Police in Sattahip, Chonburi, have arrested a former husband and wife for running a karaoke venue where two 16-year-old girls were forced into prostitution. The arrests took place on 2 June 2026, following an investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division (ECD). Officers also rescued two teenage victims, identified only as Ms A and Ms B, who are now receiving welfare protection and psychological rehabilitation.
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The victims told police that in 2024, when they were just 15 years old, they were invited to travel to Pattaya. They were then persuaded to work at a karaoke shop in Sattahip district. The male suspect, Mr Niwat, aged 37, drove them to the venue in a pickup truck. The karaoke shop operated from 5pm until 3am, sometimes staying open until dawn depending on customers.
Inside the air-conditioned shop, customers used coin-operated karaoke machines. The process for buying sex involved drinking first, then negotiating a fee. Customers paid the female suspect, Ms Skulnacha, aged 43, either by bank transfer or cash at the shop. Victims were then taken to a nearby resort to provide sexual services.
Each transaction cost the customer 1,500 baht, of which 300 baht went to the shop and the victims kept 1,200 baht. Ms Skulnacha collected the money and paid it as monthly wages at the end of each month, with an additional 200 baht deducted for utilities.
Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid
Police discovered that both suspects had previously been arrested for human trafficking. Despite having separated, they remained in the Sattahip area, with Ms Skulnacha still running the same karaoke shop. Officers arrested her at the premises in Moo 4, Sattahip subdistrict.
Of more than 20 staff checked, all were over 18. Mr Niwat was not present initially but was captured after police staked out the shop late that night when he arrived to check on it.
Thaitabloid reported that Ms Skulnacha confessed to all charges. Mr Niwat denied the allegations, claiming that although he found girls and transported them to work at the shop, he did not know prostitution took place there. Both have been handed to investigators at ECD Division 2 for further legal action.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 3 June 2026