Human Trafficking Patterns of Thai Female Sex Workers in Europe: Potential Mechanisms for Preventing and Solving the Sex Trafficking

Author: Chalayonnavin, Auschala

Abstract: The trafficking of vulnerable women has long been a topic of considerable concern for many in the Thai government. The poor economic and social conditions experienced by many Thai women have made them a prime target for multinational criminal organizations, which recruit and send such individuals to destinations abroad, particularly in Europe, to be exploited through prostitution. Despite the gravity of this issue, there is a dearth of research into the current trafficking patterns perpetrated by these organizations, and into effective prevention mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate and address potential gaps by examining the multinational trafficking patterns of female sex services from Thailand to Europe. Twenty-five former Thai victims living in Norway, France, and Germany were recruited for a focus group and in-depth interviews. The thematic analysis of the data revealed that raising awareness and empowering those at risk of being forced into prostitution, enforcing immigration laws, establishing an international network of NGOs, and offering online assistance could all be effective strategies for preventing vulnerable women from becoming victims of sex trafficking. It is thus recommended that these factors be taken into consideration when designing models of prevention for sex trafficking.

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking patterns, human rights, prostitution, sex services, multinational crime, vulnerable women