PHOTO: MGR Online
A bar in Soi Sea Dragon on Bangla Road in Patong was raided by a team from the Department of Provincial Administration last night (Wednesday, March 15), uncovering an illegal prostitution service allegedly employing underage sex workers. The raid came after officials received complaints from Operation Underground Railroad.
Ms. Taksakorn, also known as Nam, presented herself as the bar manager, and Ms. Watcharakorn, also known as Yuki, allegedly acted as a broker for prostitutes. The bar was also found to be operating without permission. The two women were taken to the Patong Police Station and will face charges of operating an entertainment venue without a permit or license and human trafficking.
According to officials, six underage female victims were rescued in a nearby hotel, with the youngest victim being only 15 years old. They were taken into the National Referral Mechanism for further assistance.
Investigations into the actual owner of the bar are ongoing. The name of the bar has been withheld to protect the identity of the underage victims of trafficking. The two suspects arrested claim that the real owner is a foreigner.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
