Around the world some 31.6 million people are estimated to be victims of exploitation in the form of prostitution, work, begging or crime. Human trafficking is now the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating more than $150 billion a year. Thailand is a destination country, a source country, and a transit country for these […]

Around the world some 31.6 million people are estimated to be victims of exploitation in the form of prostitution, work, begging or crime. Human trafficking is now the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating more than $150 billion a year.

Thailand is a destination country, a source country, and a transit country for these heinous acts. People in vulnerable life situations, both in poor areas of Bangkok and in the countryside, are particularly susceptible to human trafficking.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT) has 29 churches in different parts of the country, many of them located in poor areas where people are at risk of being exposed to human trafficking. Several of the churches are located in villages where different ethnic groups live such as Lua, Lahu and Akha.

Many of the poor parents in the countryside do not encourage their children to receive an education because their families are poor and they need the children to contribute financially as soon as they are old enough to work. This means that many young people from north and north-east Thailand move to the cities, often Bangkok, to start working. With no education, in a low-paid job and alone in a large city, the young people are in great danger of becoming a victim of human trafficking or being exploited in some way.

By working through the ELCT congregations, we reach out to some of the most vulnerable groups in the Thai community. In the beginning, it was the diaconal department in ELCT that became involved in this fight. Now the entire ELCT is engaged in the work and in 2023 the church leadership signed a cooperation agreement with A21. A21 is an internationally recognized non-governmental organization which in addition to working preventively, also conducts relief work for those who have become victims of human trafficking.

Together, with support from the Norwegian Mission Society (NMS), A21, local authorities, the preventive unit of the police and others, ELCT organises seminars and workshops for vulnerable groups within the community and for ELCT employees and volunteers. These sessions assist these groups to contribute to their local community in efforts to prevent anyone in their neighbourhood from being exploited or becoming a victim of human trafficking.

We know that prevention, awareness-raising and education are the keys to ending human trafficking around the world. By supporting NMS and ELCT’s work in Thailand, you are helping to prevent, raise awareness and provide support for education – you are part of the fight to end human trafficking.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Thailand at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/thailand/