Among all the things that Thailand is famed for, the one that tops the list is its sex industry. People from all over the globe throng its cities like Bangkok and Pattaya to indulge in wild partying and have some good time. But what is a source of fun and excitement for some is, in fact, destroying the lives of thousands if not millions. The dark reality of the alluring nightlife of Thailand is that every year, hordes of innocent girls, many of whom are underage, are trafficked and sold into prostitution.
Globally, about 2 million children are forced into sex slavery annually, of which, more than half live in Asia. Almost every 30 seconds, there is some girl or a child falling prey to the false promises of work and being trafficked to be forced into slavery. Thailand’s reputation as an international hub for sex tourism makes it the nerve center for trafficking where girls are regularly sold into prostitution and slavery.
While governments and global social welfare institutions have failed these innocent girls, there is one person who hasn’t given up hope and is striving to protect the at-risk girls from becoming a victim of this global crisis.
Alexa Pham is an American expat living in Thailand. In 2012, she started a non-governmental organization, Daughters Rising, to prevent innocent, at-risk girls from being sold into sex slavery through training programs, scholarships and education. She made up her mind to open the institution in 2011 when she was touring the Chiang Mai city in Thailand, and her translator stumbled upon a 16-year-old girl being sold to a 60-something European man for a motorbike and 2000 dollars. Though the fate of the little girl is not known, Alexa made up her mind that she couldn’t just let the little girl be thrown into a life a torture. The very next year, she started a training facility at The Chai Lai Orchid where women who are at grave risk of being trafficked into slavery can receive training and experience in the hospitality sector and create a better life for themselves.
Alexa Pham’s 'Daughter Rising' is not just another organization working to prevent sex trafficking in the South-Asian country of Thailand. It is trying to deal with the issue of trafficking at its roots. Alexa along with the staff of her organization and volunteers, visit local villages to educate girls, giving them the confidence they need to take charge of their own lives. Apart from teaching them about their rights, they also offer training so they can acquire skills that will help them live a better life.
Surrounded by lush forests, The Chai Lai Orchid is a resort which offers holidaymakers an escape from the cacophony of the cities. All the profit made from the resort goes to the NGO, Daughters Rising.
Talking about this crisis, she said, “sex trafficking is a huge problem in Thailand, a problem that a lot of Western visitors contribute to." She added, "Many girls who cross the border from Burma [Myanmar] dream of getting jobs in hotels and end up being tricked and trafficked instead. Here at the Chai Lai Orchid, we're giving some of those girls that dream for real."
Alexa Pham could have gone on her way when she came across the 16-year-old girl being sold in Chiang Mai city but she could not. Her heart did not allow her to go about her life when girls who are still a minor are being thrown into a hellish life. So, what she did was she embarked on a life dedicated to others and has now saved many girls from becoming a victim. Her actions should be an inspiration to us all to stand up against the wrong happening all around us and fight it in our own little ways.
Did the actions of Alexa Pham inspire you? Tell us about it.
What she is doing is definitely something that deserves an applause. It makes me sad to look at the faces of the girls who just line up along the streets in Pattaya or other places in Thailand. Good that some people are going overboard to help these girls in need.