PATTAYA, June 18 – A joint operation between Pattaya Tourist Police and local authorities has uncovered a human trafficking network exploiting children in the city’s bustling Walking Street district. The crackdown, culminating in a raid on June 18, led to the arrest of seven Cambodian nationals and the rescue of nine minors—six Cambodian children believed to be trafficking victims and three Thai children at risk of exploitation, according to the Crime Suppression Division.

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The investigation began on June 16 after authorities received reports of children under 15 being forced to sell goods and beg late into the night in Pattaya’s tourist zones. Undercover officers conducted surveillance before executing a court-approved raid on a residence in Soi Mab Yai Lia 1, where four additional suspects were apprehended.

Among those arrested, Ms. Nid Tud, 23, faces severe charges under Thailand’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act for allegedly exploiting minors in hazardous work. The six other suspects—including Ms. Wen Nat, 30, and Ms. Sona Pon, 49—were detained for illegal entry and working without permits.

The rescued children have been placed under the care of social welfare agencies while police pursue remaining members of the trafficking network. Authorities warned that child labor exploitation remains a persistent threat in tourist hotspots due to high profitability.

Pattaya Tourist Police have urged the public to report suspicious activities via their 24-hour hotline (1155), vowing to intensify operations against human trafficking ahead of peak tourist season.

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The bust follows Thailand’s recent upgrade in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, which cited improved law enforcement efforts but noted ongoing challenges in child exploitation cases.

-Thailand News (TN)