Report Seven Arrested in Thailand for Illegal Abortion Services

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Photo via Facebook/ Chiangmai Report

 

In a decisive operation, Thai police have arrested seven individuals in the northern provinces of Lamphun and Chiang Mai for running illegal abortion services. This followed a tragic incident in which a Thai woman suffered severe health complications after consuming abortion pills ordered online.

 

The woman, whose condition remains critical, experienced a uterine rupture, leading to significant blood loss and emergency hospitalisation. This incident triggered an investigation by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD).

 

The CPPD swiftly moved to curtail the illegal operation. Investigators traced the pills to an online shop, unveiling a network of suspects behind the illicit business. With court-approved warrants in hand, officers raided three locations in the regions, uncovering a well-coordinated scheme.

 

The suspects, including six Thai nationals and one Laotian woman, allegedly advertised abortion services across social media and websites. To appear credible, some ads falsely claimed involvement of a female doctor, thereby misleading potential clients.

 

The group utilised various tactics to evade detection. Medicines were discreetly dispatched to customers, with sender information carefully hidden. Financial transactions were routed through mule bank accounts to obscure the money trail.

 

In certain instances, the suspects did not physically store the medicines. Instead, they entrusted them to delivery firms, directing staff to handle parcels, maintaining a low profile.

 

During the police raids, significant evidence was seized, including:

 

• 300 Cytotec pills
• 860 Mifepristone pills
• 36 Misoprostol pills
• 210 Miprase pills
• 11 Mithoease pills
• Pregnancy test kits

 

The arrested individuals, identified as Namoil, Lampha, Sirinapha, Lanthom, Phatchareeporn, Nanthawut, and Layphone, face serious charges. They are accused of selling prescription medicine without proper authorisation, an offence punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of 10,000 baht. Additionally, they face charges of selling unregistered drugs, carrying penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and a 5,000 baht fine.

 

Commander Phattanasak Bupphasuwan of the CPPD strongly cautioned against self-abortion, underscoring the potential dangers. He reaffirmed that while abortion is legal in Thailand, it must adhere to strict legal conditions.

 

Under Thailand’s Criminal Laws and the Reproductive Health Act, specific conditions permit legal abortions. Women over 15 years in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks) are allowed to terminate without citing reasons. However, minors under 15 require parental or guardian consent. For pregnancies between 12 and 20 weeks, medical and professional evaluations are mandatory before proceeding.

 

Authorities emphasise the importance of seeking professional medical advice. The 1663 hotline offers support and guidance daily from 10am to 8pm.

 

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating online medical services and the critical need for awareness about lawful abortion procedures to safeguard women’s health and rights.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-22