The raid was carried out yesterday (May 13) after an investigation by officers from Chalong Police Station into allegations that the massage parlour was offering sexual services involving minors under the guise of massage treatments, primarily targeting foreign customers.
Chalong Police said undercover officers were deployed in a sting operation and found that the parlour owner, identified only as ‘Ms May’, allegedly solicited customers for “special massages” concealing sexual services.
Investigators said customers were charged B1,500 per hour, with Ms May allegedly instructing a 16-year-old girl along with another masseuse, ‘Ms Nid’, 40, to provide sexual services to clients.
During the operation, officers arrested Ms May and Ms Nid, while rescuing the 16-year-old and placing her into the victim identification process overseen by the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
Police said the parlour owner Ms May faces six charges under the Human Trafficking Act and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act.
Both suspects were handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Chalong Police warned massage parlours and other entertainment and service businesses against exploiting children under the age of 18, particularly through prostitution or sexual exploitation, which carries severe penalties under Thai law.
Police said offences under the Human Trafficking Act are punishable by prison terms of six to 15 years and fines ranging from B600,000 to B1.5 million, with some offences carrying possible life imprisonment.