Police Bust Karaoke Bar Over Human Trafficking of Minors
Police arrested the owner of a karaoke bar in Phang Nga Province on July 5 after discovering it operated as a child prostitution ring for over five years, with a 15-year-old trafficking victim rescued during the operation.
On July 5, 2025, officers from Provincial Police Region 8 arrested Hattayakanchan, also known as Fresh, age 35, the female owner of a karaoke bar in Lamkaen Subdistrict, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. Police seized 2,500 baht in cash and one mobile phone from the premises.
The investigation began after officers from Regional Police Unit 5, working with Phang Nga Provincial Police, The Exodus Road Thailand, and Our Rescue Thailand, discovered the karaoke bar had been operating as a child prostitution venue for over five years. The owner allegedly acted as a liaison between customers and underage girls, arranging for patrons to take them to nearby hotels for sexual services.
During the operation, police rescued a 15-year-old trafficking victim from the northern province of Chiang Mai. She had been lured to visit the bar about 20 days earlier and then coerced into sex work at rates of 1,500 to 2,500 baht per encounter, with 300-500 baht deducted as a commission. She reported completing nine such transactions.
Police also found four staff members on the premises, including the suspect's 16-year-old biological daughter. The other three staff members were over 18 years old. All were taken to the Phang Nga Child and Family Care Center for questioning.
The suspect confessed to all charges. She is being held for further legal proceedings as authorities work to identify additional suspects and provide legal protection to the trafficking victim.
