Phuket

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Thailand).

Phuket is a province consisting of Thailand’s largest island, and another 32 smaller islands. Around 400,000 people live in this province, but it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, for its strikingly blue waters and pearly white beaches. However, not all is idyllic on the island. In 2004, Phuket was hit by a devastating tsunami. Since then the island has flourished again, but not everyone is benefitting from the growth. People, adults and children alike, suffer from poverty or become victims of human trafficking on the island of Phuket.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Phuket.

100
Cases of human trafficking reported in Thailand

Children are victims of trafficking

Millions of tourists visit the island of Phuket every single year. This fosters economic prosperity, but also human and drug trafficking. The main causes for human trafficking in Thailand are prostitution, pornography, forced labour and forced begging. About 100 cases are reported each year, although the actual numbers are likely to be much higher. Children are also victims of trafficking, being taken to different cornders of Thailand for commercial sexual exploitation, to sell and beg on the streets of big cities, or to work as domestic servants. The authorities in Phuket have worked hard to eradicate all forms of human trafficking on the island, but they still have a long way to go.

250
People lost their lives in Phuket in the 2004 Tsunami

Natural disasters

In 2004, South Asia was hit by a tsunami that claimed 5,300 lives in Thailand. The flood destroyed the infrastructure, causing a displacement of the local population. Many people were left without homes, food and clean drinking water. Since then, Phuket has once again become a tourist hotspot. Many people move to Phuket in search of a better life and job opportunities, but not all benefit from the flourishing economy. Some end up in the slums, where there is a lack of affordable housing, proper sanitation and clean drinking water. Children are the most vulnerable to impoverishment after a natural disaster like the tusnami in 2004.

Your support makes a difference for children in Phuket

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
70
Children
Learn at our schools and kindergartens
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children being creative together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Thailand).

How your support helps in Phuket

Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.