**Alias used to protect survivor’s identity.
At just 15 years old,**Ploy, a young girl from rural Northeast Thailand, left school to help support her grandmother after years of financial hardship. Raised by her grandmother after her parents separated, Ploy felt a deep responsibility from a young age to help provide for her household.
An older acquaintance from her village later approached her with what seemed like a reliable opportunity at a karaoke bar. She was told the job involved serving drinks and that it would provide enough income to support her family. Trusting the offer, Ploy accepted.
When she arrived, the owner trained her to work with customers. At first, she earned money through drink commissions and tips. As financial pressure increased, the owner later suggested she could earn more money by providing “special services” to customers for 1,500 baht each time. Feeling trapped by her circumstances, Ploy agreed.
During a law enforcement operation at the karaoke bar, authorities identified Ploy as a survivor of sexual exploitation. Working in coordination with Thai authorities, Our Rescue supported efforts to bring her to safety. Ploy was initially frightened and uncertain, especially worried about how her grandmother would manage without her income.
She was referred to a government welfare and protection shelter where, alongside shelter staff, Our Rescue supported her access to counseling, healthcare, and legal services. Support was also arranged for her grandmother, allowing Ploy to focus on healing.
Ploy chose to continue her secondary education through a non-formal program and enrolled in vocational training in bakery and beverage preparation. She discovered a passion for baking, particularly bread making, and found confidence through hands-on learning.
Concerned about returning to an environment that could place her at risk, Ploy worked with government officials and Our Rescue to plan her next steps. She continued her vocational training with the For Freedom International Foundation, completed a restaurant internship, and was later offered a paid position at a restaurant in Southern Thailand.
Today, Ploy is focused on finishing her education, improving her English, and building a future in the food and hospitality industry. Her long-term dream is to open her own bakery and dessert shop—an example of how protection, consistent support, and opportunity can help survivors move forward with purpose.
This is the heart of our mission at Our Rescue: supporting survivors on their path to healing and a safer future.
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