The desire to be wealthy in the glittering growth of the Thai economy not only lures Many girls into prostitution, but also keeps them there. Although it has not been legal to sell children and women in Thailand since 1905, it is now common for impoverished families in the north to indenture their daughters into sex slavery in "closed" brothels, from which they are not allowed to leave. It is estimated that 20 per cent of prostitutes …showed first 75 words of 399 total…

…showed last 75 words of 399 total…but this has not stopped foreign paedophiles from visiting Thailand. Indeed, the Thai police believe the number of foreigners traveling to the country to have sex with children is rising. All across South-East Asia an increasing number of young children are thought to be at risk. Trafficking in people for the purpose of prostitution is described as ``modern-day slavery''. It is estimated that about 250,000 Asians, mostly women and children, are bought and sold every year.