Thailand
Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. About 70 million people live in the kingdom, 11 million of them in the capital Bangkok. Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, based mainly on the export of machinery and chemicals.
It is also one of the most visited countries in the world: 38 million tourists travel through the country every year to enjoy the beautiful nature and delicious food.
However, the country is also marked by political conflicts. In addition, Thailand is one of the most unequal countries in the world in terms of income disparity between its provinces. .
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Thailand since 1974.
Villages in Thailand
Children are at risk
16% of people living in Thailand are children. Despite the rapid economic growth of Thailand, the country is struggling with different issues, and in turn children are most vulnerable. Around 10% of the total population and 21% children in Thailand live in poverty. Furthermore, children in Thailand are at risk of being trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and of experiencing physical and psychological violence
33%
Of trafficked individuals are children worldwide
Sexual exploitation
About 33% of all victims of human trafficking worldwide are children. Of these, 50% are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. In Thailand, children are still trafficked and abducted for commercial sexual exploitation. Children who come from socially vulnerable backgrounds are at higher risk of becoming victims of traffickers. The emotional damage a child suffers from prostitution is profound. There is also an increased risk of child pregnancy and violence. Although the exact number of children affected in Thailand is not known, countless children are exposed to these risks every year.
21%
Of children in Thailand live in poverty
Widespread poverty
Around 10% of the population in Thailand lives in poverty. For children specifically, 21% live in multidimensional poverty. 38% of these children live in the northeast of the country.
Thailand has a rapidly growing economy, as well as growing inequality between the different population groups. The top 10% of the population holds 79% of the country’s wealth. Income and consumption levels vary greatly among the provinces, making it the fourth country in the world with the largest income inequality gap.
75%
Of children have suffered from physical violence
Violence
In 2021, 75% of children have experienced physical violence by family members. In addition, 40% of children were victims of psychological aggression.
Children are not only at risk of violence at home, but also at school, where teachers use violent forms of corporal punishment even though this is prohibited. The prevalence of violence tends to be attributed to the fact that it is socially accepted as an educational tool: 58% of parents and caregivers believe that corporal punishment is necessary in education.
Together we can make a difference for children in Thailand
4,310
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
350
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
470
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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230
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
