Thai lottery to raise money to fight human trafficking

The Thai government has announced that it will set up a special lottery to raise start up money for its new initiative to help the victims of human trafficking. The scheme hopes to raise US$ 2.5 million to use in the fight against trafficking. The new anti-trafficking board which is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai has also proposed a new anti-trafficking law which will allow the removal of the assets of anyone convicted of human trafficking.
Thailand has a huge problem with human trafficking and is both a source, transit and destination country for women, children and men who are trafficked into prostitution and forced labour. Thailand is the destination for thousands of women and children trafficked from Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and China. Thai women are also trafficked to Australia, South Africa, Japan, Bahrain, Taiwan, Europe and North America for sexual exploitation. The widespread presence of sex tourism also encourages human traffickers in Thailand.