Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

A human trafficking police taskforce has arrested a karaoke bar owner and a customer for the alleged sexual exploitation of minors on Koh Samui. The suspects were apprehended in the Lipa Noi sub-district following an investigation into the bar's activities. Two girls confirmed they were provided for sexual services at the establishment.

 

The operation was led by the Central Investigation Bureau's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (บก.ปคม.). It followed information that the bar was employing children under the age of 18 for prostitution. The venue allegedly featured a secret back room, known as the "green room," for sexual acts to take place.

 

The owner, 22-year-old Mr. Wathanyu, faces multiple charges including human trafficking, underage prostitution and operating an unlicensed entertainment venue. The customer, 31-year-old Mr. Sakda, has been charged with abducting a minor and enticing a minor to act in an indecent manner. Police stated the bar took a 500-baht cut from each transaction.

 

During questioning, both suspects denied the allegations. They claimed they were unaware of the girls' ages and could not recall the incidents. The police have emphasised the seriousness of the charges, irrespective of the suspects' testimony.

 

Authorities issued a stern warning to parents to monitor their children closely and to business operators not to engage in underage prostitution. They highlighted the severe legal consequences for such crimes. Purchasers of such services were also warned that intoxication is not a valid legal defence.

 

The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Thailand's tourist areas. The police operation signals a continued crackdown on establishments exploiting minors. Such crimes carry severe penalties upon conviction.

 

Thaitabloid reported that the suspects will now face legal proceedings based on the evidence collected. The two girls are receiving assistance from relevant authorities. The police confirmed that human trafficking offences have a long statute of limitations, remaining prosecutable for up to 20 years.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

· Police arrested a karaoke bar owner and a customer for the alleged sexual exploitation of minors on Koh Samui.

· The bar owner faces charges including human trafficking and underage prostitution, while the customer is charged with abducting a minor.

· Authorities warn that human trafficking crimes carry prison sentences of over 10 years and have a 20-year statute of limitations.

 

Related Stories

 

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Illegal-karaoke-bar-raided-in-Chiang-Rai-underage-workers-found

 

 Adapted   by   Asean   Now from Thaitabloid  2025-11-27

 

 

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities issued a stern warning to parents to monitor their children closely

Well, that's one of the problems. 

I thought the age of consent here was 15, am I missing something? Not condoning underage anything, just seems a bit strange that at 15 they can marry and do all the business.

On 11/27/2025 at 4:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The owner, 22-year-old Mr. Wathanyu, faces multiple charges including human trafficking, underage prostitution and operating an unlicensed entertainment venue. The customer, 31-year-old Mr. Sakda, has been charged with abducting a minor and enticing a minor to act in an indecent manner. Police stated the bar took a 500-baht cut from each transaction.

Good news, 

On 11/27/2025 at 4:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

Thaitabloid reported that the suspects will now face legal proceedings based on the evidence collected. The two girls are receiving assistance from relevant authorities

i am a little confused as to why the police did not arrest the teens for prostitution? Albeit, they were underage, the knowingly did sex work to earn money. 

I am also confused about the abduction charge. These girls worked there willingly. Went home after working. Abducting means to take (someone) away by force or deception or kidnapping them. This does not seem to be the case here. 

12 minutes ago, thesetat said:

i am a little confused as to why the police did not arrest the teens for prostitution? Albeit, they were underage, the knowingly did sex work to earn money. 

I am also confused about the abduction charge. These girls worked there willingly. Went home after working. Abducting means to take (someone) away by force or deception or kidnapping them. This does not seem to be the case here. 

You are a sick man!

 

31 minutes ago, thesetat said:

i am a little confused as to why the police did not arrest the teens for prostitution? Albeit, they were underage, the knowingly did sex work to earn money. 

I am also confused about the abduction charge. These girls worked there willingly. Went home after working. Abducting means to take (someone) away by force or deception or kidnapping them. This does not seem to be the case here. 

 

Underage girls cannot 'consent' to prostitution.

1 hour ago, Vlada Floric said:

I thought the age of consent here was 15, am I missing something? Not condoning underage anything, just seems a bit strange that at 15 they can marry and do all the business.

Employing girls under the age of 20 for adult entertainment is illegal here. The 15-year-old's consent is a very grey area. It can only be with the parents' permission, and that can be withdrawn at any time, resulting in consensual sex becoming statutory rape.

1 hour ago, Vlada Floric said:

I thought the age of consent here was 15, am I missing something? Not condoning underage anything, just seems a bit strange that at 15 they can marry and do all the business.

There used to be a feature on ThaiVisa where a lawyer answered questions. I remember the age of consent being discussed and it is a bit weird as they can consent to sex at age 15 but can then change their mind later up to age 18.

What about their parents ? Did they sell their kids and collect a bag of money ? 

On 11/27/2025 at 4:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Thailand's tourist areas.

This was a illegal Thai Karaoke bar with Thai customers wasn't it? I think there may be a larger problem with those kinds of establishments throughout Thailand then what is happening in Thailand's tourist areas. Just guessing of course. 

2 hours ago, Vlada Floric said:

I thought the age of consent here was 15, am I missing something? Not condoning underage anything, just seems a bit strange that at 15 they can marry and do all the business.

 

The age of consent is irrelevant in this case.  Thailand has laws which make make it illegal to offer or pay for sex with anyone under the age of 18.

3 hours ago, Hummin said:

You are a sick man!

WOW! you get all these likes.. For nothing but insults. In America. If you are found to be knowingly working in prostitution, it does not matter if you are 16 or 60... You get charge and have to see the judge. How does this make me sick to question why such laws do not exist in Thailand? Instead they call it rescuing. In 2 more years they will most likely be in Phuket or Pattaya selling their goods. . 

So how does that make me a sick person to question why such laws do not exist here? 

You are just insulting yourself for your ignorance

46 minutes ago, thesetat said:

WOW! you get all these likes.. For nothing but insults. In America. If you are found to be knowingly working in prostitution, it does not matter if you are 16 or 60... You get charge and have to see the judge. How does this make me sick to question why such laws do not exist in Thailand? Instead they call it rescuing. In 2 more years they will most likely be in Phuket or Pattaya selling their goods. . 

So how does that make me a sick person to question why such laws do not exist here? 

You are just insulting yourself for your ignorance

 

The reason I say so, is because of everytime these themes about minors entering the bar and prostitution scenes, is because in their minds they chose themselves to do so, and in their minds, they believe a 15 year old is matured enough to make their own decisions for their own good! 

 

Men who who should come from educated countries, blaims the under age girls. Same we seen in th Epstein discussions, so you better try to explain your idea a bit better when you ask such delicate questions. 

 

There is a reason why underage girls ending up in the industry, and it is not because they have the maturity and experience as well background to make healthy decisions for themselves, and that’s why society should try to protect their own citizens from doing mistakes. Especially minors. 

3 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

 

The age of consent is irrelevant in this case.  Thailand has laws which make make it illegal to offer or pay for sex with anyone under the age of 18.

Correction. Thailand has a law saying that it is illegal to pay anyone for sex whatever their age as prostitution is illegal in Thailand. How ridged that law is enforced is a different matter!🤪

3 hours ago, Issanraider said:

Correction. Thailand has a law saying that it is illegal to pay anyone for sex whatever their age as prostitution is illegal in Thailand. How ridged that law is enforced is a different matter!🤪

 You are mistaken.  Thai law does not make it illegal for people 18 or older to accept or offer sexual services for money.  Some aspects of prostitution are illegal under Thai law:  solicitation, pimping, procuring and brothels, for example.  But "sex for money" between consenting adults is not illegal in and of itself.

 

Specific Thai laws make it illegal to pay anyone under 18, male or female, for sex.  While other laws regarding prostitution tend to be, shall we say, "selectively" enforced in Thailand, the laws against under*ge prostituti*n are strictly enforced.