Pictures courtesy of Daily News

The Royal Thai Police have intensified a nationwide crackdown on human trafficking following a sharp rise in cases involving child victims and online crime. Senior police said the move will prioritise sexual offences against children, exploitation in the fishing sector, and trafficking conducted through digital platforms. The measures are intended to address changing crime patterns and strengthen protection for vulnerable groups.

The announcement was made on 4 January at the Royal Thai Police headquarters by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Deputy National Police Chief and Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre. He said National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet has instructed police nationwide to raise prevention and suppression efforts in line with evolving methods used by traffickers. The approach covers law enforcement, prevention, victim protection and assistance, and cooperation with domestic and international partners.

According to the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre’s annual report for 2025, police recorded 279 human trafficking cases nationwide. Authorities issued arrest warrants and prosecuted 366 suspects, while 317 victims were rescued and assisted. Sexual exploitation accounted for the majority of cases at 246, followed by 33 cases of forced labour.

Of particular concern, police reported that 213 of all the identified victims were children and young people. Officials described this as a significant indicator of increased risk to minors. Within the forced labour category, 15 cases involved victims compelled to work in call centre or scam operations.

The data also showed a marked rise in trafficking conducted online. In 2025, 170 cases were linked to online channels, representing more than half of all recorded trafficking cases. Police said this highlights a shift by criminal networks towards digital platforms to recruit, control and exploit victims.

Pol Gen Thatchai said police will take a proactive approach against child sexual abuse, sextortion, trafficking and exploitation in the fishing industry, and online-enabled crimes. Public awareness campaigns will be expanded to prevent vulnerable groups, particularly children and youths, from becoming victims. He stressed that enforcement will be paired with education and prevention measures.

Daily News reported that The Royal Thai Police will continue to apply the National Referral Mechanism strictly to distinguish offenders from victims. This includes protecting individuals deceived into working abroad, especially in neighbouring countries and later forced to commit crimes. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to human rights standards while enhancing training for police officers nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• Thai police recorded 279 trafficking cases in 2025, rescuing 317 victims and prosecuting 366 suspects.

• Children and youths made up 213 victims, with online cases exceeding half of all incidents.

• Enforcement will focus on child abuse, online trafficking, forced labour, and victim protection.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-05

 

 

But...will they try before they buy??? Seems to be the time-honoured practice for entrapment.