PHANG NGA – Police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division raided a karaoke bar in Phang Nga and arrested the owner after finding evidence of child prostitution and human trafficking. Investigators say she allegedly lured her daughter’s 15-year-old friend into selling sex.
Key takeaways
- Police arrested a 35-year-old woman, identified as Ms. Hathaikan, also known as Fresh.
- The arrest happened at a karaoke bar in Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang district, Phang Nga.
- Officers rescued a 15-year-old victim and later found another minor, the owner’s 16-year-old daughter, inside the shop.
- Investigators say the venue had been operating for more than five years and was used to arrange sex work with customers.
On July 5, police acted on orders from Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division. Pol. Col. Alongkot Khotkaeo, head of Division 5, led the operation with support from Pol. Lt. Col. Nattapol Dao Wiang and Pol. Maj. Chakrapat Klin-on.
Officers arrested Ms. Hathaikan, 35, on multiple charges tied to human trafficking, child prostitution, procuring minors for sex, operating a business that involved prostitution by a person under 18, and related offenses. Police also seized 2,500 baht in cash and one mobile phone as evidence.
The operation was carried out with help from the Phang Nga Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, The Exodus Road Thailand, and Our Rescue Thailand.
Investigators had learned that the karaoke bar was secretly arranging prostitution involving minors. According to police, the shop had been open for more than five years, and Ms. Hathaikan allegedly acted as the person who brought in customers and encouraged them to take girls from the bar to nearby hotels for sex.
During the raid, officers also rescued one victim, a 15-year-old girl identified as Ms. Mio, a pseudonym. After that, another team searched the karaoke bar and found four employees, including the owner’s biological daughter, who is 16. The other three workers were adults. Police then took all of them to the Phang Nga Shelter for Children and Families for questioning.
Ms. Mio told investigators that she was friends with the owner’s daughter and had traveled from Chiang Mai with her. She said they stayed at the karaoke bar for about 20 days, after which Ms. Hathaikan allegedly persuaded her to work there and take sex work clients.
Police said the going rate was between 1,500 and 2,500 baht per customer, while the shop kept a fee of 300 to 500 baht each time. She admitted to accepting nine clients.
Ms. Hathaikan later confessed to all charges, according to police. Officers transferred her to investigators at Division 5 of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division for legal proceedings. Police are also expanding the case to identify other people involved and to place the child victims under legal protection.
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