PATTAYA, THAILAND — A British man has reportedly been sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Bangkok Criminal Court after being found guilty of human trafficking involving a 16-year-old girl at a notorious bar in Pattaya.
William Bilton, 33, originally from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, was the manager of Flirt Bar on Soi 6 in the seaside resort city when Thai authorities raided the venue two years ago. The bar was known for its heavy nightlife and was one of many in Pattaya often associated with Thailand’s underground sex industry.
During the raid, police questioned dozens of women allegedly linked to illegal sex work. Bilton was later accused of advertising a minor for sexual services on the bar’s Facebook page and was allegedly caught on video negotiating her price with customers, The Sun reported.
Two Thai men linked to the case were also reportedly sentenced to 21 years each, while a Thai woman was given a three-year prison sentence and fined 30,000 baht for operating an unregistered sex business. However, a local source has disputed the reported sentencing, claiming all the accused are currently out on bail while appeals are pending.
Bilton remains free on bail as he appeals the court’s decision.
Speaking at the time of the raid, Pattaya police chief Thanapong Phothi said: “We made the arrest to build confidence in Pattaya’s image among tourists.”
Though prostitution is officially illegal in Thailand, the trade remains widespread in cities like Pattaya, often nicknamed “Sin City.” Industry estimates suggest up to 200,000 sex workers operate across the country, generating approximately $6.4 billion USD annually.
Thai authorities have since pledged to intensify crackdowns on human trafficking, prostitution, and drug-related offenses in a bid to clean up the country’s image.
More info from outside site
In a case that has shocked both Thailand and the UK, British national William Bilton has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for human trafficking activities at a notorious bar in Pattaya. The Bangkok Criminal Court handed down the sentence following the arrest of Bilton, originally from Barrow-in-Furness, two years ago.
Bilton, 33, was the manager of a bar on Soi 6 in the bustling seaside city of Pattaya. The venue became infamous after police raided it and removed dozens of women for questioning. Bilton remains on bail while awaiting an appeal, having been accused of exploiting a 16-year-old girl by promoting her on the bar’s Facebook page and negotiating her price with patrons, according to a report by The Sun.
In connection with this case, two Thai men also received 21-year sentences, while a Thai woman was fined 30,000 Baht (approximately £654) and given a three-year sentence for operating an unregistered business. However, an insider claims all are currently out on bail.
Pattaya’s local police chief, Thanapong Phothi, asserted at the time of the raid that the arrests were intended to bolster Pattaya’s image among tourists. Despite prostitution being illegal in Thailand, the trade flourishes, particularly in Pattaya, often referred to as “Sin City.” Experts estimate the industry generates a staggering 230 billion Baht annually (about £5.2 billion), with up to 200,000 sex workers across the country.
Authorities have announced intensified measures to crack down on both vice and drug trade.
