Merchant arrested for soliciting minors, claims they only conversed

The Thai authorities apprehended a fertiliser merchant who faces two arrest warrants for allegedly soliciting sexual services from two minors aged 14 and 17 at a hotel.

The merchant, identified as 50 year old Sakorn claimed his impotence (erectile dysfunction) meant they only conversed, presenting medical documents as proof.

On June 4, police officers led by Police Colonel Booncherd Chanmanee and Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongsa Pilawong, alongside the Huai Khot District investigative team, executed arrest warrants from the Uthai Thani Provincial Court.

The warrants pertain to charges of sexual misconduct with minors under 15 and the abduction of minors over 15 but under 18 for profit or indecent purposes.

Sakorn, a fertiliser and pharmaceutical shop owner in Uthai Thani, was initially not present at his shop. His wife revealed that Sakorn was at another market.

She then contacted him, resulting in Sakorn arriving at Huai Khot Police Station at 11.30am, where he was informed of the charges.

The incidents in question date back to December 18, 2023. Where Sakorn allegedly contacted two underage girls via Facebook and arranged to meet them at a hotel in Huai Khot.

He admitted to booking a room at the hotel where the two girls subsequently joined him.

According to Sakorn, they merely had a conversation for about 20 minutes before the girls mentioned they had another appointment and left. Sakorn then transferred a few thousand baht to the girls but claimed that his impotence prevented any sexual activity.

In his defence, Sakorn presented medical documents indicating his condition, stating he only sought companionship from the minors and intended to win their affection. He requested a partial denial of the charges.

Meanwhile, Pol. Col. Booncherd highlighted that Sakorn allegedly solicited sexual services from both minors on two separate occasions on the same day at the hotel in Huai Khot. The police successfully detained Sakorn based on the two warrants issued for his arrest, reported Khaosod.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the full extent of Sakorn’s actions and any potential additional victims involved.

The apprehension of Sakorn reflects a broader crackdown on the solicitation of minors, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.