Police raid Ratchaburi karaoke bar over child trafficking

Ratchaburi police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar, arresting three women accused of conspiring to traffic children for prostitution, according to reports. The operation, ordered by Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Crime Suppression Division's Human Trafficking Suppression Division, took place on September 14, 2026, at a location in Photharam district.

The suspects, aged 49, 26, and 38, were apprehended under arrest warrants for various charges, including human trafficking and child exploitation. Police alleged that the karaoke bar was recruiting girls under 15 to serve as hostesses, often dressed provocatively, who would entertain customers before being offered sexual services for 1,000-1,200 Baht per encounter.

The bar's owner, manager, and staff reportedly acted as intermediaries, collecting a 200 Baht commission from each payment made to the girls. One alleged victim, a girl under 18, was identified and provided protection and psychological support. All three suspects denied the charges during questioning and were transferred to Division 5 of the Human Trafficking Suppression Division for further legal proceedings.