Happy New Year- สวัสดี ปี ใหม่

So much in such a relatively short period of time. On Jan 1, I left the shelter with Mickey, the Founder and  another volunteer heading north. The intention was to make a stop in one of the Hill Tribes and interview a few girls for possible inclusion at the shelter as well as visit a few of the hot spots for sexual trafficking of children. Our first big event was when we spotted 2 Westerners (ex-pats) on the road with large backpacks asking a local for directions. The three of us looked at one another and discussed whether we should give them a ride? After passing them yet a 2nd time we did indeed extend an offer. Mind you we were way up North heading to a remote Yao village in DoiWawi, Thailand, West of Chiang Rai. Well, they hopped into the back seat and rather than purse their original plans after being dropped off at the wrong spot by the local bus they, Alan and Galey ended up spending the next 2 days with us as we made out way along the Thai/Myanmar /Laos borders. They were a great addition, both working for NGO’s (non-government organizations) out of Bangkok. Truly wonderful people and I think long term friends.

At our 1st major stop, DoiWawi, we were hosted by the chief of the village, his wife, several young children and the chief's 80 year old mother. Grandma was quite skeptical at first, refusing to look at us but eventually let me take a few photos of her. 3 of the older girls at the shelter had originally come from this same village. We were absolutely treated like royalty, fed an enormous quantity of delicious food for both dinner and breakfast the next morning. After arriving but before dinner, we went to pick fresh oranges in their orchards. After dinner, 4 “at risk” girls were briefly met with for consideration at the shelter. The next morning we got up at 5 am to hit the mountain top for sunrise. The men and woman slept separately, so Gelay became my “new best friend”, sharing a room with me. Showers were skipped and  bathroom visits kept to a minimum at our personal discretion as both were outside in a very rudimentary structure with very basic appliances – need I say anymore!

 80 year old grandma

Sunrise at Doi Wawi

Mai Sai, official and unofficial border crossing into Myanmar was our next major stop. The Guest house were stayed in was right on the river between Thailand and Myanmar. Hot showers a real treat in Thailand, were taken immediately upon check-in, then out to explore. Border crossing for the Thai & Burmese at Mai Sai cost 10 B (Baht), which is about 30 cents. Many do so on a daily basis to sell their good on both sides. Being New Years holiday it was sheer pantomime. There were a huge volume of people going in both directions. To me the most interesting point was how porous the border actually was. Some were just opting to avoid the 30B walking across the river others skimming along the fence and hopping over. Lot of very poor people, some selling merchandise, other just begging – it was very sad to see. Mai Said is also a populist border crossing for a "Visa Run" – place to get a 2 week extension on a Thai Visa.

A very poor "Day Trader" coming from Myanmar
to Thailand to sell her goods

Illegal Bording Crossing from Thailand to Myanmar

Thailand on the left, Myanmar on the right

One man carried his bicycle overhead

as he crossed the river and by-passed the

official border check.

Alan and Gelay wearing every stitch of clothing they had

to try and stay warm - clearly not enough

After Mai Sai, we headed East to Chiang Sean a river port were cheap Chinese goods are dropped off & Chinese Cargo ships restocked. Another curious site as I got to see live ducks purchased and transferred, to the cargo ships.

Next stop, Chiang Kong, border crossing to Laos. This is where people can also make a visa Run – go into Laos and get a 2 week renewal on their Thai Visa. Phinn, the volunteer traveling with us opted to ender Laos this way, travel south to Vientiane, capital of Laos to apply for a 3 month Visa extension at the Thai embassy. A much quieter border crossing, a mere small boat crossing on the now low tide Mekong River to the other side.

A few more hours on the road and we arrived in Chiang Rai where Alan, Gelay and I were dropped off.

More to come soon,

Carpe Diem,

Lorrie 

www.LorrieDallekPhotography.com

Catch-up

 Catch-up and Background

I realize that I should have made entries sooner. I was gathering information and wanted it to be cohesive. So here we go:

I arrived in Bangkok after 26 hrs of flying with 2 stop and plane changes. Mickey Choothesa, the Founder of COSA was waiting for me. A very welcome experience, not having to navigate anything on my 1st few days particularly since my personal time clock was upside down and I don't speak the language.

Mickey and I stayed in Bangkok until Monday evening when we took the nigh train to Chaing Mai (more on that later). We talked non stop with Mickey filling in missing information on the subject of Sex Trafficking.

We agreed that it was relevant to visit the “Red Light District” in Bangkok as one way for me to gain some background knowledge and understand of the difference between what happens here vs. COSA’s work.

Sex Tourism in particular brings many Western visitors and their money into the country. The "Red Light" district in Bangkok offers sex related shows e.g. bikini clad dancing on the bar and sex shows using their genitals in unnatural ways. There are also “Sex workers” available. Most “Sex workers” are over 21 years of age. We ask ourselves why they are working here. Mickey explained to me that education is compulsory and free through the 8th grade for Thai citizens. Thereafter, a parent must pay for their child’s education. Many cannot afford to pay and so what is to become of these children? Their employment opportunities are limited. To help the family some of these young persons become "Voluntary Sex Workers".

By contrast COSA is working with a different type of Sex Trafficking. It is "Forced Trafficking." that they are addressing. The Minorities are generally farmers or migrant workers living in abject poverty. Like the "Voluntary Sex Workers" poverty is at the root. Unlike “Voluntary Sex Workers” these children are under aged victims with no choice and no voice. They are forced into trafficking. These children may be as young as 4 years of age.

COSA’s approach is to work towards prevention through creation of self sustenance of the Hill Tribe Communities whereby they can support themselves without having to sell their children. They also offer intervention for children that are at risk or have already been subject to physical and/or sexual abuse.

On the intervention side, Mickey a Thai national as well as an American citizen goes into the brothels and to the Chiefs of the Minority Hill Tribe Communities to identify children that are being trafficked or at risk. After negotiation and assessment several are selected and taken to a shelter, given a new start on life.

At the shelter the children receive total care: an organic diet, education, clean and safe living, love and a very safe environment to heal and grow up in.


More to Come
Carpe Diem,
Lorrie
www.LorrieDallekPhotography.com