Thai police bust child prostitution ring operating via Twitter in eastern Thailand
The Royal Thai Police apprehended five individuals, including three women aged 20, 28, and 19, allegedly involved in human trafficking and child prostitution. in eastern Thailand. The suspects were reportedly using a Twitter account to lure underage girls into the sex trade in Rayong province. The police acted on this information and successfully staged a sting operation, rescuing a 15 year old girl in the process.
The police identified 20 year old Phaphimon, 28 year old Parichat, also known as Nuk, and 19 year old Thanita, also known as Dokee, a Myanmar national, as the main culprits behind the illegal operation. All three women were charged with human trafficking, child prostitution, and other sex-related offences.
In addition to these arrests, five male clients were also apprehended: 24 year old Wuthiphong, 34 year old Arwat, 28 year old Siriwat, 33 year old Watsiri, and 40 year old Pongsak. They are all under investigation for their involvement in child exploitation and prostitution.
The operation today was led by Police Captain Sararut Kwengsopha, head of the Prevention and Suppression Division. Deputy head Surapong Chatsut and Major General Pattanapong Sripinprau, the division’s second commander, were also involved in the operation, reported KhaoSod. Police Major General Pattanapong said…
“The suspects admitted to being involved in child prostitution. They would receive a fee of 500 baht (US$14) for each transaction with the child. This operation had been going on for over two months.”
Upon further investigation, the police found two additional victims, a 14 year old girl and a 16 year old girl, who was also being exploited by the suspects. The victims confirmed that they were lured into prostitution by Thanita or Dokee.
The police are expanding their investigation to track down other potential clients who may have exploited the victims. In total, arrest warrants have been issued for 13 additional suspects. Major General Pattanapong added…
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are working to bring everyone involved in this operation to justice. This includes not only the pimps but also the customers who exploited these children.”
The suspects have all been handed over to the Investigation Officer of the Prevention and Suppression Division for further legal proceedings.
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