Human trafficking is a violation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8.7 and 16.2. The global rise in unemployment, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increase in human trafficking, including of children. The UNODC's Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2018 indicates that 40% of child trafficking occurs in the Asia-Pacific region. While Thailand has made progress in addressing child labor and trafficking, evidenced by its improved ranking in the 2022 TIP report, migrant children from neighboring countries continue to be exploited in various sectors. This study investigates the methods of online child trafficking and the application of C4D to prevent it in Thailand. The research questions are: 1. How does online child trafficking occur? 2. How has C4D been applied to prevent online child trafficking? The objectives are to investigate occurrences of online child trafficking and examine the application of C4D in its prevention.

The literature review examines how technology facilitates child labor and trafficking. Studies highlight the use of social media platforms, websites, and mobile phones by traffickers to advertise and connect with victims. The increasing number of internet users has correlated with increased exploitation. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the issue, with traffickers shifting their operations online to exploit vulnerable children whose families experienced job losses. The literature also explores the '4 Ps' approach (prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership) and the role of C4D in combating human trafficking. C4D's two models – diffusion/mechanistic and participatory/organic – are discussed, along with examples of its successful implementation by organizations like UNICEF and MTV EXIT.

This study utilizes a phenomenological approach, analyzing both secondary and primary data. Secondary data includes scholarly articles and reports on online child trafficking published by the Thai government, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs. Primary data was collected through purposive sampling of interviews with government officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Labour Protection and Welfare; law enforcement officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI); a representative from the Office of the Council of State; and NGO workers with experience in combating human trafficking. Interviews, lasting 1-2 hours each via Zoom, were conducted between June 2019 and July 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from the Internal Review Board of the Institute for Population and Social Research. Data analysis involved coding and categorizing qualitative data into themes based on the components of the C4D approach.

The study confirmed the occurrence of online child trafficking for forced labor in Thailand. Traffickers use false promises of good work to lure children, particularly during school closures due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Children from poor families and migrant children are most vulnerable. The term 'cyber trafficking' is not well-understood, highlighting a need for clearer communication. Traffickers utilize various online platforms, including the dark web, to target victims. The commercial fishing industry and shrimp processing factories are identified as sectors with high rates of exploitation. While the number of online child trafficking cases involving forced labor is lower than other forms of trafficking, the lack of awareness suggests a significant underreporting of cases. The study found that both the Thai government and NGOs have implemented C4D approaches. The government primarily uses legal instruments and mass media communications, while NGOs focus more on interpersonal communication, utilizing platforms such as Facebook and LINE to connect with potential victims. Several NGOs, such as the Issara Institute and the Labour Protection Network (LPN), are actively using technology to combat trafficking, providing safe online spaces, helplines, and training.

The findings highlight the effectiveness of interpersonal and group communication, in addition to digital media, in combating online child trafficking. The study proposes a 'C4D Plus' approach, emphasizing collaboration among labor organizations to create safe online spaces and engage directly with potential victims. This approach is deemed more effective than relying solely on government agencies or NGOs. The limitations of relying on self-reported data and the challenges in accessing information on the dark web are acknowledged. The study's findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, strengthened legal frameworks, and improved public awareness to effectively combat online child trafficking in Thailand.

Online child trafficking for forced labor is a significant problem in Thailand, facilitated by the increased use of technology. While the Thai government and NGOs utilize C4D approaches, the study suggests a 'C4D Plus' strategy involving labor organizations for enhanced effectiveness. Future research should evaluate the C4D Plus approach and incorporate the perspectives of migrant workers and children. This will provide valuable insights into improving prevention strategies and protecting vulnerable populations.

The study's reliance on interviews with a select group of informants may limit the generalizability of findings. Accessing data on the dark web and obtaining detailed accounts from victims of trafficking pose methodological challenges. Further, the study primarily focuses on the Thai context, limiting its applicability to other regions. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in combating online child trafficking.