**Three Thai Women Rescued from Human Trafficking in Georgia**
Thai women were forced to undergo illegal egg harvesting procedures.
Three Thai women have been rescued from a human trafficking operation in Georgia. They were among around 100 Thai nationals held against their will by the criminal gang operating out of a “four-house compound” in Georgia.
According to Thailand’s online newspaper The Nation, the women were promised jobs as legal surrogates but were instead forced to undergo monthly egg collection procedures. The invasive procedures carry significant health risks and often lack proper medical care and safety protocols.
The women were told they could pay a ransom of between 50,000 and 70,000 baht for their freedom, but most could not afford the fee and were forced to stay and endure further exploitation. Three women managed to escape with the help of Paveena Hongsakul, president of the Pavena Foundation.
**Rescue Operation**
Paveena Hongsakul contacted the Royal Thai Police, who worked with Interpol to rescue the three women on January 30, 2024. The rescued women are currently being cared for and supported by the Foundation.
Paveena has called on the Thai government to work with the Chinese authorities to secure the release of the remaining women, estimated at 100 persons, still trapped in the compound.
**Georgia’s Human Trafficking Efforts**
The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2023 ranks Georgia as a Tier 1 country, recognizing its efforts to meet minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. However, the relevant Georgian authorities have yet to issue a statement in response to the incident.
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