A director of a primary school in Khon Kaen and a retired teacher were arrested for allegedly buying sex from a 12-year student in this northeastern province. Three alleged procurers were also arrested.
Pol Maj Gen Sarut Khwaengsopha, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), announced the arrest of the five suspects for child sex abuse during a media briefing on Friday.
The five were Ms Wantananon Khamphrom, 26, alleged sex procurer; Ms Daoruang Wirunpaksee, 58, owner of a resort in Chum Phae district of Khon Kaen; Sitthiporn Somboon, 58, owner of another resort in the same district; Poj Puramphaka, 58, director of a primary school; and Wichai Manad, 69, a retired teacher.
During the operation on Thursday, police also rescued three victims – a 12-year-old girl and two female teenagers, both aged 17 – who were lured into the sex trade.
Pol Col Sarawut Chantawong, superintendent of the ATPO sub-division 3, said the arrest came after the parents of the 12-year-old girl sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. After being alerted, ATPO police arrested Ms Wantananon, alias Tik, for allegedly procuring the girl into the flesh trade.
The investigators then arrested two resort owners – Mr Sitthiporn and Ms Daoruang -– in Khon Kaen. Both were also alleged procurers, said Pol Col Sarawut, who led the operation to arrest the suspects.
The officers examined mobile phone use records of the procurers that shed light on those who bought sex from the 12-year-old girl. Subsequently, arrest warrants were issued for Mr Poj, school director, and Mr Wichai, a retired teacher.
The two men had bought sex from the girl at least twice, according to the police investigation. The girl studied at the school where Mr Poj was the director.
During questioning, the girl told police she was close to Ms Wantananon, or Tik. The woman later persuaded the girl to enter the sex trade. She then supplied the girl to sell sex to customers, who were asked to pay 1,200 baht for service. The woman would deduct 400 baht each time.
Pavena Hongsakula, chairwoman of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, said the three rescued girls were now under the care of Ban Kret Trakan welfare home. The foundation has coordinated with education authorities to help the girls continue their studies.