I never knew her name. She wouldn’t tell me. She wasn’t a local Thai either, so I named her ‘The Street Girl of Sukhumvit’. Underneath the twinkle of her emerald eyes, I saw the broken girl inside.

She often begged on the steps of the Skytrain Station in Sukhumvit, the most popular street in Bangkok, Thailand. Sukhumvit is known for its bustling nightlife, high-end shopping malls, and a mix of locals and expatriates. Among the glamour and chaos, there are shadows that the city tries to hide, and she is one of them. The ‘Street Girl’ wouldn’t say much, but just smiled as she lifted her cup for some exchange. Her presence was both haunting and captivating, a stark reminder of the city’s darker underbelly.

The Plight of Beggars in Bangkok

Beggars like her are mostly Cambodians who are ‘rented’ from their parents by unscrupulous gangs to capitalize on their innocence and serve their human trafficking trade. These children are brought into Thailand with promises of a better future, education, and money to send back home. But the reality is far grimmer.

Human trafficking in Thailand is a sad reality. Traffickers wander into villages and offer cash to parents for their children. The average rent amount for a child is 5,000 Thai Baht [US$137] per month. Promises that their children would work in Thailand, send money back home, and even attend school convince parents to make a verbal agreement with the traffickers for the rental of their children for periods between six months to a year. At first, traffickers return to the villages to pay the parents for a few months, but soon after, the payments stop, and the promise of education is never honoured. Some traffickers return the children, but most don’t.

The ‘Street Girl’ and others like her are caught in a vicious cycle. They prey on sympathy but never see any money they make. Their lives are controlled by the traffickers, and every day, these beggars will have to turn over their profits in return for a place to sleep and food. Although most of the beggars are very young, they understand that they are in Thailand illegally and could be deported back to their country at any time or even face something worse.

This exploitation is not a new phenomenon. It is part of a well-established system where traffickers exploit the poverty and desperation of families in neighbouring countries. In Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, extreme poverty forces parents to make unimaginable choices. Traffickers take advantage of this vulnerability, presenting themselves as benefactors who can provide a better future for their children.

The Hidden Faces of Trafficking

In the busy streets of Bangkok, it’s easy to overlook the beggars. People rush by, absorbed in their lives, barely glancing at the children sitting on the sidewalks. But each of these children has a story, a past, and dreams that have been crushed by the harsh realities of their circumstances.

The ‘Street Girl of Sukhumvit’ had a particular way of looking at people. Her eyes, though young, seemed to carry the weight of the world. She rarely spoke, but her silence spoke volumes. There was a sadness in her gaze that was hard to ignore. It was as if she was constantly on guard, wary of everyone around her. Her interactions were limited to raising her cup and smiling, a rehearsed gesture to elicit sympathy and spare change.

The traffickers use various methods to control these children. Physical abuse is common, but psychological manipulation is even more effective. The children are told that if they try to escape or talk to the police, they will be sent back home or worse. They are made to feel isolated and dependent on their captors. This creates a sense of fear and helplessness, making it difficult for them to break free from their situation.

Children like ‘The Street Girl’ are frequently moved to avoid detection. One day, they might be in Sukhumvit, the next in another part of the city or even in another town. This constant movement makes it harder for authorities and NGOs to track and rescue them. It also prevents the children from forming attachments or getting used to any one place.

Despite the efforts of various organisations, human trafficking remains a significant issue in Thailand. The Thai government, along with international bodies, has made strides in addressing the problem, but the sheer scale of trafficking operations makes it a daunting task. Corruption within the system also poses a significant barrier to effective enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked children. These organisations provide shelter, education, and psychological support to help children recover from their traumatic experiences. However, the resources available to these NGOs are limited, and they often struggle to meet the needs of all the children they rescue.

The Disappearance of the Street Girl

Then, just like that, ‘The Street Girl of Sukhumvit’ was gone. I often took the Skytrain and looked for her, wanting to know if she was okay, give her a print of the picture I once took of her, and maybe even learn her name, but I never saw her again. Her absence was a void that was hard to ignore. It was as if a part of the city had disappeared with her.

Her disappearance left many questions unanswered. Where did she go? Was she moved to another location by the traffickers? Did she manage to escape? Or was she a victim of the harsh realities of the streets? These questions haunted me, and I found myself thinking about her often.

The ‘Street Girl of Sukhumvit’ story is not just about one girl. It is a reflection of a broader issue that affects thousands of children across Southeast Asia. These children are exploited, abused, and stripped of their childhoods. They are forced into a life of begging, prostitution, or labour, with little hope of escape.

This issue is deeply rooted in the socio-economic conditions of the region. Poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities create a fertile ground for traffickers to exploit. Addressing human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving the economic conditions of vulnerable communities, strengthening legal frameworks, and providing support and rehabilitation for survivors.

A Call to Action

As a journalist, it is my duty to shine a light on these hidden stories. The plight of the ‘Street Girl of Sukhumvit’ and others like her needs to be brought to the forefront of public consciousness. Awareness is the first step towards change. By highlighting these issues, we can mobilise resources, influence policy, and, ultimately, make a difference in the lives of these children.

It is also important for travellers and expatriates in Thailand to be aware of these issues. While it is easy to get caught up in the beauty and excitement of Bangkok, it is crucial to remember that not everyone in the city is there by choice. The next time you see a child begging on the streets, take a moment to think about their story. Consider supporting organisations that work to combat human trafficking and provide support for its victims.

The ‘Street Girl of Sukhumvit’ may have disappeared, but her story remains. It is a story of innocence lost, dreams shattered, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. It is a story that needs to be told, not just for her sake but for the sake of all the children who find themselves in similar situations.

Human trafficking is a complex and deeply entrenched issue, but it is not insurmountable. With concerted efforts from governments, NGOs, and individuals, we can work towards a future where no child has to endure the horrors of trafficking. Until then, we must continue to tell their stories, to advocate for their rights, and to fight for their freedom.

The next time you find yourself in Sukhumvit, remember the ‘Street Girl’ and the countless others like her. Let their stories be a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, and let it inspire you to be part of the change.