Only 13

For the first time, a young victim from Thailand's exploitative sex-tourist industry speaks out. Lon's story is a bestseller in Thailand and the top-selling book of its genre worldwide, with translations in French, German, Swedish, and Finnish; a documentary is in production. From a child runaway to a top earner in Thailand's prolific sex industry, her story highlights the plight of girls in impoverished areas where education is undervalued and girls are expected to become primary income earners. By 18, she had supported her family for five years. Her childhood was marred by beatings, blame for her father's death, and denial of education. She ran away, sold her body, endured degrading acts, faced an abortion, a suicide attempt, and fell in love before turning 18. Her determination to protect her sisters from similar fates drove her resilience and willingness to tell her story.