On September 8 and 9, 2019, Jungceylon Shopping Center, in Patong, organized a two-day art exhibition, titled “Together for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism”, to raise awareness about child protection in the travel and tourism industry.

The exhibition was a collaboration between The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (The Code), an initiative to protect children from sexual exploitation in the industry, and the local network on Child Protection.

Visitors witnessed stage performances by Thai and Burmese school students, participated in painting activities and were able to visit several booths where the Child Protection network introduced activities and games. On stage, a panel discussion took place, explaining the latest issues regarding children’s exploitation. The panel consisted of Mr Robbert van der Berg, Executive Director at ECPAT International, Dr. Kumnung Sing-Eiem, Advisor to the Mayor of Patong Municipality and Attorney K. Itthichot Kulrattanachot, Provincial Public Prosecutor & the Chair of the network on Children Protection, Phuket.

This two-day exhibition is an essential platform of an ongoing initiative to improve the protection of children in Phuket through engagement, collaboration and strengthening partnerships between tourism businesses, the community and expert organizations. The main objective is to raise awareness about children’s right to live free from sexual exploitation.

Below is a list of the exhibitors who joined the event:

The Code, ECPAT Foundation, For Freedom International, Good Shepherd Banya Literacy Center and Phuket, The Shelter for Children and Families Phuket, the Council for Children and Youth Phuket, Asia Center Foundation, Child Watch Phuket, Right to Play, SOS Children’s Village Phuket, Diocesan Social Action Center of Suratthani and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket.