Report Karaoke Bar in Mae Chan Raided for Hiring Underage Girls

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, police and administrative officials raided a karaoke bar in Mae Chan, situated along Phahon Yothin Road, due to suspicions of human trafficking involving a 15-year-old girl. This event has spotlighted serious concerns about the exploitation of minors in the entertainment industry.

 

On 7th May, Police Colonel Kiattisak Jitprasarn, head of Mae Chan Police Station, reacted swiftly to a report from the 191 patrol police. This report was compiled with the aid of Mae Chan district investigators, Chiang Rai’s administrative division, and related agencies, leading to a swift raid at the Mei Mei Karaoke K.T.U.

 

The operation took place late in the evening after reports surfaced indicating underage girls were attending to patrons. Upon entry, authorities discovered two young girls engaged in serving drinks and singing with customers. Subsequent investigations revealed that the karaoke bar owner admitted to employing minors, offering a meagre daily wage of 100 baht (around US$3), with an additional hourly rate of 150 baht (about US$4.5) for entertaining visitors.

 

As a result, the police have filed several serious charges against the owner: operating a service establishment without due permission, promoting inappropriate conduct amongst minors, hiring individuals under the age of 18 without notifying law enforcement, and permitting underage employment during prohibited night hours.

 

Looking ahead, a multidisciplinary team is tasked with interviewing the young victims to determine whether the infractions extend to human trafficking. Should evidence support these suspicions, further charges will be legally pursued. In the interim, the owner remains in custody, pending deeper legal scrutiny.

 

This incident underscores the urgent need for vigilant enforcement of child protection laws and shines a light on the often-hidden abuses within certain sectors. It coincides with broader efforts to combat human trafficking across Thailand, aiming to uphold the rights and welfare of minors.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08