Department of Provincial Administration Cracks Down on Human Trafficking Ring, Rescues Teens

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

The Ministry of Interior has launched a decisive operation targeting an online human trafficking network exploiting underage girls for sexual content on the messaging platform Discord.

Mr. Arsa Sitthiphanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, announced that the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), in coordination with relevant agencies, carried out a joint operation under the name “Discord Disconnected.” The raid was conducted in Roi Et province, where officers arrested the administrator of a prominent Discord group found to be exploiting teenage girls aged 16 and 17.

The operation was led by Mr. Ronarong Thipsiri, Deputy Director-General of DOPA, and supported by local authorities in Thawatchaburi District. Officials executed court-approved search and arrest warrants at a suspect’s residence, uncovering significant evidence.

The case came to light following complaints filed by The Exodus Road Foundation and The Scientia Program. The reports alleged that minors were being used to create and distribute sexually explicit content online, a clear violation of Thailand’s anti-human trafficking laws.

Seized items included computers, mobile phones, bank books, and extensive digital evidence showing systematic exploitation for financial gain. Authorities confirmed that the suspect will face charges under the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Computer Crime Act and related legislation.

Mr. Arsa stressed the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting vulnerable children from online exploitation. He credited Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for ordering swift action and applauded the cooperation between government bodies and civil society organisations in combating this serious crime.

“The safety of our children is a national priority. We will not allow criminals to hide behind technology to abuse the innocent,” said Mr. Arsa.

Further investigations are ongoing, and officials believe more individuals may be involved in this trafficking network.

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-07-11