This work examines transnational human trafficking in Siamese society during the period prior to the issuance of the Trafficking in Women and Girls Act (Anti-Trafficking Act) of 1928 A.D. Qualitative and historical research were the methods of the study. The data and evidence were drawn from the petitions of transnational trafficking victims, official documents, lawsuits, reports of ministerial meetings, and newspaper accounts. The study found out that the transnational human trafficking operation in Siamese society coincided with the 19 th century boom in transnational labor migration. The country of origin of the largest migration, through large steamships, was China. The majority of female migrants who became victims had been deceived and forced into prostitution by middlemen residing in the country of origin. Subsequently, local networks continued the operation by leading the victims to the international network. Siam was used both as a country of destination and a country of origin as it served as a transit country through which the victims were relayed to other countries. The girls who became victims had no chance to escape because of their linguistic limitations. Moreover, human trafficking was a new phenomenon involving state management and control as well as the degree of diligence applied to inspecting people crossing the border. Finally, in 1920, the State of Siam issued laws to control migration, inspect immigrants and out-migrants, and prevent female trafficking. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012.

Victims of transnational human trafficking transnational labor migration transnational human trafficking

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