BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Thai mother accused of selling her 12-year-old daughter to a massage parlour in Tokyo was being pursued through coordinated international investigations.
Arrest warrant for alleged trafficking by mother
The criminal court in Bangkok issued an arrest warrant for the 29-year-old on charges of human trafficking and exploitation of a minor. She had left her daughter in a massage parlour in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward in June, where the girl was forced to work for a month under degrading conditions.
“She was forced to provide sexual services,”
said the investigating authorities, adding that the mother faced up to 20 years in prison.
Suspect detained in Taiwan and facing extradition
The alleged trafficker was arrested on 8 November in New Taipei City, Taiwan, and was being held in pre-trial detention by the immigration authority. Extradition proceedings to Japan were under way; if they failed, she would be transferred to Thailand. National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch personally coordinated the international cooperation in the case.
Child in state care after seeking help
The 12-year-old victim had bravely approached the Japanese immigration authority to ask for help and received protection. She was currently in the care of the Japanese state, and her safety was assured. The grandmother had sought assistance from the Pavena Foundation, which confirmed the child’s well-being.
Japanese suspects arrested over child’s exploitation
Authorities in Japan moved quickly, arresting two further suspects. The 51-year-old parlour owner Masayuki Hosono was to face charges related to employing a minor. A Thai employee named Kritayaporn was detained over immigration and labour offences connected to the case.
Special taskforce targets trafficking networks
Thailand’s police set up a special unit with the Foreign Ministry and Interpol to dismantle trafficking networks behind the abuse. Deputy police chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr coordinated cooperation with Japan and Taiwan. The investigation highlighted the dark side of international crime and the determined response of regional authorities.
Grandmother and foundation press for protection
The victim’s grandmother turned in desperation to the Pavena Foundation for help. Its chair Pavena Hongsakula pledged immediate assistance and sought to reassure the family.
“Thai police and international authorities have confirmed the child’s safety,”
said Pavena Hongsakula, as the girl began a new life away from the horrors she had endured in Tokyo.