Police Arrest Man in Cross-Border Child Sex Trafficking Case

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Police have arrested a 59-year-old man accused of involvement in a cross-border child sex trafficking network that lured two girls aged 13 and 14 into prostitution for Chinese clients across the Myanmar border. The suspect, identified as Mr. Apinop, was detained in Mae Sot district, Tak province, following arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court.

According to Pol Maj Gen Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), the operation was led by Pol Col Chawinroj Phimratchathamrong, along with Pol Lt Col Kittipong Amarit-olan and Pol Lt Col Chanon Rattanaprateep. Mr. Apinop faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, procuring minors for prostitution and abduction of minors for sexual exploitation.

The investigation began after two schoolgirls were reportedly lured to work at a karaoke bar in Myanmar, where they were forced into prostitution for Chinese investors. The victims were made to work from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. daily. When they attempted to leave, the bar operators demanded 8,000 baht each in “penalty fees” before releasing them. The girls’ parents eventually paid the amount to secure their freedom.

Once the victims returned safely to Thailand, their families filed a complaint with Division 4 of the ATPD, prompting an investigation that uncovered the trafficking network’s operations. Evidence linked Mr. Apinop to the group responsible for transporting the girls across the border. Investigators later tracked him down to Tak province, where he was arrested.

During questioning, Mr. Apinop denied all allegations, claiming he had no connection to the trafficking ring. Authorities, however, have detained him and transferred the case to ATPD Division 4 investigators for prosecution. Police sources said further investigations are underway to identify additional members of the network, which is believed to operate between Thailand and Myanmar’s border towns.

The case highlights the persistent challenge of cross-border human trafficking in the region, particularly involving young victims from vulnerable backgrounds. Authorities continue to collaborate with international partners to combat the trafficking of minors and to provide rehabilitation and protection for victims.

Key Takeaways

• A 59-year-old Thai man was arrested in Tak for allegedly trafficking two girls, aged 13 and 14, into prostitution in Myanmar.

• The victims were forced to work in a karaoke bar for Chinese clients and had to pay 8,000 baht each to regain freedom.

• Police are expanding the investigation to track other members of the trafficking network operating across the Thai-Myanmar border.

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  Adapted by Asean Now From MGR 2025-10-16