GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO EXPLORE THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF BOYS Thailand Report Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 1 This research project was made possible with the generous financial assistance of the Thailand Institute of Justice. ECPAT International also acknowledges core programming support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The views expressed herein are solely those of ECPAT International. The support from these donors does not constitute endorsement of the opinions expressed. Design and layout by: Manida Naebklang Cover illustration by: Vicky Yang Extracts from this publication may be reproduced only with permission from ECPAT International and acknowledgment of the source as ECPAT International. A copy of the relevant publication using extracted material must be provided to ECPAT. Suggested citation: ECPAT International. (2021). The Global Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report. Bangkok: ECPAT International. © ECPAT International, 2021 Published by: ECPAT International 328/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi, Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report Bangkok, 10400 Thailand Tel: +662 215 3388 |www.ecpat.org | [email protected] 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report is the result of a collaborative Coordinating and administering the frontline partnership between the Thailand Institute of providers survey: Justice and ECPAT International during 2019-2020. Khun ‘Mon’ Aroonded Chermue at Urban Light Foundation Thailand ECPAT would like to express appreciation to Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand project consultants Dr Meredith Dank, Mr Jarrett SISTERS Foundation Davis and Mr Alastair Hilton for their expert design, implementation and analysis work. We’d From ECPAT International, technical coordination also like to thank Khun Maia Mounsher, Khun was provided by Dr Mark Kavenagh and legal Paan Jongpaijitsakul, Khun Kampon Maichandee analysis by Ms Andrea Varrella, supported by and Khun Aroonded Chermue at Urban Light Ms Subha Nivedha and Mr Mark McKillop. We Foundation Thailand for their expertise and for thank Khun Worrawan Jirathanapiwat and Khun coordinating different aspects of the project Santanee Ditsayabut for providing technical throughout. reviews of the legal analysis. Different elements of this research project From Thailand Institute of Justice, Mr Kittipoom involved partnerships with local organisations Neamhom, Director of Office of External Relations working in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Bangkok, and Policy Coordination and the members Thailand that serve and represent the target of the team including Ms Usa Lerdsrisuntad, population for this research. We would therefore Ms Ornpawee Uanirun, Ms Kanjanachat like to acknowledge the following organisations Mingmongkol and Ms Chernporn Ruangsawasdi, for their professional support in: who reviewed and provided comments for the final report. The former staff of the Thailand Conducting the interviews with young people of Institute of Justice who also worked on this diverse SOGIE: project include Ms Kohnwilai Teppunkoonngam Khun ‘Nonny’ Natthawirojn Inthanin from and Mr Nattawut Worakhanta. Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand Khun ‘Pop’ Kampon Maichandee from We would like to thank Khun Monticha Urban Light Foundation Thailand Puthawong, Khun Pattaravadee Raha, Khun Khun Phapawara Ainlao from V-Power Christmas Kongmak and Khun Natthanicha CAREMAT Lephilibert for their Thai language translation work throughout the project. This study would have not been possible without the participation of the young people and frontline staff who agreed to talk about their experiences and insights in the hope of making the path to accessing support services easier and more effective for boys experiencing sexual exploitation in Thailand. Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................... 4 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE ............................................................... 10 A note on terminology .....................................................................................................................11 Activities and Aims of the Research Project ....................................................................................12 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................12 Ethical Approval and Considerations ...............................................................................................15 Limitations .......................................................................................................................................15 SURVEY OF FRONTLINE WORKERS SUPPORTING BOYS ............................. 17 Sample Demographics .....................................................................................................................17 Perpetrators and Facilitators ...........................................................................................................19 Understanding of Male Vulnerability and Sexual Exploitation ........................................................19 Perceived Barriers for Males ............................................................................................................26 Evaluation of Existing Support Services ...........................................................................................29 Discussion of Survey Results ............................................................................................................30 INTERVIEWS WITH SOGIE IDENTIFYING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE EXCHANGING SEX .................................................................................... 38 Sample Demographics .....................................................................................................................38 Current Living Situation ...................................................................................................................39 Relationship Status ..........................................................................................................................39 Money Debt .....................................................................................................................................39 Childhood Upbringing ......................................................................................................................39 Friendships ......................................................................................................................................42 Community Relationships ................................................................................................................43 Support System ................................................................................................................................43 Running Away Experiences ..............................................................................................................44 First Job Experience .........................................................................................................................44 Migration .........................................................................................................................................45 Entry into Sex Work .........................................................................................................................46 Current Sex Work Experience ..........................................................................................................48 Family and Friends’ Knowledge .......................................................................................................51 Experience with Recruiters ..............................................................................................................53 Violence Experienced when Engaging in Sex Work .........................................................................53 Violence and Abuse .........................................................................................................................53 Safety Plans .....................................................................................................................................54 Networks .........................................................................................................................................55 Health and Protection .....................................................................................................................56 Drug Use ..........................................................................................................................................57 Global Boys Initiative to Explore the Sexual Exploitation of Boys: Thailand Report Access to Services and Assistance ...................................................................................................58 2 Experiences with the Police .............................................................................................................59 Youth’ Perceptions of Engaging in Sex Work ...................................................................................60 Sex Work and Self Worth .................................................................................................................60 Discussion of Interviews with SOGIE-Identifying