The Journey of Kru Nam and Not For Sale

The vast majority of street children living in Northern Thailand come from the Burmese-Thai border at the busy market city of Mae Sai. Once in Thailand, these children are considered ‘stateless’ people by the Thai government and are denied identification cards. Native Thai tribal groups are also considered “stateless” and are not eligible to receive government provided education, health services or employment.

Kru Nam has been fighting for the rights of stateless children since 1992. After facing repeated police threats and blatant discrimination from the community, she moved outside the city. But when her temporary bamboo shelters for the children burnt to the ground, Kru Nam was left with nothing. It was at this moment in 2006 when author, professor and Not For Sale co-founder David Batstone met Kru Nam. Her dedication was the inspiration for the book Not For Sale and for the movement to end slavery.

Since the start of the organization in 2007, the Not For Sale Campaign has helped Kru Nam build three dormitories, a safehouse, clinic, basketball court, provide vocational training and $1.9 million of medical supplies – all providing a future for more than 125 children.

In this unique forum, Kru Nam and Batstone will discuss the issue of statelessness in Northern Thailand and their incredible journey fighting for the rights of street children together. The personal testimony of Kru Nam and her work on the frontlines offer an insight into the realities of modern-day slavery.