Exploitation of children grows in Southeast Asian tourism boom

For many Hongkongers, Southeast Asian countries offer great escape during the summer holidays. However, while most travellers focus on the fun and relaxation highlighted in advertisements, few are aware of a sinister reality - the sexual exploitation of children in tourism.

In recent years, countries such as Cambodia and Thailand have seen tremendous tourism growth. In 2011, 19 million visitors were received in Thailand, generating a tourism revenue of US$23 billion that accounted for over 7 per cent of Thailand's gross domestic product. In Cambodia, 607,000 jobs (8 per cent of total employment) were directly supported by tourism and travel in the same year.

But as the industry continues to boom in the region, exploitation of children is becoming a serious phenomenon that warrants more attention and action.

Vulnerable children and their families are attracted to tourist destinations to make more income. But many are exposed to unsafe or even harmful work conditions.

Children engaged in begging or other forms of child labour are less likely to go to school, and are more vulnerable to exploitation, including sexual abuse.

Last year, Cambodian police deported Alexander Trofimov, a Russian paedophile who built a US$300 million tourist resort in the country. The man was first arrested in 2007 over 17 charges of sexually abusing minors.