Teenager arrested in Bangkok sting for child prostitution

Police officers conducted a sting operation leading to the arrest of a 17 year old suspect involved in child prostitution at an apartment in Bangkok. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 5,000 baht in cash and the rescue of a minor.

On July 16, police officers from Patrol Division 2, led by Warawit Yanchinda, Vasun Thawatchaiwirut, and Natdanai Bamrungsri, orchestrated a plan to apprehend the suspect. The officers had received a tip-off about a network facilitating the prostitution of minors through an online chat service under the name Sri Saboom.

An undercover officer posing as a client arranged to meet the suspect at an apartment on Rat Burana Road. The suspect agreed to deliver a girl under 18 for a fee of 5,000 baht (US$140), with the meeting set for 3pm. The police prepared for the operation by setting up surveillance around the apartment complex.

At around 1.30pm, police and the undercover officer arrived at the designated location. The undercover officer contacted Sri Saboom to confirm that the room was ready. The suspect informed the officer that the girl would arrive in a grey Toyota Yaris via a ride-hailing service.

At approximately 3.30pm, the grey Toyota Yaris arrived at the apartment complex. The suspect and the minor, referred to as Bee, exited the vehicle and proceeded to the apartment building. The undercover officer led them to Room 805 and handed over the marked banknotes totalling 5,000 baht to the suspect.

Once the suspect left the room, the undercover officer signalled the waiting police officers. As the suspect reached the ground floor, officers revealed their identities and detained him. The marked banknotes were found in his left hand.

The suspect admitted that the money was from delivering Bee to the undercover officer. He disclosed that he would give 4,000 baht (US$111) to Bee while keeping 1,000 baht (US$23) for himself. Police informed the suspect of his arrest, rights, and charges before taking him to Patrol Division 2 for processing and recording.

Bee, identified as a minor under 18, was taken into protective custody. Social workers from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security collaborated with the police to assess the situation. Bee was determined to be a victim of human trafficking and was transferred to a protective shelter in Nonthaburi Province, reported KhaoSod.

The suspect faces charges of human trafficking, exploiting minors for prostitution, and facilitating the prostitution of individuals aged 15 to 18. These charges carry severe penalties under Thai law.