Thai Immigration Bureau supports ChildSafe efforts to protect children

Mark and Cha from Friends-International with Mr Chatchawat Sokssomchit, the Commissioner of the Thailand Immigration Bureau.

On June 19, Mark, Cha and Kung from Friends-International met with Mr. Chatchawat Sokssomchit, the Commissioner of the Thailand Immigration Bureau to discuss ways of working together to promote ChildSafe campaigns at different entry points in Thailand.

The Commissioner was very enthusiastic about the partnership to protect children in Thailand by helping share the ChildSafe message to travellers.

New initiatives agreed upon at the meeting include:

• Immigration officials will distribute ChildSafe Traveler Tips in Aran, Klong Yai, Nongkhai, Mukdaharn and Mae Sot, which are key overland entry points to Thailand.

• With representatives from the Immigration Bureau, the ChildSafe team will train immigration officers at the above five entry points. Training will be related to the ChildSafe Traveler Tips and safe migration, so that these staff are able to recognise situations where children may be in danger.

• Allow access to detention centers to support with foreign children and youth and families from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar who will be deported back to their countries.

This special access will greatly benefit Friends-International’s effort to ensure deportees’ repatriations are more successful.

Friends-International facilitates regional exchanges between governments, particularly related to hotline activities and safe migration. Developing dialogue between governments will help strengthen regional efforts to reduce exploitation of children and youth.

Friends-International will continue collaboration efforts to provide the best quality care and support to our common target groups, primarily international travellers and young migrants.