Thailand the Mess Still Goes On

    On the 1^st of May, 2008, I attended a lecture about the issues involving ‘human trafficking’ in Thailand.  What did I know about this place they call Thailand?  Actually I know a friend that goes there quite often and before I attended the lecture I was well aware of what Michelle Williams was going to be voicing her opinions and facts on.  I knew this would be pretty interesting to see another person’s perspective on such a bizarre way of living so unlike the world I am so familiar with. 

    What was it like traveling across the world to a place where women sell themselves for men?  Michelle showed many pictures of the ‘working women’ and spilled her guts to us on how disturbing it was to her; more or less an eye opener you won’t believe until you see it on your own.  This was exactly what my friend tells me every time he goes.  As much as the culture is looked down upon Michelle told us that everyone is so up and happy all the time, I believe this is the way they are taught to act growing up. 

    The real questions I wanted to ask so badly were answered by Michelle.  Who exactly would have the courage other than low life’s to take a women home with them right off the streets?  I know it’s done in our culture as well but it seems so degrading not only to the women but the man whom is choosing to take part in the sexual acts as well.  Michelle told us that many of the men whom buy the women are business men who travel back and forth quite often.  They take advantage of the ‘helpless’ women who think the only way to make good money is to sell themselves to the rich men who travel for business. 

    Michelle also told us that families struggle to survive in Thailand so bad that they willingly sell off their young virgin children to make what they believe is to be enough money to last them a few years.  Unfortunately, it is sad that men from other countries would have to pay for sex but in this world that is just another day in the office some people would say. 

    All in all Michelle opened my eyes more than I could imagine.  I believed it was the way of life in Thailand, but after hearing all the disturbing facts I cannot even fathom that humans would take advantage of other less fortunate humans just to get a quick fix in.  I hope they look in the mirror and never want to be seen again, its peer disgust that I would never be apart of and hope anyone whom reads this agrees fully with my choices.  We are all humans not toys to be taking advantage of!