Thailand has long been a destination for trafficking from surrounding countries, which has been exacerbated by its over-dependence on migrant labor. A recent estimate by the International Organization for Migration put the figure of Cambodian migrants at around 650,000, whereas the Cambodian Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights estimates the number to be closer to 2 million, of whom 20% are undocumented. This is in addition to numerous Thais migrating to Bangkok from Northern Thailand, and children from the surrounding countries of Myanmar and Laos.
OUR WORK
A social support program for children and families in Bangkok, at the Thai-Cambodia border (Aranyaprathet) and in the tourist hot-spot of Pattaya , Peuan Peuan (“Friends” in Thai), addresses the obstacles of youth unemployment, unsafe migration, child abuse, and lack of access to services. In 2022, Peuan Peuan provided support and services to over 18,000 children, youth and caregivers through it’s projects.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Peuan Peuan implements a program of mobile social support and comprehensive social reintegration services. The program works in Bangkok and on the Thai-Cambodia border (Aranyaprathet) and in Pattaya. In Bangkok, Peuan Peuan conducts mobile services in four slum communities and 10 street areas. Recognizing that many marginalized children are also migrants, the program works to protect the rights of children in seven government transit and detention centers in Bangkok and with child migrants working along the border. Peuan Peuan coordinates between both locations and with partners in Cambodian and Thailand, to make sure separated children are safely reunited with their families.
CHILDSAFE MOVEMENT
Peuan Peuan implements ChildSafe Agent training, awareness raising campaigns, the ChildSafe Hotline in Bangkok and training for Community-Based Tourism and other travel and tourism actors across the country. In 2022, ChildSafe Agents provided direct protection for over 5,000 children and youth.
QUICK FACTS
In 2022:
- 7,130 children and family members directly worked with
- 500 children provided with access to education
Contact details:
- 448, Soi Sansabai, Sukhumvit 38, Prakhanong, Khlongtoei, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
- (+66) 2-391 4781
- thailand@friends-international.org