Thai victims of the biggest people-trafficking case in US history speak out

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Desperate, deserted and destitute

Thai victims of the biggest people-trafficking case in US history speak out about their days of hell in Hawaii
Published: 1/05/2011 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: Spectrum
 
In 2002, Kiet Jainukul saw an advertisement for a three-year full-time job in the US paying $9 (270 baht) an hour. Even though it would mean leaving his wife and two young children, he jumped at the chance to make more money in what he saw as the land of opportunity.

But there was one problem _ Mr Kiet says a manpower recruiter in Udon Thani wanted him to pay a fee of 650,000 baht in cash, even though Thai recruiters are legally allowed to collect only 65,000 baht from recruited farm workers.

The recruiter escorted Mr Kiet to the Bank of Ayudhya to borrow half the money, and he obtained the rest from wealthy villagers at a much higher interest rate, using his family's home and rice farm as collateral. If he spoke English or wasn't married, he would not be accepted, the recruiter told him.

When it came time to leave Thailand, and the money had been paid, the recruiter told Mr Kiet he must not tell the Labour Ministry that he paid more than 65,000 baht or he would lose his visa, job and deposit.

Scared he would lose everything, he kept quiet and signed a document that said he paid the maximum legally allowed in fees and no more. He was optimistic that in a year, he could pay off the debt, and make two years' profit.

Full Story:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/investigation/234764/desperate-deserted-and-destitute