DEPUTY Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit has ordered further investigation of leaked chats linking “government officials” to a human trafficking ring in the Khao San Road area after Department of Provincial Administration’s special task had on Tuesday (Oct. 13) dismantled this network, PPTVHD36 said today (Oct. 17).
This task force launched the “Phithak Kulap Tum” (Protecting the Rosebud) mission which succeeded in dismantling a human trafficking and child forced labour network that smuggled children across the border from Myanmar to Mae Sot district. The victims were provided with fraudulent identification documents, subjected to physical abuse, and forced to peddle flowers, garlands, and orange juice in tourist areas and near restaurants around Khao San road.
Worasit said in-depth investigation and interrogation of suspects uncovered critical evidence within the gang’s chat logs. These messages clearly indicate the involvement of “government officials” who aided and abetted the trafficking ring.
Specifically, some officials allegedly leaked advance notice regarding scheduled inspections in the Khao San road area, allowing the perpetrators to move the children and evade detection.
Evidence unearthed also showed that officials had relayed location data—obtained by tracking the victims’ mobile phone signals—to the traffickers. This enabled the perpetrators to hunt down victims who had managed to escape, only to subject them to further abuse and forced labour.
“Such actions by state officials are grave and absolutely unacceptable, as they involve abusing one’s official position to facilitate and support human trafficking networks. Consequently, I, in coordination with Deputy Minister of Interior Phonphi Suwannachawi and Deputy Minister of Interior Jeset Thaiset, have ordered an immediate expansion of the investigation into this matter and am monitoring the situation closely.
“We are urgently coordinating with the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and other relevant agencies to verify the origins and authenticity of all identification documents. Our goal is to ensure that every state official involved is brought to justice and receives the maximum legal penalty—swiftly and without exception or protection for anyone,” Worasit said.
Local administrative authorities and officials were urged to tighten enforcement and maintain social order. The public was also urged to cooperate in this drive by being vigilant and if they observe children being used to peddle goods, such as flower garlands or orange juice, especially late at night, or notice any suspicious behaviour, they should alert local authorities immediately.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit and a message in Thai that says, “Today at 10.30 p.m. Bangkok Governor’s adviser is going to check Ratchadamnoen road area and will also be going to check Khao San road. Informing you, this is information.” Photo – PPTVHD36
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