Chiang Rai News
Duean Wongsa Talks about her Book on Human Trafficking
CHIANGRAI TIMES – Foundation of Child Understanding Duean Wongsa has always had a heart for the downtrodden. A law graduate, she turned down a promising career in a Japanese company to instead work in an emotionally charged environment assisting vulnerable victims of human trafficking and child abuse.
For the last decade she has worked as a project manager and sometimes legal advisor for the Anti-Trafficking Coordination Unit Northern Thailand (Trafcord)/Foundation of Child Understanding (Focus) network centre.
Her duties bring her in contact with people whose basic human rights have been violated by traffickers who look at this “profession” as having low overheads and high returns.
“They customarily use debt bondage and physical harm to terrify their victims into submission,” said the softly spoken official.
Her latest Endeavor is a book containing nine case studies from Trafcord/Focus’ filesDuean’s mother and elder sister, who have lived exemplary lives of sacrifice for both the family and others, have been her inspiration, and she gained a law degree from Chiang Mai University.
“I am happiest working for the less fortunate, so when I had the opportunity to apply for a job opening at Trafcord/Focus, I jumped at the opportunity,” Duean said.
“While studying law, I didn’t know what I would do after graduation. Then I had a chance to visit grass-roots level communities in the north that were fighting against shady influences to conserve the forest. I was awestruck by their local wisdom and respected their determination to fight for a noble cause. This very much started my passion to help people in need.”
Her latest Endeavor is a book containing nine case studies from Trafcord/Focus’ files. Simply titled Human Trafficking, each case reminds readers of the fact that Thailand is still a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking.
Penned by nine writers, this book is an attempt to give the public an insider’s view on how trafficking cases are dealt with from the moment law enforcement steps in to when the verdict is read.
“Each case has a unique story to tell,” said 34-year-old Duean. “While it is obviously serious in nature, the entertaining parts are the personalities of the subjects. This book is different in that you get to read about not just the legal procedure used in processing of cases, but also how decisions the victim makes during the court hearing can work for or against the person.
” It’s a first-hand account of the Thai legal system and the obstacles faced by everyone from the victim and social workers to the prosecution team.
“Readers will also find what it takes to get perpetrators behind bars, and loopholes that can get them off the hook. There are twists and turns along the way that make for an interesting read. This book will be translated into English by next year.” From the book, Duean, who gets involved in each case, picked the story of a 15-year-old Shan girl who went to Chiang Rai to work in the sex trade, as one to teach people lessons.
The teenager confessed to her that she willingly entered the flesh trade because of a fallout with her parents over their refusal to forgive her for losing her virginity before marriage. Feeling dejected and that she had nothing to lose, she became a prostitute in the hope of using the money to support her parents so they would look at her favorably.
“Her case was unique in that she changed her statement in court just when we believed we had an open and shut case. Luckily, the judge ruled in our favor and the perpetrator was put behind bars,” Duean said.
At the shelter, the girl took a keen interest in sewing, so when she was sent back to her village, Trafcord/Focus gave her a secondhand sewing machine so she could earn a livelihood.
She called Duean a few months later and told her that she had started her own beauty salon and was married. She thanked the team for their support.
After each rescue, Trafcord/Focus prioritizes the victim’s mental, physical, economic and social needs, and is grateful for the support from hospitals, protection centers and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
A victim-centered approach is used whereby special focus is put on improving the person’s career skills through to education and vocational assistance. They also look into damage remuneration rendered for the individual by the court, and work towards helping them to better assimilate into society.
Duean said the public’s general attitude of not wanting to interfere in other people’s business coupled with a fear of backlash from perpetrators are two of the biggest prevailing factors that impede progress in such cases.
“By getting involved,” says the advocate, “one can save a life. There are simple procedures one can use in safeguarding one’s identity.”
Trafcord’s website (www.trafcord.org) offers conducive information and hotline numbers to address such situations.
Trafcord/Focus gets most of its leads to possible trafficking situations from both network groups and residents.
An investigation team is then set up to determine the facts of the situation before the decision is made to rescue the victims. Such undertakings customarily result in a collaboration between law enforcement officials and social welfare representatives. Social and legal aid is offered to the victim soon after, to facilitate justice and emotional recovery.
Asked to give her take on corrupt policemen, Duean said that while there are a significant number of them around, she has also personally encountered honest and sincere law enforcement officers that help women and children who have been lured by traffickers.
“Corruption practiced within law enforcement comes in all forms and is one crucial reason why we haven’t truly been able to decrease crime in our society,” said Duean. “Nonetheless, I do believe that we shouldn’t generalize [by saying] that all policemen are self-serving and dishonest. There are officers out there who are dedicated and sincere towards solving crime and don’t jump at every given opportunity to take bribes.
“While everyone would like to see justice served expeditiously, certain cases just cannot get addressed promptly by the police either because there is a strained budget or a lack of continued support from their superiors _ or sometimes it can be both.
“To tangibly make inroads in curbing such a crime, I honestly believe that there has to be strong implementation of the law.
“There has to be an action plan, political will and strong policy-making, which should be prioritized and carried out in an ongoing manner by everyone concerned, including the government.
“We have to also work collectively to strengthen the family unit so there will be better understanding between its members.” – Bangkok Post
Police in Wiang Kaen District of Chiang Rai Province have arrested a 50 year old man after the threatened to rape a 20 year-old woman and the proceeded to murder her 2 and half month old baby.
Police with doctors from Wiang Kaen Hospital and the Chao Luang Wiang Kaen Welfare Association were summoned to the scene of the incident to a 2-story cement house, Village No. 2, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District of Chiang Rai
On arrival they found Ms. Chanikarn, age 20, in a state of distress crying uncontrollably beside her 2 and a half month baby girl (Linlada) that was dead on the floor.
After calming Ms. Chanikarn, the child’s mother, said that at approximately 2:30 p.m she was out to collect diapers that had been dried in front of the house, while her 2 and a half month old daughter was sleep on the ground floor of the house.
She said she was suddenly approached by a Mr. Lee, about 40 years old, who lived on the opposite side of the road. He came towards her and grabbed her arm and threatened her saying if she didn’t sleeping with him he will go and kill his daughter.
Miss Chanikan refused and ran away, then Mr. Lee then walked into the house and grabbed Ms. Linlada’s leg, smashing the child’s head against the cement floor of the house. The infant died immediately.
Mr. Lee then just walked away and returned to his own home, leaving Miss Chanikan and her dead baby.
When police went to Mr. Lee’s home he immediately confessed killing the infant and was taken to Wiang Kaen Police Station for further questioning. Under caution he told police that he was sexually attracted to Miss Chanikan‘s and when her husband leave for work he took the opportunity to approach her.
He said when he saw her husband leave he crossed that road and found Miss Chanikan in the yard alone, he then threatened her to sleep with him, saying he would kill her child if she didn’t have sex with him. However when she refused he flew into a fit of rage walked into her home and murdered he baby. He said he was out of control with rage.
After killing the infant he walk across the street to his home and waited for the police to arrive. The police have charged him with premeditated murder and attempted rape. He is being held without bail at the local remand center.
Meanwhile, Miss Chanikan and her family were preparing a religious burial ceremony for the child.
Other Chiang Rai News:
Machete Wielding Man Shot an Killed by Police in Chiang Rai
https://www.chiangraitimes.com/chiangrai-news/machete-wielding-man-shot-an-killed-by-police-in-chiang-rai/
CHIANG RAI: Prime Minister Settha Thavisin has authorized the establishment of an emergency cyber center operated by the Royal Thai Police to combat transnational crimes committed by call center gangs along the Thai border in Chiang Rai province.
On July 19, Prime Minister Settha Thavisin directed the Center to combat information technology crimes. The Royal Thai Police (Royal Thai Police) will crack down on call center gangs in Myanmar, Laos, and along the border.
His directive comes as call center gangs ratchet up their scams to defraud people of their money, causing concern among Thais and jeopardizing the country’s economic and social stability.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, Deputy Commander and Director of the Police Crime Suppression Division, Assigned Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabut, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Police/Deputy Director of the Police Crime Suppression Division, has launched the operation ‘Bombing the Thieves’ Bridge’ in collaboration with the CAT Office, G., mobile phone network operators AIS DTAC TRUE NT, and local security agencies to cut the mobile phone signal and WiFi internet that criminals illegally use to deceive Thai citizens.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai stated that they will begin pressing the first action of the ‘Explosion of Thieves’ Bridge’ in Chiang Rai Province toward the thieves’ base of operations in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.
The territory surrounding King Roman in Laos. King Roman is now a full-service entertainment destination with an airport that welcomes travelers from Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, he explained.
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai, this operation will have no influence on honest people along the Thai border, and it will only target cyber criminals.
They will also increase the arrest and prosecution of unlawful service towers, such as SIM booths, which allow gangs register SIM cards to swindle the people. Dealing with criminal organizations of foreigners and Thais who band together to deceive and damage Thais.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) suspended more than three million SIM cards on July 16 because the holders had not verified their identities with their mobile phone operators by the deadline, in accordance with the NBTC’s measures to combat alleged fraudsters’ mule accounts.
The names of the holders of 80 million mobile phone numbers used for mobile banking transactions did not match the names associated with the mobile banking accounts.
The NBTC would require mobile phone companies to authenticate SIM card holders and the names of their mobile banking accounts. The verification procedure is expected to be completed by the end of September this year.
In addition, the NBTC and Royal Thai Police have collaborated to combat illegal telecom towers throughout the country’s borders, disconnecting signals at 465 places, altering antenna direction at 470 towers, and dismantling antennas at 179 locations.
They are certain that the move will disrupt contact center gangs and other types of technology-based crime.
Other Chiang Rai News:
Machete Wielding Man Shot an Killed by Police in Chiang Rai
https://www.chiangraitimes.com/chiangrai-news/machete-wielding-man-shot-an-killed-by-police-in-chiang-rai/
Police in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, shot and killed a 28-year-old man who allegedly attacked a police officer with a machete. The officer was slashed in the right leg with the machete.
According to police, the culprit, known only as Mr. Toon, had been harassing local villagers in Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai, threatening them with a knife and using violet insults.
The village headman arrived on the scene to try to calm Mr. Toon, but he was shouting hysterically and taking swipes at him with the machete, so he contacted the police.
When the responding officer arrived at the site about 9 p.m., he attempted to calm the man, but he instead assaulted the officer, slashing his right leg with the machete. In self-defense, the cop had to fire his gun at Mr. Toon, striking him in the chest.
Mr. Toon and the policeman were taken to Mae Chan Hospital, where Mr. Toon died of a gunshot wound. Pol Sgt. Sutthikiat Phanomphraisakul was released from the hospital after receiving numerous stitches for his injuries.
Local police received a tip around 9.30 p.m. yesterday that a guy was causing mayhem in the village. When authorities arrived, they discovered 28-year-old Toon strolling along a public road, holding a large knife and threatening people. Mae Chan district officials attempted to contain the incident.
During a search of Mr. Toon’s home, authorities discovered methamphetamine consumption equipment. Locals told authorities that the man was addicted to Yaba (Methamphetamine) and an alcoholic.
The authorities are conducting an inquiry to determine Toon’s motivations and whether any underlying issues contributed to his violent outburst.
Other related news:
Chiang Mai Police Offer Cash Reward After Officer Killed
https://www.chiangraitimes.com/crime/chiang-mai-police-offer-reward/
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