Three arrested over underage exploitation claims in Ratchaburi

Three Thai women have been arrested at a karaoke venue in Photharam district, Ratchaburi, over allegations that girls aged under 15 were recruited to entertain customers and offered for sexual services.

Police said the arrests were made on 14 September at a karaoke shop in Moo 1, Tha Chumphon subdistrict, Photharam. The operation was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division.

Those arrested were named as Sangwan, 49, Natthicha, 26, and Phatrawee, 38. All were detained under arrest warrants issued by Ratchaburi Provincial Court.

Allegations over drinks work and sexual services

Investigators from Sub-Division 5 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division said they had received information that the venue employed girls aged below 15 in revealing clothing as drinks hostesses to entertain customers.

The girls were then allegedly offered for sexual services at prices of 1,000 to 1,200 baht per occasion. Police alleged that the owner, manager and staff acted as intermediaries, encouraged customers and deducted a 200-baht commission from each girl's fee.

The three suspects face a lengthy range of allegations, including conspiracy to commit human trafficking; trafficking underage for profit from prostitution; procuring, luring or taking children aged no more than 15 for prostitution; and acting to satisfy another person's sexual desire involving a child under 15.

They are also accused of assisting, facilitating or protecting another person's prostitution; dishonestly receiving, selling, procuring, luring or taking a child aged no more than 15; abducting a child under 15 for indecent purposes; and coercing, threatening, persuading, encouraging or allowing a child to behave improperly for unlawful gain, including performing or taking part in obscene acts.

One further victim receives protection

Police said they later identified and assisted another alleged victim, a girl aged under 18 who had previously worked as a drinks hostess at the same venue.

A multidisciplinary team has been asked to provide protection and psychological rehabilitation under the relevant procedures.

All three women denied every allegation during initial questioning. They were handed to investigators at Sub-Division 5 for further legal action.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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15 September 2026