Set in a context of migration causes and migrant laborer exploitation, human trafficking represents a global security challenge. The complexities of exploitation and trafficking-related risks migrant laborers experience remain too broad for the narrow framework of forced trafficking alone. Furthermore, it may be counterproductive to isolate trafficked people from the rest of undocumented migrants because the label often assumes victimization and overlooks exploitation among willing migrants. This study uses the country example of Thailand to demonstrate how a paradigm of human trafficking alone cannot fully address the trafficking-related vulnerabilities and exploitation the majority of irregular migrants face. Thailand hosts model anti-trafficking initiatives, yet the risks and problems associated with trafficking continue. Fortunately, Thailand also hosts development initiatives targeting root causes of certain vulnerabilities associated with trafficking. This study suggests that anti-trafficking efforts’ broader collaboration with development efforts would best address the interconnected vulnerabilities associated with irregular migration. The example of street children and their exploitation offers a possible venue for anti-trafficking efforts and collaborative development efforts.