and addressed inevidence-based, comprehensive The following recommended topics shouldbe based’ responding. case management furthersupporting ‘evidence specifically to improve systems of evaluation and conducted withorganisational leadership staff, exploitation. Training shouldtherefore alsobe their experiences ofsexual violence,abuseand and meningeneral, andspecifically in relation to required inhow we view andunderstand boys In many respects a‘cultural transformation’ is ignored. and harmful responses, orboys’ needsbeing best interests, andoften result indiscriminatory beliefs andnorms,whichdolittle to serve boys’ This gap isoften filledwithunhelpfulmyths, to empathise withboys andSOGIEdiverse youth. leading to alackofunderstanding andcapacity knowledge andaccurate, available information with otherresearch that indicates majorgaps in their sexual exploitation andabuse.Thisaligns of boys issuesingeneral, aswell asspecific to training opportunitiesthat increase awareness a majorneedfor comprehensive learningand The frontline providers’ survey data indicated others Training for frontline providers service and

with boys, andpractical solutions); help seekingbehaviours, needs,engagement (linking to theirinfluence onvulnerability, risk, Boys’ socialandbiological development wider society; families, providers, service communities and Gender normsandtheirinfluence onboys, exploitation) - and itsapplication in practice; abuse, exploitation (including online abuseand Defining andunderstanding sexual violence, harm andmarginalisation oftheissue; sexual abuseand exploitation that lead to cultural myths andbeliefs related to boys, Identifying andaddressing popularsocialand the SOGIE-Identifying Young People Recommendations Emerging from

Respondent: home, correct? talking aboutarefriendsfromthechildren’s Interviewer: Sothefriendsthatyouare so. Itwaseachindividual’s choice. with friends.Nooneforced eachotherto do consistent. Sometimes I took abusorwent home. Ididn’thavearidesoitwasn’t it. Ieven diditwhenIwasinthechildren’s eventually did.They areactuallystill doing to dosomething like thisbefore butthey Respondent: Yes. Someofthemnever tried unregistered shelters for children. Increase oversight, scrutiny andshutdown vulnerability factors identified inthis report. are essential, to prevent ormitigate key are exchanging sex. inrural Services provinces provinces to theurbanlocations where they majority ofyouth interviewed came from rural youth), particularlyinrural locations. The vast for allchildren (boys, girlsandSOGIE-diverse Improve accessto general welfare services youth andtheirfamilies. Working withSOGIEdiverse children and Disability, vulnerability andrisk; protection andsupport); Working withboys’ families (prevention, Supporting safe disclosures; and environments for working withboys; Establishing enablingandsafe relationships exploitation andabuse; engaging withboys affected by sexual Male-friendly andinclusive strategies for exploitation andabuse; Effects, consequences and responses to support initiatives; Evidence-based prevention, protection and and riskaswell assignsofexploitation; Understanding andidentifying vulnerability Yes

Pichit Province) (Respondent 18,22-year-old malefrom I managedto escape andleaveanyway. at night because itisdangerous.However, area. They saidI’m notallowed to leave to theInternet café intown orChangPuek nothing. Sometimes I told themthatIwent Respondent: Ithinkthey didbutthey said doing? children’s homeknow aboutwhatyouwere Interviewer: Isee.Didthestaff atthe Respondent: client? children’s homeafter youwent withthe Interviewer: Didyoucome backto the something like this. Respondent: Interviewer: How doyoufeel aboutthat? prison. separate you.They putyouinthemen’s you goto prison. Therewasnoareato Respondent: it’s hardasaladyboy when want to share? Interviewer: Isthereanything thatyou ready for themto seemy bodylike that. body shapelooks like awomanandIwasn’t I took hormonessince Iwasakidsomy Respondent: Yes, just like awomanbecause You looked like awomanby thattime? Interviewer: How aboutyourbodyshape? at all. Respondent: Interviewer: They didnotcover you? cover me? just alittlebitorjust havesomething to why notseparate mefromothermeneven that upset mebecause Iamaladyboy, so to checkyourbodyandthatisthething take offyourallclothes for theofficer terrible. Whenyouget inside,youneedto there itwasnotagoodstory for me,itwas Respondent: Since thefirst daythatIgot you whenwereinthere[prison]? Interviewer: Didanything goodhappento prisons. Improve treatment ofthird-gender injailsand Yes Idon’tlike itandIdon’twant No,around to nothing cover up

85 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 86 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report

15, ladyboy fromNakhonRatchasima) off allofyourclothesagain.(Respondent officer needs tocheckyou,youhave to take if thereissomething thathappensandthe Because ifthereisany urgent situation,like undertaken sex reassignment surgery. must separate theladyboys whohave already haveboobs like awomansothey andthey already gotthoracicsurgery Respondent: For someladyboys, they Interviewer: Why? the ladyboys into adifferent room. Respondent: should they do? you want to tell them[lawmakers] -what Interviewer: Whatdoyouwant? Whatdo do. Ifthey godoanotherjob,itwillbea they don’tknow what otherjobthey can make money. Ifthey didnotworklike this, It isgoodmoney anditisaneasy wayto have nochoice thento dothiskindof work. so just make it legal.Because somepeople make anincome for ourcountry aswell, an income. Ithinkiswill beagoodwayto like itto bealegaljobsothatwecan make work ofprostitution, ifispossibleIwould Respondent: Nan) (Respondent 10,26-year-old gaymalefrom NGOs, peoplewouldbelessfrightened. approach them.Ifpolice areworkingwith People areusuallyscared whenthepolice prevent risks [associated with]sex work. They can helpto reduce theharmandto encourage peopleto take bloodtests. like thisto supportsex work.They can collaborate withnon-profitorganizations flow isbetter. Ithinkthepolice should People aremorematerialistic. Themoney Chiang Maiisabigcityandwell-developed. according to citycivilization. For example, The prostitution islikely toincrease every sex worker to get ridofprostitution. Respondent: of reporting concerns ofinvolved children. adult sex work may positively impactlikelihood participants suggested decriminalisation of being exploited inprostitution contexts. Some collaborate inorder to prevent children from providers andadult sex workers to engage and possibilities oflaw enforcement, frontline sex work inorder to better allow the Review legislation regulating andcriminalising Iwouldlike themto separate Iwouldlike to say about the Ithinkit’s impossibleto arrest

Mai) 7, 23-year-old transwoman fromChiang are openfor theLGBTQ group.(Respondent only maleandfemale. Notmany ofthem advertisements thattheyeven specify want is solimited dueto ourgender. Many job population. Theemployment outthere opportunities, especially for the LGBTQ can helpto generate income andjob Any organization or foundation that provide the right service to them. They don’t their background andnatureinorderto necessary. It’s important to understand Providing supportfrom local expertise is access thesepeopleinorderto helpthem. gay andtranswoman. [Providers] needto populations in my community, especially for I wouldlike to askfor helpfor LGBTQ Phet) gender ofthealternative from Kamphaeng kind ofwork.(Respondent 3, 21-year-old get abetter jobandthey can stop doing this who worklike thiswillbechangingjobs and lot andIbelieve fiftypercent ofthepeople can helpsupportinthisareaitwillusa to cover theirbills.Butifthegovernment work inthisjob[sex work]to make money whichiswhyof oursalary peopleneedto food andelectricity billsarealreadyhalf living expenses arealot.Transportation, school orUniversityisreallylow, butall forsalary thosewhograduate fromhigh standard that wouldbegreatbecause the If thegovernment can increasethesalary Ubon Ratchatani) by thelaw. (Respondent 16,ladyboy from legal job,thenwecan get healthcoverage illegal prostitution. Ifthisjob canbecome a sign thecontract sothatthey can stop the like whatagecan dothisandhavethem want to legalize it,beclearabouttheage, all cleanedup,it’s impossible,andifyou small salary. Ifyouwant to seeprostitution identification. their gender onformal government and allowing third-gender peopleto change Ensure employment law isgender-inclusive, training, particularly for third-gender people. More opportunities for vocational andjob throughout Thailand. providers inbothrural andurbanprovinces Increase thenumberofSOGIE-diverse Increase thenational minimum wage. of theThaiLegal Framework Recommendations from theAnalysis

abuse. of children andlive streaming ofchildsexual all related conduct includingonlinegrooming online childsexual exploitation andcriminalise Amend andconsolidate legislation related to abuse material. and knowingly obtaining access to childsexual unknowingly, ‘pornographic performances’ Criminalise attending, whether knowingly or appearing to beachild. material to includematerial depictingaperson Amend thedefinition ofchild sexual abuse specific acts related to prostitution. the criminalisation ofallpersons engaging in at riskofbeingidentified as offenders by exploitation inprostitution who maybe left Implement protections for childvictimsof transwoman fromChiangMai) and women.(Respondent 9,21-year-old same astheorganization for children problems to therelated organization as to us,Iwishwecan complain aboutour happens to ladyboys. Ifanything happens You know allthedailyproblemsthat old transwoman fromChiangMai) know eachother. (Respondent 7,23-year- would helppeopleto blendinandget to who iswillingto listen andshare.Activities academic. They shouldbemorelike afriend and askquestions. They don’tneed to be people feel comfortable sothey can talk have to betoo formal. They shouldmake girls). with diverse SOGIEandheterosexual boys and who may beexchanging sex (includingthose the sampleto includeawider range ofboys research across Thailand,perhaps extending would begreat benefit in replicating this did successfully provide richdata andthere involved inexchanging sex. Themethodology sample of20SOGIEdiverse young people of theoriginalNew York study, with asmall This partoftheproject was acontextualisation

children. to alloffences ofsexual exploitation of Ensure that extraterritorial jurisdictionapplies contact. centres andinactivitieswithdirect child volunteers (‘volun-tourism’) inchildren care Regulate andmonitor theuseofinternational companies inthetravel andtourism sector. sexual exploitation ofchildren amongst will create legal obligations onpreventing tourism andenactpolicyorlegislation, which the sexual exploitation ofchildren intravel and Adopt specificlegal provisions to criminalise whole. companies, andthetechnology industry asa social mediacompanies, cloudstorage applies to ISPs, mobilephonecompanies, cooperation withlaw enforcement which and preservation ofdigital evidence and interest ofthechild,to allow for retention procedures, following theprincipleofbest Create data retention andpreservation their right to do. compensation andare properly informed of of children have theabilityto claim Ensure that allvictimsofsexual exploitation a right to fullrecovery andrehabilitation. that allchildvictimsofsexual exploitation have Create legal provisions andpoliciesto ensure exploitation. skills to better supportchildvictimsof sexual enforcement to increase theirknowledge and Provide guidelinesand training to law children. offences related to thesexual exploitation of Remove thestatute oflimitations for all for allchildren withnoroom for exceptions. the minimumage ofmarriage at 18years old Amend theCivilandCommercial Codeto set

87 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 88 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report services couldservices besensitised to include would be: thatneeded services general local welfare Based onthesurveys andinterviews, themost victimisation earlyon. mitigate key vulnerability factors andintervene in rural provinces, sothat they can helpprevent or boys andSOGIE-diverse youth -are accessiblein providersservice –that are accessibleto allgirls, That iswhy itisimportant that general welfare homelessness andinsearch ofemployment. then migrated to abigcity, often because of at homeandintheircommunity andhave untilservices after they have beenvictimised Most oftheyoung peopledonotencounter free providers are based inurbancities. Thai provinces, andthevast majorityofservice for thisstudy were bornandraised inrural The majorityoftheyoung peopleinterviewed exploitation start inthehomeor community. that make young peoplevulnerable to sexual SOGIE identified youththat many ofthe factors provider survey findingsandtheinterviews with It was clearfrom boththe frontline service families programming for parents, carers, and Community-based awarenessand Recommendations from theResearch andOverall Key Consolidated AppliedLearnings platforms for critical, practical engagement with leaders andlocal welfare to services create These activitiesshould engage community communities, particularly inrural locations. are neededthat target andthensupport Finally, research andlearningactivities exploitation of children. vulnerability factors for involvement insexual the research despite beingrecognised askey gap areas by frontline providers service in Many oftheseissueswere identified asservice

Conflict resolution andaddressing violence. Supporting healthy, supportive families; SOGIE awareness andempowerment; Support to address family acceptance; sexual healthinitiatives). sexual health(perhaps inaddition to existing identity affirming initiatives outside of sexand economic orlivelihood assistance, andother holistic programming includingpeer-mentoring, youth themselves. Thismay includepositive, needs andvulnerabilities ofSOGIE-diverse programming to bebuiltontheexpressed There isfurtherimportance for SOGIE place. to prevent themfrom entering into itinthefirst them inexiting thesex trade, butalsoinhelping SOGIE-diverse youth iscritical to notonlyassist The needfor holistic programming for boys and issues, includinglegal, medical andfinancial. go whenthey neededsupportfor avariety of affordable education anda safe placethey could they hadalivingwage employment, accessto up thissource ofincome was notpossibleuntil other material goods. However, completely giving would prefer notto exchange sex for money and people interviewed for thisstudy stated that they sustainable income. Almost alloftheyoung the young peoplewas economic hardship and reduction support,the key issue reported by In fact, rather thansexual healthand harm knew butdidn’thave contact information. either unaware that theseprogrammes existed or providers inChiangMaiandBangkok, others were drugs. Althoughsomewere connected to service reported practicing safe sex and very few abused The majorityoftheyoung peopleexchanging sex beyond sexual healthandharmreduction SOGIE specificprogrammingthatgoes into exchanging sex. boys andSOGIE-diversepushing/pulling youth to prevent discrimination and remove factors in community attitudes andbeliefs are needed identifying vulnerabilities). Systematic changes or seekinghelp,andkeep providers from even might beprevented from disclosingtheirabuse it can alsobeusedto understand how males often used to understand female vulnerability, a critical gender lens.(Whilethe gender lensis address theissueofmalevulnerability through and SOGIE-diverse youth, andmore broadly, the issueofsexual exploitation amongmales a different story. The vast majorityof young trade. Yet, theinterviews withSOGIEyouth told main factors pushingyoung peopleinto thesex to technology andtheInternet astheother alcohol anddrugmisuseincreased access boys’ genitals asaway ofshowing affection, exposure to pornography, thepractice of touching However, providers service listed accessand exchanged sex. providers andyoung peoplefor why SOGIEyouth Poverty was themaindriver stated by boththe in theinterviews, withtheexception ofpoverty. push andpullfactors stated by theyoung people providerservice survey didnotalignwiththe the sex trade that were identified inthe frontline The mainpushandpullfactors for youth entering exchanging sex engagement onpush/pullfactors for youth Better frontline provider service beyond theircurrent circumstances. problems, orsupporting young people to move are going to besuccessful inpreventing these problems must alsobethepriorityifservices workers to beableto address thesestructural issues isneeded.Programming that facilitates improves knowledge andskillsrelated to these Sensitisation and training with providers that independence from theirfamily. away andanoverall needto seekfinancial sometimes led to truancy, druguse,running more timewithfriendsthan at home,which expression. Asaresult, they endedupspending sexual orientation and gender identity and experiencing familial rejection basedontheir escape theviolence. Additionally, they discussed violence andabuse,theneedto runaway to people disclosedgrowing uparound familial

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