BANGKOK, Thailand – Immigration police arrested a 29-year-old Ugandan man who allegedly sold sex to foreign men through a dating app, charging up to 4,000 baht per date.
Officers from the Immigration Division 1 conducted an undercover operation. They say the man visited clients in luxury condos across Bangkok before they nabbed him at a city-centre hotel.
Police found condoms during search
Police accuse him of using a dating app to arrange paid sexual services. During a search of his hotel room, officers seized several condoms.
Investigators had been monitoring the app, which displays users’ locations during chats. Police believe this feature can help organise meetings for illegal business.
Undercover cops posed as clients
Officers focused on the Ugandan’s profile. Police say he promoted himself with photos, including explicit images showing his genitals, designed to attract paying customers.
Undercover officers posed as potential clients and contacted the man. According to police, the conversation quickly turned to paid services, with the suspect offering to travel to the customers.
Prices ranged from 2,500 to 4,000 baht
The base fee was reportedly 2,500 baht. If intercourse was requested, the negotiated price rose to up to 4,000 baht, police said. Additional services were negotiated separately.
After gathering enough evidence, investigators tracked the suspect’s daily movements. They discovered he was staying at a hotel in central Bangkok and prepared to move in.
Suspect admitted overstaying visa
Officers entered the room and arrested the man without incident. Police said a check of his immigration documents revealed he had remained in Thailand after his visa expired and needed a new source of income.
During questioning, the Ugandan admitted to the visa violation and to providing paid sexual services, police said. He also said he had previously worked as a football player.
The man was handed over to the relevant investigating officers for further legal action. How long he had overstayed his visa was not disclosed.
Immigration bureau expands online crackdown
The operation was led by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak. Also involved were deputy commissioners Police Major General Prachya Prasansuk and Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, along with Immigration Division 1 commander Police Major General Prasath Khemprasit.
The Immigration Bureau announced it will continue nationwide crackdowns on suspected prostitution networks on online platforms. Tips on immigration violations or other illegal activities can be reported via the hotline 1178.