Japanese Police Meet with Thai Deputy Police Chief to Expand Investigation of 12-Year-Old Girl's Sex Trafficking Case

Japanese police met with Thai Deputy Police Chief Thatchai Pitaneelabut and the Human Trafficking Center to discuss cooperation on a critical case involving a 12-year-old Thai girl trafficked to work in a Japanese massage parlor. Thatchai revealed that the girl's mother brought her to Japan, and Thai police have already filed charges against the mother and are preparing to send the case to court. They are currently expanding the investigation and will request additional information from Japanese authorities through international legal assistance protocols. The investigation shows approximately six people are involved, including both Thai and Japanese individuals. Thai authorities are particularly concerned about preventing human trafficking and protecting national reputation, noting a pattern of Thai citizens traveling abroad to engage in illegal work, especially in massage parlors.