Thai police carried out a coordinated raid on a well-known bar in Phuket, rescuing two underage girls and a transgender teenager from an alleged human trafficking operation. Three suspects were taken into custody and now face serious trafficking charges.
The operation was led by Police Major General Songklod Krikkritaya, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD). Acting on credible intelligence that the establishment in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang district, was involved in the sexual exploitation of minors, undercover agents launched a sting operation.
Investigators negotiated services with two 17-year-old girls, agreeing to pay 2,500 baht each plus a 500 baht “bar fine” for their release from the venue. Once the payment was confirmed, officers moved in to make the arrests.
The suspects were identified as Niracha, 50, the bar owner; Pornchai, 21, her son; and Somjai, 21, Pornchai’s partner, who assisted in managing the bar. Evidence seized at the scene included 5,000 baht in cash and bar fine receipts. Police also confirmed that the 500 baht bar fine was a fee charged for the girls to leave the premises with customers, with 100 baht given back to the girls after payment.
The rescued victims — two girls and a 17-year-old transgender teen — have been placed under the protection of the human trafficking victim welfare system and will undergo official victim identification procedures.
During interrogation, all three suspects admitted to knowing the minors were engaged in sexual services. They were subsequently charged with joint human trafficking offences and handed over to AHTD investigators for further legal action.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on human trafficking, stressing that operations such as this are vital for dismantling exploitation networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.
This case has further highlighted ongoing issues of underage sex work in Thailand’s nightlife industry, prompting calls for increased inspections and harsher penalties for offenders. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials working to identify any additional victims or accomplices linked to the bar’s operations.
