Picture courtesy of Naewna

A joint operation by the Department of Provincial Administration and Bang Lamung district officials raided an unlicensed karaoke bar in Soi Na Kluea 12, Chonburi, at 00.36 on 13 February 2026 following public complaints that youths under 18 were being sexually exploited. Officers found five female staff, including one girl aged 16 and alleged the married owners were complicit and profited from prostitution. The raid exposed what officials described as a stark example of trafficking and underage sexual exploitation still occurring in Thailand.

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The operation came after local residents reported the venue for operating through the night, causing noise disturbance, and for using minors to serve male customers. Complainants alleged the girl was subjected to groping and kissing and was sold for sex, with the owners taking a cut. Preliminary checks confirmed the bar had no entertainment venue licence.

The owners face multiple charges, including operating an unlicensed entertainment venue, selling alcohol outside legal hours, and procuring for the purpose of prostitution under Section 282 of the Criminal Code. They are also charged with human trafficking under Section 6(2) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act for the wrongful exploitation of a child aged over 15 but under 18 through deceit or abuse of power, and with organising prostitution under Section 9 of the Suppression of Prostitution Act. Additional charges include employing a child under 18 in premises selling alcohol where attendants serve customers or customers can rest or sleep, in breach of Section 50(4) of the Labour Protection Act.

The 16-year-old victim has been taken into protective custody and will enter the National Referral Mechanism for multidisciplinary screening and assessment. She will receive further care from the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office. Officials said they will recommend that the Chonburi governor order the bar closed for five years under NCPO Orders 22/2015 and 46/2016.

Naewna reported that Ronarong Thipsiri, deputy director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, said trafficking remains a serious national problem requiring co‑operation from all sectors. He stated that entertainment venues are legally prohibited from employing children and that anyone found trafficking underage for sex faces severe penalties. He urged the public to report suspected trafficking to the Damrongdharma Centre hotline on 1567.

Key Takeaways

· Officials raided an unlicensed karaoke bar and rescued a 16‑year‑old girl allegedly trafficked for sex.

· The married owners face six charges including human trafficking, procuring prostitution and employing a minor in a venue serving alcohol.

· The victim will receive support through the National Referral Mechanism and authorities are seeking a five‑year closure order for the business.

Related stories:

Mothers-probe-leads-to-arrests-in-14-year-old-sex-trafficking

Two-siblings-arrested-in-Kalasin-underage-prostitution-sting

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 14 Feb 2026

I felt sure, after reading the headline, that no charges would be brought. I am staggered that this venue failed to take the usual 'precautions'.

It can be very costly if one forgets to pay, amongst others, the weekly "courtesy call" at the local offices of those in golden wings and brown.

12 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

courtey call

12 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

"courtesy call"

Don't forget your Chinese new year gift.

If a Thai 16, in a Thai bar working underage (thought legal age 20) still don't understand how that's human trafficking - against the law sure but no mention of if she agreed to work there - pressure from parents (if have) & the owners

2 hours ago, phil2407 said:

If a Thai 16, in a Thai bar working underage (thought legal age 20) still don't understand how that's human trafficking - against the law sure but no mention of if she agreed to work there - pressure from parents (if have) & the owners

Under Thai law, human trafficking is primarily governed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act B.E. 2551 (2008), as amended

Legal Definition of Human Trafficking (Section 6)

A person commits trafficking if they:

Recruit, buy, sell, procure, detain, confine, harbour, or receive a person, for the purpose of exploitation, by means of:

• Threats or use of force

• Abduction

• Fraud or deception

• Abuse of power

• Exploitation of vulnerability

• Giving or receiving money/benefits to control another person

What Counts as “Exploitation”?

Under Thai law, exploitation includes:

• Prostitution or sexual exploitation

• Production of pornography

• Forced labour or services

• Slavery or practices similar to slavery

• Forced begging

• Removal of organs

• Any other similar exploitative practice

Child Trafficking (Under 18)

For children, proof of coercion is NOT required.

If a child is recruited for exploitation, it is automatically trafficking, even if the child appeared to consent.