Phuket nightlife raids fail to find human-trafficking victims

PHUKET: Raids on some 40 nightlife venues throughout Phuket Town over the past month have failed to uncover any evidence of human trafficking, police have reported.

“The only illegal activity we have found are women offering sexual services in public, mostly along Chaofa Road,” said Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent Khunnadet Nanongkhai.

“We recently arrested three more prostitutes in that area.”

The venues raided included karaokes, massage parlors and bars, and were all in Phuket Town, Rassada and Koh Kaew, Lt Col Khunnadet explained.

The number of women working at the venues ranged from about six to up to 40.

“However, we uncovered no evidence of human trafficking. They are all registered business, with no illegal migrants or minors,” Col Khunnadet confirmed.

Undeterred, police raids will continue, he assured.

“We will continue our random checks, starting from about 10pm. We will check every day,” Col Khunnadet said.

— Kongleaphy Keam