Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate
Police have dismantled a gang involving nine Thai and foreign nationals who were illegally selling sex toys, seizing a substantial amount of contraband. The operation revealed a well-organised syndicate with millions in circulation.
On October 10, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, ordered Police Colonel Korkiat Wutjamnong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphat Nampadit to lead a raid against individuals illicitly selling sex toys.
The operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects: 26 year old Suchada, 25 year old Anon, 32 year old Lao national Dokkaew, 40 year old Mongkolwitoon, 30 year old Laotian Nixon, 31 year old Chaiwat, 30 year old Sukho, 29 year old Ekkarat, and 25 year old Wutthipong.
Officers confiscated 2,580 sex toys, 66 computers, and mobile phones.
Earlier, General Saruti mentioned that the police had previously arrested individuals involved in luring children under 18 years old to create explicit content using sex toys to attract attention. These clips were then sold on the Telegram channel PimThaidai and other illegal websites. The group had more than 90,000 members and included foreign nationals among its ranks.
“This secret group was not only distributing child pornography but also illegally selling sex toys and aphrodisiacs.”
General Saruti added that he had ordered the collection of evidence to request search warrants from the court. The subsequent search targeted five locations: three in Bangkok, one in Nakhon Pathom, and one in Chon Buri, leading to the arrests and seizures.
During the investigation, all suspects confessed to running illegal websites and private groups on Telegram to advertise and sell sex toys for more than two years. They reported earning approximately 100,000 to 200,000 baht per month, with millions in circulation.
Initially, the police charged them with producing pornography for commercial purposes, engaging in the trade of obscene objects, advertising or disseminating obscene materials, possessing child pornography for sexual exploitation, importing obscene data into computer systems, and working without a permit.
The suspects were then handed over to investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for further legal action, reported KhaoSod.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Thai Examiner article discusses a Thai party’s push to legalise sex toys and 24-hour adult venues, highlighting cultural values and the potential shift from traditional to Western societal norms. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What legal consequences do those involved in selling illegal sex toys in Thailand face?
They can be charged with producing pornography, trading obscene objects, and importing obscene data, among other offences.
How prevalent is the issue of illegal sex toy distribution in Thailand?
It is significant, with organised groups earning substantial amounts and involving both Thai and foreign nationals.
What measures are Thai authorities taking to combat illegal sex toy distribution?
Police are conducting raids, gathering evidence for search warrants, and arresting individuals involved in these illegal activities.
Are foreign nationals frequently involved in illegal sex toy operations in Thailand?
Yes, foreign nationals have been involved, as seen in recent arrests including individuals from Laos.
What role does technology play in the illegal distribution of sex toys in Thailand?
Technology is used to advertise and sell through illegal websites and private groups on platforms like Telegram.
