It was a dark and rainy night in Thailand, as though the weather itself knew what was about to take place and had agreed to provide the appropriate atmosphere. Our investigator arrived at the rural hotel by taxi, a little before 8 PM, just as he’d discussed with the trafficker on social media.
The rain was so heavy he thought they might have to call the whole thing off. But after a delay, our investigator finally met the trafficker at the agreed upon location.
Anchara,* the 14-year-old girl he was given, had found herself alone after being rejected by her family and, in need of a place to stay, was living with her trafficker during the school break. Also just a minor, the trafficker was selling Anchara for sex so they no longer had to sell themselves. In order to survive, Anchara found herself thrust into the vicious cycle of sex trafficking where the most effective way out is to exploit others.
Our investigator escorted Anchara from a car to a back room of the hotel while her young pimp waited for her in the front room, ready to receive payment.
But Thai police had accompanied our investigator. They entered the hotel and arrested Anchara’s trafficker. Anchara was given immediate care onsite and is now receiving further care at an aftercare facility run by the Thai government. Anchara’s trafficker is facing charges of human trafficking.
One of the most insidious aspects of sex trafficking is the fact that so many of those perpetrating the crimes were themselves victims. Hurt people hurt people. Breaking the cycle of human trafficking means shining a light on the darkest places and driving out that darkness.
*Not her real name
