Acting on a tip-off, the officers first monitored the women’s behaviour, and once convinced the women were soliciting male foreign tourists, moved in and made their arrests.
The women arrested were identified as Ms Kembabazi, 34, from Uganda; Ms Nancige, 27, from Uganda; Ms Ajambo, 22, from Uganda; and Ms. Sangana, 29, from Tanzania.
The women confessed to soliciting foreign men, police confirmed, and were informed of their charges under Thailand’s Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act B.E. 2539.
The act prohibits public solicitation and harassment for prostitution in any manner deemed open, embarrassing, or disruptive.
The women were taken to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to be fined for soliciting, and their visas have since been revoked by the Phuket Immigration Office, officers confirmed.
Officials confirmed the four women will be deported.
Phuket Immigration in its report emphasised its commitment to rigorous enforcement of immigration laws, the Employment Act, and related statutes, aiming to deter similar activities in popular tourist areas.
Phuket Immigration also urged all foreign residents and accommodation providers to ensure timely reporting of guest stays, as outlined in Sections 37 and 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, to aid in effective monitoring and ensure visitor safety.