Phuket Police Rescue Teenager in Rawai Child Trafficking Raid

Police in Phuket carried out a raid in Rawai that led to the rescue of a 16-year-old girl allegedly exploited at a massage parlor operating as a cover for child prostitution.

The operation was conducted by officers from Chalong Police Station together with the Phuket Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security.

Authorities arrested the owner of the business, identified only as Ms. May, as well as a 40-year-old employee known as Ms. Nid. The rescued teenager, referred to as Ms. New, was immediately taken into state protection and entered into Thailand’s formal victim identification process for suspected human trafficking cases.

According to investigators, the establishment allegedly offered so-called “special massage services” to foreign clients for around 1,500 baht per hour. Police said undercover officers gathered evidence indicating that minors were being forced to provide sexual services.

Following the raid, officers filed six serious charges against the owner under Thailand’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act and Anti-Prostitution Act.

Officials stressed that crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors carry severe punishments under Thai law. Penalties can include prison sentences ranging from six to fifteen years, fines of between 600,000 and 1.5 million baht, and, in particularly serious cases, life imprisonment.

Chalong Police also issued a warning to massage parlors, nightlife businesses, and entertainment venues across Phuket, stating that employing anyone under the age of 18 in connection with sexual services is illegal and will result in strict legal action.

Authorities added that investigations into possible trafficking networks and additional individuals connected to the case are continuing.