By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
THAILAND – A Thai Catholic nun known for her groundbreaking grassroots initiatives to combat human trafficking has received national recognition for her work with vulnerable communities in the country’s remote northern regions.
Sr Marie-Agnes Suwanna Buasap of the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres was honored by Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security during a ceremony in Bangkok on Jun 5, marked as National Anti-Human Trafficking Day.
The award commends her “courageous, creative, and sustained” efforts in addressing trafficking, particularly among women and children living in high-risk areas.
The event gathered representatives from faith-based and secular groups across Thailand working to fight human trafficking. Among the honorees was Stella Maris, the seafarers’ ministry of the Chanthaburi Diocese, which collaborates with maritime networks and local officials to rescue and support trafficked fishers and seafarers.
In an interview with LiCAS News, Sr Marie-Agnes underlined the need to reach society’s most vulnerable with hope and concrete action especially during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025.
“This Jubilee Year, we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope bringing hope to those living on the margins, especially young women at risk of exploitation,” she said. “To fight trafficking, we must become deeply integrated in the communities we serve. Building trust is essential.”
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