Karaoke Owner Arrested for Alleged Child Trafficking in Thailand

[webfact]

Picture: Creative Commons License via Bing

 

The owner of a karaoke bar in Thailand's Bueng Kan Province has been arrested on charges of child trafficking, following a successful police sting operation. The alleged trafficker, a 63-year-old woman named Rombai, stands accused of forcing underage girls from Thailand and Laos into sex work.

 

Authorities from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by Police Major General Sarawut Jantawong, orchestrated the bust after receiving a tip-off about minor girls being sold for sex. The girls, some as young as under 15, were being offered to customers for amounts between 3,000 to 3,500 baht, with the bar making a 300 baht commission per transaction.

 

Rombai refuted claims of being aware of the girls' ages, but her statement was met with suspicion as one of the young victims turned out to be a relative - her husband's niece. 

 

Following the operation, Rombai was taken into custody and is facing charges of child trafficking and exploitation. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement agencies are focusing on demolishing any associated illegal operations dealing in child exploitation.

 

In a related case, local authorities in Phuket arrested a 39-year-old karaoke bar owner after evidence of minor exploitation was unearthed. A thirteen-year-old girl was found among those being offered for sexual services, with the owner admitting to knowingly participating in the illegal trade.

 

Both cases highlight the prevailing issue of human trafficking and child exploitation in the region. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, thus aiding in the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.

 

-- 2024-04-26

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[observer90210]

It's like drugs. No customer - no trafficking.

[Korat Kiwi]

What is it with these people? You would think old women should know better. 

 

Disgusting attitude and a disgusting person/animal

[Gottfrid]

Just now, webfact said:

Rombai refuted claims of being aware of the girls' ages, but her statement was met with suspicion as one of the young victims turned out to be a relative - her husband's niece.

That´s like a nail in the coffin, right? 😂😂😂

[300sd]

I wouldn't be the judge and jury just yet. I hate the topic but I don't necessarily believe the circumstances. The truth may never come out especially in court. For example:

 

Lady working as cashier in restaurant in some little Isan town. Also had Kareoke at night with food. Server, hired by the boss, under 19 was talked into going to hotel with undercover police. (Server had fake ID and looked 25) Cashier gets 10 yrs and boss gets 15. Just a tip off to police. Restaurant burns down next week. Too much competition maybe?? Nothing really is as it looks around here!

[newbee2022]

Money rules the world.

Sad but true.

Hope, the girls will get a proper job where they will earn 3000 Baht a day.🙏

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Rombai refuted claims of being aware of the girls' ages, but her statement was met with suspicion as one of the young victims turned out to be a relative - her husband's niece.

Evil women... but hey, how often do you hear about Karaoke bars being a front for prostitution.

[Irish star]

These places should be Banned , I was drugged in one in Korat 

[AndyAndyAndy]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if this was resolved with 3000 Baht fine and pinky promise that she will be better Buddhist next time.

[Korat Kiwi]

There use to be a lot of kareoke joints on Chiang Mai land in Chiang Mai.  (The area down Chang Khlan road was known as Chiang Mai land). 

 

Nothing but a group of rip off outfits that use to tempt unsuspecting tourists in and charge them like a wounded bull. Gogo girls out front, Bright lights etc 

 

Several people got beaten up when they queried the bill.   It got really bad.  Nasty places.

 

Police closed several down but the reappeared a few months later.  Unsure if they are still there. 

 

Don't know about the prostitution side of it, beers prices were high enough not to ask! 

[borderhopper2005]

Risk of child abduction for trafficking is still high in Thailand.

 

That looks like a reason why so many Thai schools send their pupils home in a big group(often by chartered songthaew(pick-up truck taxi/bus) and vans.

[Barnet1900]

4 hours ago, borderhopper2005 said:

Risk of child abduction for trafficking is still high in Thailand.

 

That looks like a reason why so many Thai schools send their pupils home in a big group(often by chartered songthaew(pick-up truck taxi/bus) and vans.

The woman should be put away for a long time, if she's guilty.

 

The girls should get counselling and help from a foreign agency.

 

The families of some of the girls will be involved. Make no doubts, they see the money and all else is forgotten. Not all, but certainly some are aware of what the transactions are all about.

 

Reality check...she pays a fine, the girls stay put or relocate to another brothel. The families get their monthly bank transfer. Thailand....