Picture from raid.

 

Police from Immigration Division 3 have raided a secret massage parlour in Nonthaburi, arresting Myanmar nationals for illegal sex work. The establishment, disguised as a massage parlour, had a thriving customer base and a hidden online network for illicit activities.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Division 3, received intelligence about a massage parlour covertly offering sexual services. The perpetrators were believed to be foreign nationals illegally providing massages and engaging in prostitution. Authorities discovered a private Telegram group used for sharing explicit images of the workers as part of an advertising scheme to attract customers. The group also served as a platform where previous customers could post “reviews” of their experiences.

 

Following this information, Pol. Col. Jiraphong Rujiradamrongchai, Superintendent of Immigration Division 3, led a team of officers, including Pol. Lt. Col. Wichar Sanansilp, Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Chaiyod, and other investigative officers, in a raid on the premises. The operation was conducted in cooperation with Rattanathibet Police Station, and officers were equipped with a search warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

 

An undercover officer entered the establishment and requested a massage. During the session, a Myanmar masseuse, identified only as Ms. Lemon 39, offered sexual services for 2,000 baht. Once sufficient evidence was gathered, the officer signalled for the raid to commence.

 

The massage parlour, operating within a four-storey commercial building, was found to be a front for illegal sex services. Authorities seized evidence, including marked banknotes used in the sting operation, condoms, and lubricants found in Ms. Lemon’s possession.

 

Another worker, Ms. Ying, was also found on the premises. She was an undocumented individual without a work permit, earning 100 baht per hour for massage services.

 

Police arrested the owners, Ms. Kanom and Mr. Om-Yim, who also acted as administrators of the establishment’s online operations. Officers seized their mobile phones, which were used to manage customer bookings and distribute explicit images within their private Telegram group.

 

Further searches of the premises uncovered a large stockpile of unused condoms, lubricants stored in the shop’s lockers, and used condoms discarded in massage rooms.

 

During questioning, the suspects admitted to all charges. Ms. Lemon confessed to engaging in prostitution, while the owners acknowledged managing the business and being aware of the illicit activities.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit highlighted the case as a prime example of foreign nationals unlawfully working in restricted professions. Under Thai law, traditional massage services are reserved exclusively for Thai nationals. Despite this, the shop owners had employed illegal workers and facilitated sex work on their premises.

 

The case also involved the illegal distribution of explicit material via social media, violating Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act. The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including violations of the Foreign Workers Act, the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, and the Computer Crimes Act.

 

Authorities have vowed to intensify crackdowns on such operations, ensuring strict enforcement of all relevant laws to deter future violations.

 

 

-- 2025-02-15

 

There goes tourism industry.  😅