For a small group, TRAGAST accomplished a lot during 2024 and hopefully we are poised to do even more in the future. As you may know our mission is to Enable and assist our community (Thailand) to take action to eliminate human trafficking and human exploitation through awareness and specific projects, especially prevention. Let me review our awareness events and prevention training efforts.
Awareness Events:
DATE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
27 Jan 24 | Event Chiang Mai w/Sound of Freedom | 24 for movie, 22 for dinner, 7 sponsors |
15 Feb 24 | Spoke at RC Chiang Mai | Some interest from Club leadership |
9–10 Mar 24 | Table at D3360 Conference | Good support and some interest |
21 Apr 24 | Table at Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street | Not much traffic, decided to try again in high season |
28 Apr 24 | Event Bangkok w/Sound of Freedom | 20+ for movie, 20+ for dinner, 7 sponsors. |
29 May 24 | Nico spoke at RC Bangkok Dach | Well received. |
6 June 24 | Dr. Sombat spoke at RC Bangkok | Very well received |
8–9 Jun 24 | Table at D3360 Training Assembly | Some interest |
30 Jun 24 | Event Chiang Mai w/Sound of Freedom | 20+ for movie, 20 for dinner, 3 sponsors. Dr. Sombat was speaker |
22–25 Jul 24 | Table at ARAT Conference Bali | Excellent support, many new contacts |
27 Aug 24 | Spoke at RC Patong Beach | Some interest |
19 Oct 24 | Hosted A21 Walk for Freedom Chiang Mai | Good participation and interest |
3 Nov 24 | Table at Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street | Some interest |
8 Nov 24 | Event Bangkok w/Sound of Freedom | 20 + for movie, 10 for dinner, Peerasin from A21 was speaker |
10 Nov 24 | Table at Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street | Some interest |
17 Nov 24 | Table at Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street | Decided any future participation would be in conjunction with very high attendance. E.g. flower festival |
Training summary from Peace Culture Foundation
- The workshop “Enough with Grooming” was conducted twice at Ban San Pa Sak School and Ban Saluang Nok School. The workshop was supported by TRAGAST. Total number of students participating: approximately 80
- Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Project: Enough with Grooming (Train-the-Trainer Program). This program, designed for facilitators, was conducted five times this year. Participants included youth leaders from the National Child and Youth Council of Thailand, students from Yupparaj Wittayalai School, Wattanothai Payap School, Sanpatong Wittayakom School, Kawitthamrong Chiang Mai School, and Sacred Heart College Chiang Mai. Additionally, student leaders and volunteer graduates from the five southern border provinces (Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla, and Satun) also took part. The program was supported by both public and private organizations, including the Chiang Mai Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the Department of Children and Youth, and UNICEF. Total number of students participating: 232
- Participated in the project “Preventing Grooming for Child Sexual Abuse and Trafficking,” in collaboration with the Chiang Mai Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office. This initiative enabled us to conduct training sessions for students at five schools: Sacred Heart College Chiang Mai, Kawitthamrong Chiang Mai School, Sarasas Witaed Chiang Mai School, Sarasas Witaed Lanna School, and Wattanothai Payap School. Total number of students participating: approximately 250
- The workshop “Understanding Grooming: Preparation for Sexual Abuse” was conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Mass Communication, Chiang Mai University, targeting university students. Total number of university students participating: approximately 50
- The training session “Cyberbullying Prevention: Understanding Cyberbullying Risks and the principles and techniques of Aikido self-defense” was conducted in collaboration with the Aikido Club of Chiang Mai University, targeting university students. Total number of university students participating: approximately 40
- The training session for parents, “Understanding Sexual Abuse Risks: Grooming and Online Grooming,” was held at the Renshinkan Dojo, Peace Culture Foundation with support from TRAGAST. The majority of participants in this training were parents and caregivers, as well as professionals in child protection, including NGO workers, teachers, and social workers. Total number of participants: 29
- The online training session, “Digital Parenting: Navigating Online Sexual Risks for Modern Parents,” was conducted via ZOOM meetings, with a total of 54 registered participants.
- Summary information
This year, PCF conducted both online and on-site training sessions, attracting a diverse group of participants, including students, parents, caregivers, and professionals involved in child protection. We were fortunate to receive support from various public and private sectors, which enabled us to reach a wide audience. Additionally, we had the opportunity to disseminate knowledge on preventing grooming and sexual abuse of children and youth beyond the Chiang Mai province. This marks significant progress in our ongoing preventive efforts.
