Police Rescue Two Minors from Suspected Prostitution Ring in Bangkok
In a significant operation, Bangrak police rescued two young girls, aged 13 and 16, from a suspected child prostitution ring in Bangkok, arresting an 18-year-old woman believed to be their pimp. The raid has uncovered a disturbing scheme involving the exploitation of minors for S-services, sparking outrage across the city.
At 6 AM on June 11, senior officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, orchestrated a coordinated operation targeting a suspected trafficking network operating in the Suriyawong area. The team included high-ranking officials and patrol units from Bang Rak Police Station, who swiftly moved to apprehend those involved in this heinous crime.
The operation began with an undercover sting at a restaurant on Surawong Road. On the evening of June 10, an undercover officer arranged to purchase S-services and was led to a nearby hotel where the two girls, referred to as A and B, were waiting. Both victims had been coerced into prostitution; A was found wearing a towel, visibly distressed, with torn condoms in the hotel room, indicating they were preparing to provide S-services.
Arrests Made and Confessions Obtained
Police acted quickly, arresting two women—18-year-old Sarotchini and 21-year-old Lakkana—at a nearby restaurant called Happy Beer. It is important to note that no one from the eatery was involved in any illegal activities related to the incident. During a routine search, officers discovered 12,000 baht in Sarotchini’s shoulder bag and 6,000 baht in Lakkana’s, with serial numbers matching the evidence collected during the sting operation.
Both suspects confessed to their involvement in trafficking the minors for monetary gain. They admitted to arranging the girls’ participation in prostitution and receiving a share of the proceeds. The total fee for the minors was approximately 18,000 baht, with 4,000 baht allocated for each girl and an additional 4,000 baht as a procurement fee. Notably, both young women had only recently turned 18, having celebrated their birthdays just a week prior to the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Victim Support
The police have charged the suspects with human trafficking, seeking improper benefits from the S-exploitation of minors and those over 15 but under 18. The victims were taken to Bang Rak Police Station for official record-keeping, and the case has been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
This operation highlights the ongoing issue of child exploitation and trafficking in Bangkok, prompting calls for increased vigilance and action to protect vulnerable minors from such predatory practices. The community’s response to this incident underscores the need for continued efforts to combat human trafficking and support the victims involved.