ATPD uncovers prostitution ring in Bangkok, 16 arrested
The Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) made a significant breakthrough in their mission to combat illegal activities, apprehending 15 undocumented male workers from Myanmar and a Thai massage shop owner in the bustling district of Wang Thonglang, Bangkok. This incident took place within the confines of the bustling Lat Phrao shopping complex on March 30.
A tip-off from an anonymous informant alerted the ATPD to the clandestine operations of a massage parlour suspected of running a covert prostitution ring. The subsequent investigation led to the discovery of the massage shop owner, known only as Sanit, and the 15 male workers from Myanmar.
Investigations by the ATPD revealed that the male workers from Myanmar, who were found to be residing in Thailand without the necessary legal documentation, were allegedly providing massage services supplemented with illicit prostitution services to male clientele. To circumvent potential police detection, they would strategically relocate their operations to various massage parlours across Bangkok based on demand.
Upon their apprehension, the 15 workers from Myanmar were immediately transported to the Police Department Division 1 for further legal proceedings due to their lack of valid legal status in Thailand. Concurrently, the massage shop owner is now facing potentially serious charges for the unlawful employment of immigrant workers lacking the appropriate legal permissions, stated the ATPD.
“An anonymous source reported that a massage shop secretly provided prostitution for customers. The ATPD launched an inspection and found the owner and 15 male Myanmar nationals, reported Pattaya News.
“Upon ATPD investigation, the male Myanmar workers allegedly provided massage services and secret prostitution services to male customers. They would reportedly rotate their locations to other massage shops in Bangkok depending on the demand and to avoid police arrest.”
The operation by the ATPD brought to light the illicit activities occurring under the guise of legitimate business operations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with immigration and labour laws across diverse industries in the city.
