As the sun rose over Thailand earlier this week, two brave women, once caught in the sinister web of human trafficking, stepped back onto their homeland’s soil. However, while their return is cause for relief, dozens more are believed still held captive in a horrifying human ‘egg farm’ in Georgia, as stated by the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women.
In an unsettling tale that projects the grim shadow of trafficking far beyond borders, both Thailand and Georgia have launched investigations into a human trafficking ring. This criminal network, according to a prominent Thai non-governmental organization, deceitfully harvests human eggs from Thai women, luring them into the South Caucasus country under false pretenses.
Georgia’s interior ministry added a disturbing twist on Thursday—it had repatriated three Thai women who were reportedly coerced into acting as surrogate mothers. As legal loopholes abound in Georgia, surrogacy remains a gray area. Companies capitalize on this, advertising surrogacy services despite a lack of explicit laws, although the Georgian government is moving to outlaw such practices. Meanwhile, probing deeper into this dark scheme, the Royal Thai Police are relentless in their investigation.
The harsh reality of this illicit operation shone through in a poignant press conference in Thailand this week. One of the brave victims, shrouded in anonymity with a face mask and hat, recounted her ordeal. Enticed by an internet ad promising lucrative surrogacy opportunities, she was promised 25,000 baht monthly for caregiving duties. Yet, the dream quickly morphed into a nightmare as her journey took her through Dubai and Armenia, eventually landing in Georgia. There, under the watchful eyes of two Chinese nationals, the illusion shattered.
“They took us to a house where there were 60 to 70 Thai women,” she revealed with a quiver in her voice. The promised surrogacy contracts and awaiting parents were non-existent. Instead, a haunting reality awaited: women were forcefully injected, anaesthetized, and machines extracted their eggs—a monstrous deviation from the original promise. In fear, they clung to desperate attempts to reach families back home.
In a bid for survival, these courageous women pretended to be ill, rendering themselves unfit for the gruesome harvesting. Yet, their battle was far from over—the captors held their passports, chaining them with threats of legal jeopardy should they attempt to return to Thailand.
The Pavena Hongsakul Foundation, dedicated to the welfare of children and women, has played a pivotal role in bringing back the three survivors. Still, their quest is far from complete. The foundation estimates that heartbreakingly, around 100 Thai women remain ensnared in the Georgian web.
Ms. Pavena herself learned of the insidious operation from another survivor—a woman who bought her freedom for 70,000 baht, returning to Thailand last September. The details she presented are harrowing, yet they fuel the urgency and determination of authorities and organizations alike to dismantle this cruel trade.
While these few have found a glimmer of hope in their return, the fight continues. With international eyes peeled and hearts steeled, the mission to bring the remaining captivated souls home safely and to dismantle the operations of such nefarious networks remains relentless. This is a tragedy that must end, and with courage and unity, there is hope on the horizon.
This is just shocking. How can this kind of thing still happen in 2025? We need stricter global laws to stop human trafficking.
I agree, but enforcing international law is complex. Different countries have different legal systems and priorities.
Sure, but we need to find common ground on human rights. It’s a universal issue.
We shouldn’t let cultural differences prevent us from protecting people. That’s a poor excuse.
Until countries like Georgia tighten their surrogacy laws, it’s just going to keep happening.
True, but legal systems take time to change, and meanwhile too many lives are affected.
I am grateful that these women are safe now, but how did they get drawn into this mess? What about awareness?
Desperation and poverty can drive people to take risks. Until we address those root causes, traffickers will find victims.
Education and awareness can prevent a lot of this, but it needs funding and support.
It’s not just about funding; it’s also about commitment from the authorities and society.
It’s a complex issue involving not just human trafficking but also the commercialization of women’s bodies under the guise of surrogacy. We need to tackle this from all angles.
Surrogacy can be ethical, but it’s cases like these that give it a bad name. Regulation is necessary to separate ethical practice from exploitation.
Exactly, regulation is key. Legal protections for vulnerable women are essential to prevent exploitation.
But who defines what’s ethical? Different cultures have different views on surrogacy.
Ethics should be based on preventing harm and exploitation, regardless of cultural differences.
Ethical frameworks can have universal principles that apply across cultures, especially about personal rights and safety.
The bravery of these women is incredible. I can’t imagine the horror they went through. More power to them!
It’s not just bravery; it’s sheer survival instinct. We should focus on how to prevent such situations entirely.
It’s unsettling that this has gone on for so long. What’s the world doing to stop human trafficking at its roots?
Organizations are trying, but it’s never easy. Human trafficking is a lucrative business for criminals.
We need more comprehensive approaches, integrating economic support and stronger legal actions.
There should be tougher penalties for those involved. This includes everyone from the recruiters to the clients.
Totally agree. Make the risk outweigh the rewards. That’s the most effective deterrent.
Indeed, fear of punishment can slow down such heinous business.
It’s not enough to talk. We need action! Petitions, protests, whatever it takes to make this stop!
Does anyone know what the Thai and Georgian governments are actually doing about it? Talk is cheap.
The governments are investigating, but will that be enough to eliminate such deeply entrenched networks?
If international pressure mounts, it might force authorities to take more extensive action.
These women should sue for damages once they recover, both against the traffickers and any complicit states!