NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand – Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division has arrested a 43-year-old bar owner in Nakhon Si Thammarat and rescued three teenage girls, aged 15 to 16, who police say were being exploited in a child prostitution operation. Police arrested the woman, identified as Thanchanok, at a bar on Phatthanakan Khukwang Road in the city on October 13, following an investigation into allegations that the establishment arranged sexual services involving minors.
Led by Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, officers reportedly sent an undercover agent to purchase sexual services for 3,500 baht before moving in and arresting the suspect with the marked money.
Investigators said rooms on the upper floor of the building were used to provide sexual services to customers. Staff members allegedly told police that the venue operated as a karaoke bar where customers could drink and sing before paying to take girls upstairs to a hotel area. The establishment reportedly charged 500 baht to facilitate each arrangement.
One 14-year-old girl, identified by the pseudonym “Eve”, told investigators she had recently travelled from Bangkok to work at the venue, where she was expected to drink with customers and socialize with them. She alleged that within only a few days, she had been sent to provide sexual services twice, for 15,000 baht and 10,000 baht, but received only 15,000 baht in total. Police said the three rescued teenagers were referred to the Nakhon Si Thammarat Children and Family Home for protection and assistance.
The suspect reportedly partially denied the allegations. Police said she faces multiple charges, including human trafficking involving child prostitution, procuring minors for prostitution, profiting from the prostitution of others, unlawfully operating a prostitution-related business, and offences involving the exploitation and procurement of children under 18. She was taken to investigators with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for further legal proceedings. The allegations remain subject to the judicial process.
