CHONBURI, THAILAND – Thai police have arrested a former couple suspected of forcing underage girls into prostitution at a karaoke bar in Sattahip. The arrest followed an extensive investigation that led to the rescue of a 15-year-old victim and two other women, who are now receiving psychological support.
Festnahme nach Haftbefehlen
On Tuesday, officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) apprehended Sakulna, 43, and Niwat, 37. The arrests were made based on arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court on December 2, 2025.
Authorities released only the first names of the suspects, withholding their surnames. Both individuals are currently in police custody. The pair allegedly used a karaoke bar as a front to force underage girls into prostitution.
Anklage: Karaoke als Tarnung für Menschenhandel
Prosecutors claim the accused operated a karaoke bar as a cover for forcing underage girls into sex work. The victims were reportedly exploited in Sattahip, with clients negotiating terms for sexual services directly. Investigators stated that payments were made either via bank transfer or in cash directly to Sakulna.
The victims purportedly received only a fraction of the earnings from their forced labor. The operation highlights a disturbing method of modern slavery hidden in plain sight.
Rettung durch Spezialkräfte und Hilfsorganisationen
The AHTD conducted the operation in conjunction with the International Protection Alliance (IPA) Foundation and the Our Rescue Thailand Foundation. During the raid, two victims were freed and taken into protective custody.
According to officials, the rescued women are undergoing psychological rehabilitation and are under protective measures. Their well-being is a primary concern moving forward.
Opferberichte: Anreise als 15‑Jährige
Victims identified as Miss A and Miss B informed investigators that they had traveled to Pattaya in mid-2024 at the age of 15. They were subsequently lured to a karaoke bar in Sattahip. According to their accounts, Niwat transported them to the venue.
The girls reportedly began working the very next day and were later housed in a nearby resort to serve clients. These harrowing testimonies shed light on the rapid exploitation faced by the victims.
Razzia im Lokal: Kontrollen und Festnahmen
During the raid, police apprehended Sakulna directly at the karaoke bar and checked the identities of over 20 employees. Officers confirmed that all employees whose identities were verified were adults.
Niwat was not present when the operation began but returned to the venue later and was arrested that same night. The coordinated effort aimed to dismantle the network swiftly.
Geständnis, Teilgeständnis und Vorgeschichte
During questioning, Sakulna confessed to the allegations, according to police. Niwat partially denied the accusations, admitting to recruiting and transporting the minors but claiming ignorance of their forced prostitution.
Investigators noted that the couple had previously been arrested for human trafficking and allegedly continued their joint activities despite ending their personal relationship. The suspects remain in police detention.
The girls provided accounts of their recruitment and exploitation.
said a representative from the AHTD.
We are committed to bringing all perpetrators of human trafficking to justice.
stated a spokesperson for the IPA Foundation.