BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 17-year-old Thai girl has returned to Thailand after more than two months in Nigeria, claiming her own family sent her abroad for prostitution. Police are now investigating several relatives for human trafficking, forced prostitution, and unlawful confinement.
Back Home – Straight to the Police
The young girl landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport with the support of the Thai embassy in Nigeria. On June 10, Chalida Phalamat, President of the Be One Foundation, brought the 17-year-old directly to the Central Investigation Bureau. She was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. There, she met with investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, who are now gathering evidence and interviewing the girl extensively.
Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and Uncle Under Pressure
According to the teenager, several family members pressured her into traveling to Nigeria. Specifically, she accuses her mother, grandmother, aunt, and uncle. Despite her refusal, she was allegedly subjected to immense pressure and ultimately forced to leave. The Be One Foundation is now supporting the girl in her pursuit of justice.
Escape Attempt Ended in Violence
Before her trip, the 17-year-old attempted to hide at her boyfriend’s place. However, her relatives reportedly found her and physically attacked her. Afterward, they took the girl to the airport and sent her to Nigeria. She claims she lived under difficult conditions for two months before secretly contacting her boyfriend and his aunt.
Cry for Help from Abroad
Through these secret contacts, the girl decided to seek help from the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria. The embassy coordinated her safe return to Thailand. Upon arrival, the girl filed a police report and expressed a desire to see her older brother, who she believes is the only family member unaware of and uninvolved in the human trafficking operation.
Brother Stationed at Northern Border
The foundation discovered that the brother is stationed as a soldier on the northern border. Upon learning of the allegations, he was reportedly shaken and wanted to meet his sister immediately. The authorities covered the travel expenses to reunite the siblings. The two spoke on the same day.
Aunt Allegedly a Victim Herself
According to Khaosod, the girl claims her aunt was previously deceived and taken abroad for similar work. After returning to Thailand, her aunt allegedly collaborated with her mother and other relatives. Together, they are accused of pressuring the 17-year-old to go abroad herself. This familial dynamic is now part of the police investigation.
Human Trafficking, Coercion, Assault
Under Thai law, the accusations could be classified as human trafficking, procurement of a child for prostitution, coercion, assault, and unlawful confinement. The precise legal classification will depend on the evidence gathered. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division is conducting detailed interviews with the girl and investigating the extent of the alleged network. Investigators intend to initiate legal action against all involved parties.