Current Social Issues in Southeast Asia:
Human Trafficking, Drugs, HIV, Pedophiles, Sex Tourism,
Child Labor, Statelessness, and Institutionalized Corruption

Overview

Drug use/abuse/trafficking, child and adult sex work, human trafficking, sex tourism, the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, child labor, statelessness and corruption at all governmental levels are interlocking social issues that can weaken the traditional fabric of society and prevent developing nations from concentrating their resources in positive and productive growth. The impact of these issues on Asian society and economies cannot and should not be underestimated.

It is only with an objective understanding of the core nature of each issue that students or professionals of all types can properly and effectively address these very complex problems. Special emphasis will be placed on the nuances associated with these social issues as they occur in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Actual case studies and practical exercises are used to demonstrate many aspects of these problems.

Purpose

This course provides information on current and developing drugs of choice, users, manufacturers, distribution and money laundering systems.  A brief history and discussion of prostitution in the region, particularly in Thailand, post Vietnam era, and the effects of prostitution at both the micro and macro levels enables the student to understand the impact of international global conflict on small nations.  Child sex work, human trafficking and at-risk populations are described and discussed.  Sex tourism in its many forms is explored.  Issues related to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, treatment and medication issues, innovative and alternative treatment programs, and preventive education programs are all examined.  The difficulty of resolving these sometimes overwhelming problems in a legal system that is rife with corruption is addressed.

Objectives

On completion of the course, students will:

• Understand drug use, abuse and trafficking, its prevalence in Southeast Asia and its effects on society
• Be able to differentiate between human trafficking in all of its forms and sex work
• Understand the differences between adult and child sex work
• Understand the scope of the problems related to sex tourism
• Demonstrate knowledge of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and how these health problems are directly related to the above issues of illicit drugs and sex tourism, sex work, and human trafficking
• Recognize statelessness as the number one risk factor for being trafficked in Southeast Asia
• Differentiate between legitimate child work and child labor
• Have a working knowledge of pedophilia, and how pedophiles use the culture of the region and institutionalized corruption to escape detection and prosecution
• Understand the extent of corruption in various governmental and private agencies and organizations, and how that corruption prevents addressing the above social issues in a systematic manner