Nakhon Sawan karaoke owner held over underage trafficking

Police have arrested the 46-year-old owner of a karaoke venue in Nakhon Sawan after an undercover operation allegedly uncovered the sale of sexual services involving girls aged under 18.

Four girls were removed from the premises and referred for protection after the raid in Nong Pling, Mueang Nakhon Sawan district, on Wednesday, 26 August.

Wadi, also known as Ple, whose surname was withheld, faces allegations of child trafficking for sexual exploitation, procuring or taking a person under 18 for indecent purposes, encouraging or allowing children to engage in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature, and operating an entertainment venue without a licence.

The operation was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division. Officers from Division 4 worked with the International Protection Alliance, or IPA.

Undercover officer arranged alleged booking

Police said they received information that the karaoke venue was bringing in girls under 18 to provide sexual services. An undercover officer was sent in to investigate and, officers said, found that Wadi owned and managed the business, controlled staff, allocated rooms and collected payments.

The undercover officer allegedly arranged sexual services with a 17-year-old girl for 2,000 baht. Payment was made by scanning the venue's QR code, according to police.

The girl was then taken to a room at a resort, where officers identified themselves and arrested Wadi. The 17-year-old was taken into care.

Four girls referred for care

A second team searched the karaoke venue and found Wadi at the counter, along with nine female employees. Checks found that three more girls aged 16 were working there, police said.

That brought the number of people under 18 assisted in the operation to four.

During questioning, Wadi allegedly admitted that the venue deducted 500 baht from the payment received by each girl sent out to meet customers.

She was handed to investigators from Division 4 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for legal action.

The four girls have been placed into a screening and protection process involving a multi-disciplinary team and the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office. Authorities said they will receive rehabilitation, psychological support and assistance under child welfare provisions.

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28 August 2026

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