Minister Orders Inquiry After Leaked Chat Reveals Aid to Traffickers
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit has ordered an expanded investigation after a leaked chat showed government officials tipping off a human‑trafficking network in Bangkok’s Khaosan Road area, enabling children to escape raids. He pledged maximum legal penalties and coordination with the anti‑corruption agency to examine fraudulent documents and prosecute all involved officials.
The investigation uncovered key evidence in the suspects’ LINE chats showing that government officials had supplied advance notice of police checks and shared location data of escaped victims to help traffickers recapture and re‑exploit them. Worasit condemned the officials’ actions as unacceptable and said he, together with Deputy Interior Ministers Phon Phi Suwannachao and Jetsadorn Thai‑set, has directed an immediate probe and close monitoring, coordinating with the NACC and relevant agencies to verify identities and prosecute all involved officials to the fullest extent of the law. He also urged local authorities and the public to stay vigilant, reporting any sighting of children being forced to sell flowers, garlands, or orange juice, especially at night, so officials can intervene immediately and help eradicate human trafficking and child labour from Thai society.
