5 Ugandan women arrested in Phuket prostitution bust, deported
Phuket’s tourism industry has been rocked by a scandal involving five foreign women from Uganda, arrested for offering sex services in the heart of the island’s entertainment district.
The women, caught engaging in illegal activities in Patong, were swiftly arrested and deported after a thorough investigation by Phuket Immigration officers.
On March 23, officers from Phuket Immigration, led by Police Colonel Songprot Sirisuk and supported by other senior officers, took immediate action following public reports about a group of dark-skinned foreign women selling sex services in the notorious Soi Bangla area.
The behaviour of these women was causing a negative image for tourism in Phuket, a province heavily reliant on its international visitors.
Following their investigation, the officers identified five women engaging in suspicious activities with foreign tourists.
The women, 36 year old Mayimuna, Hadijah, also 36, 31 year old Sandra, 35 year old Harriet, and 38 year old Bett, were arrested for violating Thailand’s anti-prostitution laws. All five women, who are Ugandan nationals, admitted to soliciting foreign men for sex.
Under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996, the women were charged with contacting, inviting, introducing themselves, following or harassing a person in a public place for prostitution.
The law explicitly condemns such behaviour in public spaces that causes embarrassment or annoyance.
The arrest was part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities in the kingdom, aligned with the policies of the Royal Thai Police and the Immigration Bureau.
Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonnalak and Police Major General. Panthana Nuchnarat made it clear that foreign nationals engaging in illegal work or criminal activities will face swift and decisive action.
The five women were escorted to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for processing, and Phuket Immigration revoked their permission to stay in the country, ensuring their swift deportation, reported KhaoSod.
Immigration officials remain committed to tackling illegal foreign activity to protect both the local community and Thailand’s tourism reputation.
Phuket Immigration has reassured the public that it is fully committed to addressing issues related to foreign misconduct and maintaining order for the benefit of local businesses and the safety of the people.
The crackdown is part of a larger effort to combat illegal business operations, transnational crime, and other disruptive behaviour by foreigners in the region.
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