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<\/a><\/p>\nTwo girls play in the Child Advocacy Centre in Phuket, which opened today (June 2). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The branch in Phuket is to serve as the head office for operations throughout Southern of Thailand, explained Darren Herbold, Director of For Freedom International (FFI) at the opening of the centre in Cherng Talay this morning (June 2).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of the child advocacy centre is to create a multi-disciplinary team (government and NGO) that provides victim-focused support to sexually exploited children,\u201d he told The Phuket News.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nPol Gen Tamasak Wicharaya, a Level 10 Adviser of Royal Thai Police who heads the TICAC division, today as guest of honour. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nDarren Herbold (left), Director of For Freedom International (FFI), joins Joe Fonseca, the \u200eFBI\u2019s Assistant Legal Attache in Thailand, at the opening today (June 2). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The Thai government, in cooperation with the US embassy, have identified Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket as the first three locations for Child Advocacy Centres in Thailand, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn response to the Thai government\u2019s national policy to suppress the crime of human-trafficking and child sexual exploitation, the Royal Thai Police\u2019s Thailand Internet Crime Against Children (TICAC) is partnering with the For Freedom International Foundation (FFI), the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security with the aim to create a safe and child-friendly environment where child victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation are able to speak to a trained forensic interviewer about trauma that the child has experienced or witnessed,\u201d Mr Herbold explained.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThe team at the Child Advocacy Centre stand united. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cOur foundation is privileged to be able to support the Thai law enforcement as they seek to suppress human trafficking. The FFI Foundation exists to support families and children from exploitation. We also seek to support the Thai government and law enforcement, specifically TICAC, as they work diligently to suppress human trafficking<\/p>\n
\u201cWe assist officers working on the ground using cutting-edge techniques, in conducting cases against offenders, starting from the initial interview process, finding and collecting evidences and witnesses, through to arrests and prosecutions.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThe team at the Child Advocacy Centre stand united. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nDarren Herbold (left), joins Gen Tamasak Wicharaya (centre) and Joe Fonseca. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cDuring this process, FFI are able to assist children and youth who are victims, integrating work with the related organisations, both nationally and internationally,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Pol Gen Tamasak Wicharaya, a Level 10 Adviser of Royal Thai Police who heads the TICAC division, today as guest of honour said, \u201cOur main task force is recruiting and preparing to train officers as the TICAC and ACT Phuket Child Advocacy Centers join to work more closely together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked specifically why the centre opened in Phuket, Gen Tamasak answered, \u201cWe are focusing on main tourism location in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this centre set up here, we can get in closer to any problems. This is about children at risk facing violence and exploitation, so we have to be ready for any incident. This is a place to receive and comfort children. All of our work is supported by the government.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nFacilities at the centre are to provide a safe haven for abused and trafficked children. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nFacilities at the centre are to provide a safe haven for abused and trafficked children. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Joe Fonseca, the \u200eFBI\u2019s Assistant Legal Attache in Thailand, noted, \u201cPhuket is an area of Thailand that attracts tourists, but Phuket also attracts the worst people in society \u2013 the ones who exploit children. So we want to make that our team is here to support and help them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what he expects the centre to achieve, Mr Fonseca said, \u201cWe expect the staff\u2019s experience will take care of them (the children) so well that centre will be a success. Thai people should understand that this is specifically for them. It shows them that the Thai government values their children. They want to make these children comforted.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents here should be welcome the centre. They should come and and talk with the police here. These officers genuinely want to help these people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Child Advocacy Center of Thailand (PHUKET)<\/p>\n
19\/1 Soi Chorng Talay 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110<\/p>\n
Tel: 089 119 4779 (Ms Sookpranee)<\/p>\n
Facebook: Children\u2019s Advocacy Center Thailand (click here<\/a>)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photo credit: Tanyaluk Sakoot<\/p>\n