Thai Catholic educators trained to spot trafficking, online threats against children

Stella Maris of the Diocese of Chanthaburi held a child protection workshop on October 18 to help 72 teachers and staff at Daracharas School identify risks to students. The training, titled “Staying Alert to Nearby Dangers to Protect Students,” provided faculty in the Bang Khla District with tools to recognize early warning signs of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and digital scams.

Father Soodjen Fonruang led the workshop. He serves as the manager and chairman of the executive board at Daracharas School and directs the maritime ministry for the Diocese of Chanthaburi. Apinya Tajit, deputy director of Stella Maris for seafarers and migrants, said the goal is to prepare adults in the school to remain vigilant, listen to students, and coordinate support while empowering children with knowledge to protect themselves.

The training session was the second phase of a broader program. Father Soodjen, who provides pastoral care to fishers, port workers, and displaced populations such as Rohingya refugees, extended his work with vulnerable groups to the school setting in Bang Khla, a district that recently experienced severe flooding.