A 59-year-old man has been arrested in Tak province for alleged involvement in the trafficking of two young girls to serve Chinese customers at a karaoke bar in Myanmar.
The suspect was identified as Aniphop. His full name was withheld by police.
He was arrested on two charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor under 15 years, Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-trafficking in Persons Division, said on Wednesday.
Mr Aniphop was detained on Tuesday by police armed with a court warrant on a road in Mae Sot district of the northern province of Tak, which borders Myanmar. He is accused by the guardians of two girls, aged 13-14, who were earlier lured into working in a karaoke bar in Myanmar.
According to the complainants, the girls were made to provide sexual services for Chinese customers, working from 8pm to 3am daily. They were told they would each have to pay 8,000 baht for their freedom, Pol Maj gen Witthaya said.
Their parents transferred money to the bar and made sure the girls had returned home safely before reporting the crime to police.
Mr Aniphop initially denied the charges, saying he was not involved in the trafficking network. Police assert they have ample, explicit evidence and will press the charges.
The investigation is ongoing, Pol Maj Gen Witthaya said.