Thai Police Coordinate with Hong Kong to Bust Prostitution Ring
Thai police are working with Hong Kong authorities to dismantle a transnational prostitution ring that recruited Thai women. The network used Telegram to arrange encounters in Tsim Sha Tsui hotels and was run from Tuen Mun, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects, including nine Thai women, and the seizure of millions in cash and assets. Officials urge those seeking overseas work to verify offers and avoid scams.
Police are coordinating with Hong Kong authorities to expand the investigation of a transnational network that recruited Thai women for prostitution, after the sex trafficking network was uncovered and nine Thai women were found. On 13 October 2026, Pol. Col. Song-ek Phacharavich, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said that coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force confirmed details of the operation, arrests, and evidence. The network used Telegram to contact clients, arranged for Thai women to work in hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui, and directed operations from Tuen Mun, leading to the seizure of cash, vehicles, and bank accounts. Hong Kong police raided the network’s premises, members’ accommodations, and related locations, arresting 16 suspects, including nine Thai women, and seizing about HK$13 million in cash, two vehicles, and freezing approximately HK$5.17 million in bank accounts, along with electronic communication records and financial transaction evidence. The Royal Thai Police will continue to share information with Hong Kong officials to examine the roles of individuals in the network and trace financial links to Thailand, aiming to expand the investigation domestically and prosecute offenders. Authorities also warned anyone considering overseas work to carefully scrutinize job offers, verify employers and recruitment agencies, clarify job descriptions, wages, and contract terms, and ensure proper visas and work permits. They cautioned against trusting high‑income promises on social media without verification and warned against agents who claim one can work immediately on a tourist visa. Victims of deception, passport confiscation, restricted freedom, or forced labor should contact local authorities or the Thai embassy or consulate for assistance.
