A German national has been arrested along with a Thai mother and stepfather after a 17-year-old girl sought help from authorities over alleged sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Bangkok. Police said the teenager had been forced into activities for the sexual gratification of others and compelled to produce explicit material for a foreign individual, resulting in serious physical and psychological harm. Get today's headlines by email The case came to light after the Kan Jom Palang Foundation received a request for assistance from the 17-year-old victim. The foundation subsequently coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Bureau, prompting an investigation by officers from the Children, Women and Family Protection Division. The operation was launched under orders from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom and Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Pallop Aremla. Investigators from the division, working alongside officers from Nong Khaem Police Station, gathered evidence and conducted enquiries into the allegations. Based on the evidence collected, investigators obtained arrest warrants from Taling Chan Criminal Court on 23 June 2026 at 9.20pm. All three suspects were arrested later that night at 11.30pm. The suspects were identified as Thai nationals, Thanamas, 28, Witthawat, 36, and an unnamed German national. The first two suspects were charged with jointly procuring a child aged over 15 but under 18 for the sexual gratification of others without consent, committing offences against a descendant under their care, possessing child sexual abuse material for sexual exploitation, and human trafficking involving a person aged between 15 and 18. The German suspect was charged with supporting the procurement or inducement of a person for prostitution, regardless of whether the person consented. According to police, the case began when Kanthas Phongsphaiboonwet, widely known as Kan Jom Palang, coordinated with authorities to remove the victim from a residence in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district. The teenager reportedly contacted the foundation herself and expressed concern that three younger children living in the same household, aged nine, six and three, could eventually be forced into similar exploitation. Following the arrests, officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security took the 17-year-old victim and the three younger children into protective care. They have been placed in a child welfare facility in Bangkok where they will receive accommodation, support and rehabilitation services. Khaosod reported that Pol Col Suphachai Chaisuwan said investigators would continue expanding the inquiry to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in purchasing sexual services and any related trafficking networks. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 25 June 2026
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